Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creative mind behind adored shows such as Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, is back with an exciting and dynamic new series: Étoile. Co-created alongside her husband Dan Palladino, Étoile offers a ballet-centered dramedy that fuses the creators’ unique humor with the intense realm of professional dance.
The name, Étoile — which translates to “star” in French and refers to a lead ballet dancer — encapsulates the essence of a series that delves into the sparkling yet demanding sphere of elite ballet. Although it may not instantly ascend to the lofty heights of Sherman-Palladino’s former successes, Étoile still presents a delightful and lively binge-watch, brimming with sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and a profound love for the dance form.
What’s Étoile About?
Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Étoile begins with a grim truth: the ballet world is facing a crisis. Two fictional, globally recognized companies — France’s Ballet National and New York’s Metropolitan Ballet Theater — are battling to fill their seats. In a daring effort to reignite interest, Ballet National’s interim director Geneviève Lavigne (Charlotte Gainsbourg) suggests a cross-Atlantic exchange of talent. The two companies will swap dancers and choreographers to revive their seasons and attract fresh audiences.
Geneviève invites the quirky yet genius choreographer Tobias Bell (Gideon Glick) to Paris, while Metropolitan Ballet Theater’s director Jack McMillan (Luke Kirby) demands that star dancer Cheyenne Toussaint (Lou de Laâge) head to New York. Cheyenne’s astonishing talent is evident, but her strong independence and fiery nature threaten to upset the fragile equilibrium of the company. The outcome? A charming culture clash and an inside look at the politics, passion, and pressures within the ballet industry.
A Tale of Passionate Artists and Artistic Tension
Étoile shifts between Paris and New York, tracking both companies as they confront internal strife, external pressures, and the pressing question of whether ballet still matters to anyone. Sherman-Palladino’s hallmark rapid-fire dialogue injects a vibrant energy into the series, mirroring the rhythm and accuracy of the dance routines themselves.
Sherman-Palladino’s previous experience in dance — having created the short-lived ballet series Bunheads — provides an authentic and respectful portrayal of ballet in the show. However, Étoile doesn’t take itself too earnestly. The characters are not tormented artists like in Black Swan but rather flamboyant, passionate souls determined to pursue their craft under their own terms. Cheyenne, for example, unsettles her potential partners with gruesome murder anecdotes, while Tobias critiques his choreography during performances.
At the show’s core lies the struggle between artistic authenticity and the necessity of financial viability. Cheyenne and Tobias strive for perfection, yet their creations are influenced by the harsh realities of financing and sponsorships. In comes Crispin Shamblee (Simon Callow), a wealthy and ethically questionable benefactor who views ballet as a means to improve his image. His presence ignites conflict with Cheyenne, an eco-aware idealist, prompting reflections on the sacrifices artists make in their quest for their vision.
A Strong Ensemble and a Promising Start
While Étoile’s inaugural season occasionally appears cluttered — especially with the Paris storyline receiving less emphasis early on — the series finds its balance thanks to an outstanding ensemble cast. Recognizable faces from Sherman-Palladino’s past, including Kirby, Glick, and Yanic Truesdale, shine alongside newcomers like de Laâge and Gainsbourg. The chemistry among the cast — both romantic and comedic — electrifies each scene.
The bilingual dialogue and dual settings provide the series with a rich, international essence, and the dance performances are as beautifully choreographed as the exchanges. Though it sometimes revels in its cleverness, Étoile remains an engrossing exploration of art, ambition, and identity.
All eight episodes of Étoile will debut on April 24 on Prime Video.