Amy ShermanPalladino and Daniel Palladino, the creative minds behind Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, have ventured into the world of ballet with their latest series, Étoile, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 24, 2025 citeturn0search30. Set against the backdrop of two struggling ballet companies in New York and Paris, the show explores the complexities of artistic ambition, cultural exchange, and the challenges facing the performing arts in a postpandemic world.
Plot and Characters
Étoile centers on a transatlantic collaboration between the Metropolitan Ballet Theater in New York and the Ballet de lOpéra National in Paris. In an effort to rejuvenate interest in ballet and attract younger audiences, the companies orchestrate a highprofile exchange of principal dancers and choreographers citeturn0news13. This initiative brings together a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with personal and professional challenges.
Luke Kirby portrays Jack McMillan, the beleaguered director of the New York company, while Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Geneviève Lavigne, his Parisian counterpart. Lou de Laâge stars as Cheyenne Toussaint, a fiery French ballerina whose intense passion often borders on volatility. Gideon Glick takes on the role of Tobias Bell, an eccentric American choreographer known for his unconventional methods citeturn0search7.
Critical Reception
The series has elicited a range of responses from critics. The Guardian criticized Étoile for its inconsistent tone and underdeveloped characters, suggesting that it fails to coalesce into a cohesive narrative citeturn0news12. Conversely, The Times appreciated the shows satirical take on the backstage politics of ballet, highlighting its rich production values and engaging performances citeturn0news14.
TV Guide noted that the series embraces the screwball comedy elements characteristic of the Palladinos previous work, featuring rapidfire dialogue and quirky characters. However, it also pointed out that some of the humor may feel forced or outdated citeturn0search7. Vulture praised the shows authentic portrayal of the ballet world, including appearances by reallife dancers and choreographers, and commended its heartfelt depiction of the dedication required in the performing arts citeturn0search10.
Themes and Artistic Vision
Étoile delves into themes of artistic integrity, cultural identity, and the personal sacrifices inherent in a career in dance. ShermanPalladino, who has a background in dance, infuses the series with a deep appreciation for the art form, describing it as a love letter to her unpursued career in ballet citeturn0news31. The shows bilingual narrative and crosscultural setting underscore the universality of artistic expression and the challenges of preserving tradition in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
While Étoile may not achieve the critical acclaim of the Palladinos earlier series, it offers a unique and insightful exploration of the ballet world, blending humor, drama, and authentic dance performances. For viewers interested in the performing arts or fans of characterdriven storytelling, Étoile presents a compelling, if uneven, addition to the television landscape.