Prime Video recently released a new ballet drama calledÉtoile, and fortunately, those who loved it have a few other shows they can watch with similar stories and aesthetics. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino,Étoileis a dramedy series centered on two ballet companies, one in New York and one in Paris. In a rut and looking to renew interest,the companies' leaders decide to follow through with a risky plan to swap their most talented dancers. The result is new relationships, tense dynamics, and a race against the clock to save their iconic institutions.
Étoilemay have a unique premise, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other shows out there that are similar to it. Generally,the best series to watch afterÉtoileare those that revolve around the performing arts and their struggleto stay alive in a rapidly changing world. Dramedies are also a good choice. Plus, viewers have an opportunity to watch other series created bySherman-Palladino, who is well-known forGilmore Girls.At any rate, the following five shows are the best follow-ups after watchingÉtoile.
After watchingÉtoile,audiences may want more of Sherman-Palladino’s witty banter and distinct characters. In that case, they should check outThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.This 2017 comedy series is aboutMidge Maisel, a Jewish housewife living in 1950s New York who decides to pursue stand-up comedy after learning about her husband’s affair.With the help of her curmudgeonly manager, Midge overcomes the strict expectations of her era and becomes a genuine star. More importantly, she becomes more certain of herself and her desires.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselis a fantastic series that shows Sherman-Palladino at her best. The writing is slick and hilarious, the visuals are dazzling, and the cast is deeply talented. Overthe course of five seasons, it is easy to become invested in Midge’s story and those of the people around her. Plus, amid all the hijinks and silliness, there are plenty of serious moments that reflect on family, identity, and purpose. It may not be about ballet, butMrs. Maiselhas all the charm and quirkiness ofÉtoile.
Though not quite in the same realm as ballet, a show that is also about radical change and big dreams in an artistic field isMinx.Set in the 1970s, it followsJoyce, a passionate feminist and writer who decides that the only way she can really break into the industry is by teaming up with a sleazy publisherto create the first erotic women’s magazine. Despite having differing visions for the magazine, the pair eventually form a meaningful relationship that teaches them about themselves and society.
Just like the leaders ofÉtoile’sballet companies, Joyce is willing to take a big risk in order to find the success she has always yearned for, and audiences must stick around as she deals with the fallout.
Minxmay be raunchier thanÉtoile,but the shows clearly have a similar throughline. Just like the leaders ofÉtoile’sballet companies, Joyce is willing to take a big risk to find the success she has always yearned for, and audiences must stick around as she deals with the fallout. It also helps thatMinxhas the same mix of comedy and drama asÉtoile, and is just as visually captivatingdue to its 1970s setting.Minxis an underrated series that would pair well with Prime Video’s new ballet dramedy.
APrime Video showthat some may have forgotten, but deserves to be revisited afterÉtoileisMozart in the Jungle.Released in 2014, this four-season series is set atthe New York Symphony, as the beloved Maestro steps down and is replaced with the freewheeling and quirky conductor, Rodrigo. Meanwhile, a young woman gets the chance to join the symphony as an oboe player, but finds that her dream is much harder than she anticipated. Amid all this, the Symphony works hard to stay afloat in a changing New York.
In many ways,Mozart in the Jungleis just likeÉtoile.The show explores what it means when a legendary institution starts to become obsolete, and showcases how change can shake things up for better and for worse. On top of that,Mozart in the Junglehas a vast ensemble of unique characters who hold different positions in the Symphony, but bounce off each otherin interesting ways. Ultimately, it is a hilarious and compelling series that explores many of the same issues asÉtoile,just a decade earlier.
Another older series that is perfect for fans ofÉtoileis 2012’sSmash.In this show,a musical about Marilyn Monroe is in production and set to premiere on Broadway. However, developing the show isn’t easy, as creatives clash and two actresses vie for the lead role. Additionally, personal issues such as divorce, affairs, and family life get in the way. Though only on the air for two seasons,Smashstarred major actors, singers, and Broadway stars such as Debra Messing, Christian Borle, Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Brian d’Arcy James, and more.
Once again,Smashshowcases the same chaotic performing arts energy thatÉtoiledoes. With peoples' careers on the line, the show delves into all manner of problems related to the theatre, from funding to creative direction to tense relationships. Notably,Smashis also a series that offers exciting performances likeÉtoile,and has characters that are easy to root for, not just because of their stories, but because of their talent.
There is no question that the ideal show to watch afterÉtoileisBunheads.Created by Sherman-Palladino in 2012, this show followsMichelle, a classically trained dancer who ends up working in Las Vegas, and finds herself eloping with a man she barely knows. Suddenly living with him in his hometown, Michelle must deal with his judgmental mother and the consequences of her actions. One bright spot, however, is her mother-in-law’s ballet studio, which is attended by four talented teenagers.
There aren’t too many ballet shows out there, and even fewer good ones, butBunheadsis definitely on the same level asÉtoile.It is a series that is about dance, but is also about dreams, passion, and the ways that people can sabotage themselves without realizing it. Althoughcanceled after just one season,Bunheadsis a heartwarming and funny series that walked in 2012 so thatÉtoilecould run in 2025.
