Prime Video Cancels "Étoile": The Final Curtain for the Ballet Series from "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" Creators
In a surprising turn of events, Prime Video has decided to cancel the ballet series "Étoile," created by the talented duo Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, known for their acclaimed work on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Despite an initial commitment to a two-season order, the series will not be returning after its debut just six weeks ago in late April.
The entire eight-episode season was released simultaneously, a strategy that has become increasingly rare for Amazon’s original programming. "Étoile" received generally positive reviews from critics, showcasing the compelling story of ballet company directors, played by Luke Kirby and Charlotte Gainsbourg, who join forces to save their respective storied institutions.
The series was commissioned in 2023, shortly before the finale of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" aired on Amazon. Interestingly, "Maisel" also began with a two-season commitment back in 2017, but that agreement followed the production of a pilot episode. The ballet series was greenlit by the previous administration at Amazon MGM Studios, led by Jennifer Salke, who stepped down just a month before "Étoile" premiered.
In an April interview with Variety, Sherman-Palladino and Palladino expressed uncertainty regarding the potential for a second season, despite the streamer’s initial enthusiasm. They hinted that further episodes were still “pending.”
Both Sherman-Palladino and Palladino served as writers, directors, and executive producers for "Étoile," with Dhana Rivera Gilbert also on board as an executive producer and Scott Ellis as a co-executive producer. The series was part of the overall deal they signed with Amazon Studios in 2019.
As fans reflect on this unexpected cancellation, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of streaming platforms and the ever-changing landscape of television production.
