Behind the Scenes of ‘Étoile’: Sherman-Palladino’s New Ballet Series

LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2025 — Creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino are reveling in their continued success as they prepare for the premiere of their latest Amazon series, “Étoile.” The show explores the cutthroat ballet world, featuring dual narratives from two ballet companies, one in Paris and the other in New York City, as they exchange talented dancers in a bid to save their institutions.

At a recent premiere event, Dan Palladino attributed part of their popularity to the sharp, rapid-fire dialogue that has characterized their previous works. “I think the humor in it bears repeat viewings because it goes by fast, there are a lot of references,” he told attendees. “Humor is really the strong heart at the core of all these shows.”

Amy Sherman-Palladino, reflected on the deeper themes of their works, saying, “There are female characters who bond over things other than men. We try really hard to never write down to our audience. They’re going to get it if you give them something to focus on.”

The couple’s distinctive approach has earned them a dedicated fanbase, and their lack of social media presence adds a layer of intrigue to their public image. “We’re a little mysterious,” Dan remarked, evoking the allure of Hollywood legends.

The high expectations surrounding “Étoile” arise from its engaging ensemble cast, which includes French actress Charlotte Gainsbourg and familiar faces like Luke Kirby, known for his role as Lenny Bruce in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The show promises a blend of humor and drama wrapped in the world of ballet.

“Ballet is amazing because it seems so effortless on stage, and it’s so athletic and hard offstage,” Amy said, revealing her passion for the art form. “Dancers are pure creatures of the form and their dedication is remarkable.” She added, “It’s not about becoming rich; it’s all about the art.”

Set to premiere on April 24, the show is already generating buzz for its unique premise and character-driven storytelling. The ballet-centric narrative offers an insider’s view of the challenges dancers face and the intricate dynamics of life behind the curtain.

Fans of the Palladinos are eager to see how their signature humor and character complexity will unfold in this new series. As Sherman-Palladino continues to explore the nuances of female character relationships, critics predict that “Étoile” will further cement the couple’s legacy in television.