Step Up (TV series)

Step Up (previously titled Step Up: High Water) is an American drama television series, based on the "Step Up" film series created by Duane Adler, that premiered on January 31, 2018 on YouTube Red. The series was created by Holly Sorensen, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. In May 2018, it was announced that YouTube had renewed a second season; which premiered on March 20, 2019.
In August 2019, the series was cancelled after two seasons. In May 2020, Starz picked up the series for a third season.
Premise.
The series follows the students and faculty of "High Water”, Atlanta’s most cutthroat performing arts school. When twins Tal and Janelle relocate from Ohio, they find themselves thrust into a world where every move is a test. As they attempt to navigate their new world— on and off the dance floor— they’ll discover just how deep they’re willing to dig to realize their dreams and seize their moment."
Production.
Development.
On June 23, 2016, YouTube announced at the annual VidCon conference in Anaheim, California that they were developing a new drama series based on the "Step Up" film series with Lionsgate Television producing alongside Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.
On June 23, 2017, YouTube announced that it had officially given "Step Up: High Water" a first season order consisting of ten episodes, each running about 45 minutes in length. The series was described as YouTube Red's first "big-budget, Hollywood-produced television drama" and that its arrival would end up "moving it into more direct competition with players like Netflix and traditional cable networks." In the announcement, it was revealed that each episode of the series would cost several million dollars to produce. A few days later, members of the series' creative team were announced. Original songs for the series were set to be written by singer/songwriter Jason “PooBear” Boyd and “Jingle” Jared Gutstadt. The films series’ choreographer Jamal Sims was expected to choreograph the first episode after which subsequent episodes would be choreographed by Jamaica Craft. The pilot episode was set to be directed by Adam Shankman. It was later reported that Debbie Allen had directed the show's second episode.
On May 22, 2018, it was announced that YouTube had renewed the series for a second season. On January 24, 2019, it was reported that the second season would premiere on March 20, 2019. On August 16, 2019, YouTube Premium cancelled the series after two seasons. On May 28, 2020, Starz picked up the series for a third season. Following filming restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Blackhall Studios reopened for production on several films and the series, which was being written at the time, on July 13, 2020. Production was immediately paused on the same day when lead actress Naya Rivera was found dead following a boating accident several days prior. Rivera's character had been set to appear; in August 2020 it was announced that a re-worked season will begin filming in January 2021.
Casting.
On June 28, 2017, it was announced that Ne-Yo, Naya Rivera, Faizon Love, Lauryn McClain, Petrice Jones, Marcus Mitchell, Jade Chynoweth, Carlito Olivero, Terrence Green, R. Marcos Taylor, Eric Graise, and Kendra Oyesanya had been cast in the series' main roles. On January 19, 2018, it was reported that Savion Glover would make a guest appearance in the series as a teacher at High Water. On August 28, 2018, it was announced that in season two Ashley Greene and Jeremy Copeland were joining the cast, that Rick Ross and Todrick Hall would appear as themselves, and that JaQuel Knight would make a cameo appearance in addition to choreographing episode three.
Release.
Marketing.
On July 12, 2017, YouTube released a video introducing the show's main cast. On August 13, 2017, the cast of the series, including Jade Chynoweth and Kendra Oyesanya, performed at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards with a highly-choreographed dance routine.
On December 19, 2017, YouTube released the first trailer for the series and announced that the show would premiere on January 31, 2018 with all ten episodes released at once. On January 24, 2019, the official trailer for season two was released.
Premiere.
On January 30, 2018, YouTube partnered with Fathom Events for special screenings of the first episode of the series at more than 750 movie theaters. The event also included a screening of the original 2006 "Step Up" film that launched the five-film franchise, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the television series.
Reception.
In a positive review, Sonia Saraiya of "Variety" offered the series praise saying, "This YouTube Red original has found an intriguing way to blend the mediums of dance, film, and soapy teen television, with an energetic, conscious new installment in the series that is a lot of fun to get sucked into." In another favorable critique, "Decider"s Kayla Cobb described the series as "a genuinely compelling and dramatic story that very well may stand as the best narrative installment of the "Step Up" universe."