Would you be surprised if I told you that the Step Up franchise has grossed $650 million at the global box office? Yep, let that sink in a bit and then you’ll realize why YouTube Red went all in on a series based on the films called Step Up: High Water. The trailer has just dropped and it looks like fans of the franchise will find something to enjoy here.
Starring Ne-Yo (The Wiz Live!, World of Dance) and Naya Rivera (Glee), the 10-episode drama focuses on several ambitious young dancers in a contemporary performing-arts school in Atlanta. The series touches on real issues around diversity and complex relationships — and of course, boasts some serious dance moves as is a prerequisite for the franchise.
Created and executive produced by showrunner Holly Sorenson (Recovery Road) Step Up: High Water stars Ne-Yo as Sage Odom, the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School. Rivera portrays Collette, a former dancer-turned-High Water administrator whose passion for her students is only matched by her history with Sage and secrets of her own. The cast also includes Faizon Love, Lauryn McClain, Petrice Jones, Marcus Mitchell, Jade Chynoweth, Carlito Olivero, Terrence Green, R. Marcos Taylor, Eric Graise and Kendra Oyesanya. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, who starred in the first film, are executive producers.
Check out the trailer below: