Starz has decided to resuscitate the Step Up TV series after YouTube recently decided to cancel it.
The cabler, which gaining traction with original programming after the massive success of Power, has picked up Step Up for a 10-episode new season from creator and executive producer Holly Sorenson and Lionsgate Television. The new season will feature popular characters from previous seasons while expanding the scope and storytelling as a Starz Original series. I have a strong feeling that Starz will put the marketing spin and hype behind this series that may have been lacking at YouTube and it could prove to be an even bigger hit for them. Christina Davis, President, Original Programming for Starz, had this to say about the acquisition:
“Holly and her team have created a new and dynamic iteration of the series that captures the hallmarks that have made the ‘Step Up’ franchise so successful and elevates the storytelling for the premium, global audience. This, coupled with the worldwide appeal of the multi-talented, multicultural cast, will make this series a great addition to our slate.”
On the series, Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) is the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School, and Collette (Naya Rivera), is his partner in High Water and in life. The upcoming season will see Sage, Colette, and their relationship challenged as they face criminal charges, financial ruin, and powerful political enemies who want to destroy Sage and High Water. Tricia Helfer will be joining the cast this season and the show will see the return of Petrice Jones, Faizon Love, Marcus Mitchell, Jade Chynoweth, Carlito Olivero, Terrence Green, Eric Graise, and Kendra Oyesanya.
The series is inspired by the Lionsgate franchise spanning five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution, and Step Up: All In. Despite all the films receiving lukewarm reviews for their plot and minimal acting, the dance sequences have proven to be very popular and this alone explains why the franchise has grossed $600 million worldwide across five films. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show Step Up Dubai, All In! at Motiongate Dubai theme park. The first two seasons will be available exclusively on the Starz App and On Demand prior to the launch of the new season
