Rather than bringing backGilmore Girls:A Year in the Lifeseason 2, I’d much rather see a revival of an underrated Amy Sherman-Palladino show from 2012, which was canceled after one season. As a diehardGilmore Girlsfan, I, like many others, wanted nothing more than to go back to Stars Hollow and see the characters I love. Unfortunately, I am one of the many fans who thought the revival was bad and look totheories aboutA Year in the Lifeto make it more enjoyable.
The humor was outdated, the character growth was minimal, and the “thirty-something gang” felt like a mean-spirited caricature of the Millennial generation.Despite how enjoyable the2024Gilmore Girlsreunionis in the popular Walmart commercial, I am not confident that a second season ofAYITLwould fix the issues.Instead, I’d rather a streaming site focus on another Amy Sherman-Palladino show – canceled after just one season – with the same lovability and charm as Gilmore Girls.
Bunheads Was Canceled Way Too Soon
Bunheads Is Well-Written, Witty, And Hilarious
Bunheadsfollowed Michelle Simms (Sutton Foster), a professional dancer turned Vegas showgirl who marries an obsessive fan named Hubbell and moves to his small town home of Paradise, California. The show focuses on the relationship between Michelle and her mother-in-law, Fanny Flowers (Kelly Bishop), as they teach at Fanny’s ballet school, spending extra time with four of her teenage students.Bunheadswas exceptionally well-received by audiences and critics alike, with specific praise for the strong storytelling and character development. The show was even selected to receive around $5 million through the California Film Tax Credit to makeBunheadsseason 2 (viaVariety).
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Unfortunately,Bunheadsfaced many logistical issues behind the scenes. WhereGilmore Girlshad 80-page scripts to record over 8 days,Bunheadshad the same 80-page scripts filmed in 7 days with child actors and dancers. The dancers needed to learn their choreography in 2 to 3 days, which is a difficult feat. The schedules were also challenging to coordinate due to the restrictions placed on children in Hollywood. The show also struggled to maintain an audience from the premiere to the finale. Unfortunately, despite the high ratings, passionate fanbase, and pleas to renew the show,Bunheadswas canceled.
Why A Bunheads Revival Would Do Well
Bunheads Has A Better Chance Of Succeeding Now Than It Did When The Series First Came Out
Bunheadsis unquestionably ashow that deserved more than one season, but fans were left without a clear resolution or ending because of its cancelation. Unfortunately, because twelve years have passed since the show, the show couldn’t pick back up immediately where it left off. However, I think a revival has the potential to succeed because of a few changes in circumstances between the original series’ release and now.
The stars ofBunheadshave gained more recognition in the 8 years since the show first came out.Broadway royalty Sutton Foster has grown notoriety with mainstream audiences because ofYounger, the show she acted in after Bunheads, and her alleged relationship with Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman. Multiple lead actors also appeared inGilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which could draw inGilmore Girlsfans – a massive audience.
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Showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino also has more notoriety now because of the success of bothGilmore GirlsandThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. ABunheadsrevival would also fit well with her upcoming ballet showÉtoile. There would also be fewer issues with filming because the actors who play the teenage dancers are older now, so they won’t have to face nearly as many restrictions on scheduling.
A Bunheads Revival Would Be Perfect Substitute For Gilmore Girls Fans
Gilmore Girls And Bunheads Feel Like Sister Series
BecauseBunheadsandGilmore Girlsare both made by Amy Sherman-Palladino, they have many tonal and stylistic similarities that are undeniable. However, the shows have much more significant similarities which would draw inGilmore Girlsfans. The most obvious parallel between the shows is that they feature powerhouse actor Kelly Bishop. Emily Gilmore, at the end of the revival, is very similar to Bishop’sBunheadscharacter. Additionally, manyGilmore Girlsactors have cameos or minor roles in the series, which I enjoy because they give great performances.
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The narrative ofBunheadsfocuses on three generations of women, analyzing their interpersonal relationships, just likeGilmore Girls.I love getting to see Michelle’s growing connection with the four teen girls. Michelle is also a more sarcastic and cynical version of Lorelai Gilmore, with both talking fast, referencing pop culture, and displaying their wit.
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Paradise might not be quite as well-developed asStars Hollow, but they both have the same idyllic, small-town charm.The two locations almost feel like they could exist in the same world.Lastly, the music in bothGilmore GirlsandBunheadsis written by Sam Phillips, featuring similar “la-la”s. Unless they drop the bomb and completely change the show, aBunheadsrevival will feel like an extension of theGilmore Girlsuniverse, making it a great substitute forA Year in the Lifeseason 2.
Bunheads
Cast
Bunheads is a TV series centered on Michelle Simms, a former ballerina who becomes a small-town dance instructor after marrying on a whim. Starring Sutton Foster as Michelle, the series explores her adjustment to rural life and her impact on a new generation of young dancers. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show combines elements of comedy and drama against the backdrop of a ballet school.
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life
Acting as a follow-up to the original series, Gilmore Girls, A Year In The Life is a comedy-drama series. Having completed her stint on the Obama campaign trail, Rory now finds herself as a freelance journalist with an inconsistent life. Meanwhile, Lorelei finds herself lost in life before her upcoming marriage to Luke. This four-part mini-series follows the titular mother-daughter duo as they continue to navigate their mother-daughter relationship in Star’s Hollow.
