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Step Up (TV series)
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| Step Up | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Step Up: High Water |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Holly Sorensen |
| Based on | Step Up by Duane Adler |
| Starring |
|
| Theme music composer | Kutt the Check |
| Composers |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 30 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography | Joaquin Sedillo |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 41–57 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | YouTube Red/Premium |
| Release | January 31, 2018 – March 20, 2019 |
| Network | Starz |
| Release | October 16 – December 18, 2022 |
Step Up (previously titled Step Up: High Water) is an American drama television series, based on the Step Up film series. It 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. After being canceled by YouTube Red after two seasons,[1] Starz picked up the series for a third season,[2] which premiered on October 16, 2022.[3] In December 2022, the series was canceled after three seasons.[4]
Premise
[edit]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 will discover just how deep they are willing to dig to realize their dreams and seize their moment.[5]
Cast and characters
[edit]Main
[edit]- Lauryn McClain as Janelle Baker (season 1)
- Petrice Jones (seasons 1–2) and Keiynan Lonsdale (season 3) as Tal Baker
- Marcus Mitchell as Dondre Hall (seasons 1–2)
- Terrence Green as Rigo Octavio
- Carlito Olivero as Davis Jimenez
- Jade Chynoweth as Odalie Allen
- Kendra Oyesanya as Poppy Martinez
- Eric Graise as King
- Faizon Love as Al Baker
- Naya Rivera (seasons 1–2) and Christina Milian (season 3) as Collette Jones
- Ne-Yo as Sage Odom
- Terayle Hill as Marquise Howard (season 3; recurring seasons 1–2)
- Rebbi Rose as Angel Etomi (season 3)
- Enrique Murciano as Ricardo Cruz (season 3)
- Tricia Helfer as Erin Baxter (season 3)[6]
Recurring
[edit]- R. Marcos Taylor as Earnest Octavio/East-O (season 1)
- Al Calderon as Johnny One (season 1)
- Saidah Nairobi as Electra
- Ashley Greene as Nine Sanders (season 2)
- Jeremy Copeland as Zo Browder (season 2)
- Cruz Abelita as Justin (seasons 1-3)
Guest
[edit]- Savion Glover as Quincy Hobbs
- Rick Ross as himself
- Will Swannell as himself
- Todrick Hall as himself
- Robin Givens as Dana
- Travis Wall as himself
- Luther Brown as himself
- Tight Eyez as himself
Episodes
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally released | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | Network | |||
| 1 | 10 | January 31, 2018 | YouTube Red | ||
| 2 | 10 | March 20, 2019 | YouTube Premium | ||
| 3 | 10 | October 16, 2022 | December 18, 2022 | Starz | |
Season 1 (2018)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Pilot" | Adam Shankman | Holly Sorensen | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Janelle and Tal moved in with their uncle in Atlanta after their mother got arrested, and Janelle takes to working in an art school. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Solo" | Debbie Allen | Thembi L. Banks & Rochée Jeffery | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Tal decides to end his bullies' torment on him while Janelle has to do a High Water audition, something she's not comfortable with. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "The Running Man" | Rob Hardy | Hadjii | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Tal is racing his classmates on schoolwork, Sage catches everybody by surprise by making an announcement and Davis has a family-problem threatening his future. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Shuffle" | Janice Cooke | Molly Kate Margraf & Jerica Lieberman | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Janelle and Dondre are unable to hide their feelings for each other, and the High Water alliance gets challenged. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "5.6.7.8" | Janice Cooke | Bryan M. Holdman & William H. Brown | January 31, 2018 | |
|
After a hashtag about Sage Odom being broke and owing people money goes viral, he comebacks with a live performance of his new hit single with the help of the High Water students. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Duets" | Michael Schultz | Thembi L. Banks & Rochée Jeffery | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Davis kidnaps his little brother Justin from a neglectful foster home. Odalie must help her fugitive boyfriend keep Justin safe and Davis out of jail. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Dance Craze" | Nzingha Stewart | William H. Brown | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Odalie’s two worlds collide exposing her secrets to the other High Water students. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Ensemble" | Silas Howard | Bryan M. Holdman | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Odalie is shunned and hated by many of the High Water students. Most refusing to dance until she’s expelled. | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Choreography" | Charles Randolph-Wright | Holly Sorensen & Bryan M. Holdman | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Odalie helps Davis practice for Sage Odom’s professional dance crew in his world tour. | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Two-Step" | Norman Buckley | Holly Sorensen & William H. Brown | January 31, 2018 | |
|
Davis makes the word tour team but must choose between following his dreams as a dancer and custody of Justin. | ||||||
Season 2 (2019)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | "Precision" | Lisa Leone | Holly Sorensen | March 20, 2019 | |
|
Odalie and Poppy compete for the team’s female captain title. | ||||||
| 12 | 2 | "Splits" | Mary Lambert | Kenny Neibart | March 20, 2019 | |
|
Davis has dinner at Odalie’s parents’ party. Odalie’s parents find out the truth of her life at High Water. | ||||||
| 13 | 3 | "Form" | Lisa Leone | Hadjii | March 20, 2019 | |
|
Odalie and Davis must figure what to do after her parents cut her off. | ||||||
| 14 | 4 | "Vogue" | Charles Randolph-Wright | Rochée Jeffery | March 20, 2019 | |
|
The dance crew must find their inner sex appeal for the world tour. | ||||||
| 15 | 5 | "Inversion" | Damian Marcano | Jordan Heimer & Manuel Figueroa | March 20, 2019 | |
|
Odalie works with Davis on a stunt piece similar to Dirty Dancing to impress Sage. Still drunk from the night before, Tal makes a huge mistake that could cost Odalie her dance career. | ||||||
| 16 | 6 | "Isolations" | Jessica Lowery | Delondra Williams | March 20, 2019 | |
|
The fallout of Odalie’s injury continues to rock the High Water students. | ||||||
| 17 | 7 | "Attitude" | Dominic Leclerc | Molly Kate Margraf & Jerica Lieberman | March 20, 2019 | |
|
With Tal and Davis’s help, Odalie is able to dance with some aquatic therapy. She finally feels like she’s making progress since her injury. | ||||||
| 18 | 8 | "Azonto" | Janice Cooke | Lou-Lou Igbokwe | March 20, 2019 | |
|
The tensions of Odalie and Davis’s relationship continue to run high. She refuses to apologize to her parents. He must do what’s best for Justin. | ||||||
| 19 | 9 | "Improvisation" | Anne Fletcher | William Brown | March 20, 2019 | |
|
Fully recovered from her injury, Odalie wants a spot back on the world tour. Poppy feels threatened as she and Odalie must compete for her lead spot in the tour. Sage must decide between his vision of the tour and the optics. | ||||||
| 20 | 10 | "Hip-Hopera" | Fred Gerber | Holly Sorensen & William Brown | March 20, 2019 | |
|
Odalie continues to be the most hated person at High Water. Davis gets a chance at joining the world tour. | ||||||
Season 3 (2022)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [7] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "Kryptonite" | Damian Marcano | Holly Sorensen | October 16, 2022 |
| 22 | 2 | "Ain't Gon' Let Up" | Terrence Green | Delondra Mesa | October 23, 2022 |
| 23 | 3 | "Player's Ball" | Dawn Wilkinson | Manuel Figueroa & Jordan Heimer | October 30, 2022 |
| 24 | 4 | "Cell Therapy" | Dawn Wilkinson | Hadjii Hand | November 6, 2022 |
| 25 | 5 | "Never Scared" | Dawn Wilkinson | William Brown | November 13, 2022 |
| 26 | 6 | "You Know What It Is" | Damian Marcano | Jerica Lieberman & Molly Kate Margraf | November 20, 2022 |
| 27 | 7 | "It's Goin' Down" | Jamaica Craft | Rebecca Boss & Chris Masi | November 27, 2022 |
| 28 | 8 | "Who Can I Run To?" | Dawn Wilkinson | Kemiyondo Countinho | December 4, 2022 |
| 29 | 9 | "Bring 'Em Out?" | Holly Sorensen | Jeremy Kaufman | December 11, 2022 |
| 30 | 10 | "Sleep When U Die" | Dawn Wilkinson | Kenny Neibart | December 18, 2022 |
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]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.[8][9]
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.[10] 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.[11] It was later reported that Debbie Allen had directed the show's second episode.[12]
On May 22, 2018, it was announced that YouTube had renewed the series for a second season.[13] On January 24, 2019, it was reported that the second season would premiere on March 20, 2019.[14] On August 16, 2019, YouTube Premium canceled the series after two seasons.[1] On May 28, 2020, Starz picked up the series for a third season.[2] 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 five days prior.[15] Rivera's character had been set to appear; in August 2020 it was announced that a re-worked season would begin filming in January 2021.[16] On September 17, 2022, it was announced that the third season would premiere on October 16, 2022.[3] Days before the season finale, it was announced that Starz had canceled the series.[4]
Casting
[edit]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.[11] On January 19, 2018, it was reported that Savion Glover would make a guest appearance in the series as a teacher at High Water.[17] 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.[18] After YouTube canceled the series, Petrice Jones moved on to other projects, leaving him unavailable by the time Starz picked up the show for Season 3. His role was filled by Keiynan Lonsdale as new character Tal Baker. Because of Naya Rivera's death, Christina Milian was cast as Collette.[19]
Release
[edit]Marketing
[edit]
On July 12, 2017, YouTube released a video introducing the show's main cast.[20] 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.[21]
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.[22] On January 24, 2019, the official trailer for season two was released.[14]
Premiere
[edit]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.[23][24]
Reception
[edit]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."[25] 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."[26]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (August 16, 2019). "Series 'Step Up: High Water' & 'Wayne', Pilot 'Dark Cargo' Seek New Homes As YouTube Steps Up Scripted Pullback/". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
- ^ a b Petski, Denise (May 28, 2020). "'Step Up' Series Picked Up By Starz Following YouTube Cancellation". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
- ^ a b Caruso, Nick (September 17, 2022). "Step Up Season 3: Christina Milian Carries the Torch of a Dance Empire in New Trailer – Plus, Get Premiere Date". TVLine. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (December 13, 2022). "'Step Up' Canceled After Its One Season On Starz". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ Cranswick, Amie (December 20, 2017). "Step Up: High Water TV series gets a first trailer". Flickering Myth. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Starz. "Breaking News - Starz Announces Pick Up of Re-Imagined "Step Up" Series from Lionsgate Television". Futon Critic. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
- ^ "Shows A-Z – Step Up on Starz". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ Wallenstein, Andrew (June 24, 2016). "'Step Up' Movie Franchise to Become TV Series on YouTube Streaming Service". Variety. Archived from the original on December 20, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 24, 2016). "'Step Up' TV Series Produced By Channing Tatum, Other Shows Ordered By YouTube". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Barnes, Brooks (June 23, 2016). "YouTube Red Buys 'Step Up,' Its First Big-Budget TV Drama". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ a b Petski, Denise (June 28, 2017). "'Step Up: High Water': Ne-Yo, Naya Rivera & Faizon Love To Topline YouTube Red Drama Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Kwateng-Clark, Danielle (November 24, 2017). "'Step Up: High Water' Has Debbie Allen Flexing Her Directing Powers". Essence. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Petski, Denise (May 22, 2018). "'Step Up: High Water' Renewed For Season 2 By YouTube". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- ^ a b Petski, Denise (January 24, 2019). "'Step Up: High Water': First Look At Season 2 Of YouTube Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 25, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (July 17, 2020). "Atlanta Production Ramp-Up Underway Despite Surge In COVID-19 Cases In Region". Deadline. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
- ^ Topel, Fred (August 27, 2020). "Naya Rivera Had a Big Role in 'Step up' Season 3 -- How They're Adapting". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
- ^ "BWW Exclusively Premieres Clip from STEP UP: HIGH WATER ft. Savion Glover". Broadway World. January 19, 2018. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
- ^ Jarvey, Natalie (August 28, 2018). "Ashley Greene Joins Cast of YouTube's 'Step Up: High Water' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
- ^ Petski, Denise (February 23, 2021). "'Step Up': Rebbi Rosie, Keiynan Lonsdale & Enrique Murciano Join Christina Milian & Ne-Yo In Starz Series". Deadline. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
- ^ Kinane, Ruth (July 12, 2017). "'Step Up: High Water': Meet the Cast in This Exclusive Video". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Fuhrer, Margaret (August 14, 2017). "Watch the Cast of "Step Up: High Water" Slay at the Teen Choice Awards—Then Learn Their Moves". Dance Spirit. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ Petski, Denise (December 19, 2017). "'Step Up: High Water': Trailer & Premiere Date For YouTube Red Series Based On Film Franchise". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ McNary, Dave (January 4, 2018). "Film News Roundup: Fathom Sets Premiere Showings for 'Step Up: High Water' Series". Variety. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ^ "Step Up: High Water Season Premiere Event In Movie Theaters - Fathom Events". Fathom Events. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ^ Saraiya, Sonia (January 31, 2018). "TV Review: 'Step Up: High Water' on YouTube Red". Variety. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
- ^ Cobb, Kayla (February 2, 2018). "YouTube Red's 'Step Up: High Water' Is Like A More Dramatic 'Glee' But With Dancing". Decider. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
External links
[edit]Step Up (TV series)
View on GrokipediaBackground
Premise
Step Up is an American drama television series that centers on the lives of aspiring dancers at High Water Performing Arts School, a prestigious academy in Atlanta, Georgia. The core storyline follows twins Tal and Janelle Baker, who relocate from Ohio to live with their uncle after their mother's arrest for drug-related issues, thrusting them into the competitive world of the school. There, they must navigate intense dance competitions, personal rivalries, and broader life challenges alongside fellow students and faculty members, all while striving to build their futures in the performing arts.[9][8] Set against the vibrant urban backdrop of Atlanta, the series emphasizes a mix of dance styles including hip-hop, contemporary, and street dance, reflecting the city's rich cultural landscape. High Water operates as a rigorous incubator for talent, with a dual-team structure divided into East and West Halls that heightens internal rivalries and prepares students for professional careers through high-stakes battles and performances. The school, founded by hip-hop icon Sage Odom, serves as a launchpad where ambition meets reality, highlighting the school's role in fostering emerging artists.[3][1] Thematically, Step Up blends elements of teen drama with explorations of family bonds, cultural identity, and the relentless pressures of artistic pursuit in a cutthroat environment. It portrays the twins' journey as emblematic of resilience and determination, as they confront not only technical dance demands but also social dynamics, personal growth, and the sacrifices required to succeed. As a loose adaptation of the Step Up film franchise, the series expands on the original concept by focusing on ensemble stories within an institutional setting.[8][3]Relation to the film series
The Step Up film franchise originated with the 2006 release of Step Up, directed by Anne Fletcher and starring Channing Tatum as street dancer Tyler Gage and Jenna Dewan as aspiring ballerina Nora Clark, whose romance unfolds amid dance classes and competitions at a Baltimore performing arts school. The series expanded through four sequels—Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), Step Up 3D (2010), Step Up Revolution (2012), and Step Up All In (2014)—each introducing new protagonists and settings, such as New York crews or Miami flash mobs, while centering on tropes of cross-cultural romance, personal redemption through dance, and climactic competitions blending hip-hop, contemporary, and street styles.[10] Collectively, the films grossed over $650 million globally, establishing a formula of high-stakes dance battles as metaphors for overcoming social and economic barriers.[11] Step Up: High Water, created by Holly Sorensen as a spin-off, draws inspiration from the franchise's dance-centric world but relocates the action to a fictional Atlanta performing arts school, emphasizing ensemble teen drama over the films' singular romantic arcs, with no direct plot ties to any movie's storyline.[1] Executive produced by Tatum, Dewan, Adam Shankman, and Jennifer Gibgot, the series premiered on YouTube Premium in 2018 and later moved to Starz, adapting the franchise's energy to serialized television by exploring group rivalries and institutional pressures at High Water Performing Arts School.[12] Key divergences include the series' expansion into multicultural dance crews and school hierarchies, contrasting the films' paired-couple narratives, while integrating social themes like economic inequality, mentorship challenges, and LGBTQ+ inclusion—elements largely absent from the earlier movies.[13] This shift allows for deeper character development across episodes, prioritizing communal dynamics and real-world issues over the films' more isolated romantic resolutions.[11] Retaining the franchise's hallmarks of intense dance sequences and hip-hop fusion, the series evolves these into ongoing battles that drive multi-season arcs, suiting TV's format while honoring the transformative role of dance in youth stories—much like the Atlanta setting builds on the films' urban performance locales.[12]Cast and characters
Main
The main cast of Step Up: High Water features an ensemble of performers who anchor the series' exploration of ambition, identity, and artistic rivalry within the competitive world of performing arts education. Ne-Yo portrays Sage Odom, the charismatic founder and director of the High Water Performing Arts School in Atlanta, serving as a mentor figure whose hip-hop legacy and entrepreneurial vision propel the students toward professional breakthroughs while navigating personal and institutional challenges.[8] His background as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and dancer informed the casting, bringing authenticity to Odom's role in blending music production with dance instruction.[14] Naya Rivera plays Collette Jones across the first two seasons, depicted as the school's dedicated dance instructor and operational leader, a former backup dancer whose tough-love guidance shapes the students' technical skills and resilience amid interpersonal tensions.[8] Rivera's established dramatic range from her Glee tenure contributed to her selection, emphasizing emotional depth in scenes balancing mentorship and vulnerability.[15] Faizon Love embodies Al Baker, the twins' supportive uncle and club owner who provides grounded advice and a makeshift family dynamic, often mediating between street realities and the school's elite aspirations.[16] Lauryn McClain stars as Janelle Baker (season 1), the ambitious twin sister and hip-hop dancer whose arc centers on her determination to secure a college scholarship through rigorous auditions and competitions, evolving from an outsider adapting to High Water's intensity to a confident leader in ensemble performances.[14] McClain's professional dance experience, including competitive training, aligned with Janelle's portrayal of relentless drive and adaptability. Petrice Jones portrays Tal Baker in seasons 1 and 2, Janelle's protective twin brother and openly gay ballet dancer grappling with loyalty conflicts, bullying, and physical setbacks like injuries that test his commitment to the craft.[8] Jones's background in theater and dance lent credibility to Tal's nuanced journey of self-acceptance and artistic growth.[17] Marcus Mitchell plays Dondre Hall, a charismatic and skilled dancer who serves as a guide for the new students, navigating the school's social dynamics and personal ambitions while fostering connections within the ensemble.[14] Terrence Green portrays Rigo Octavio, a dedicated dancer and leader in the school's crews, whose story explores themes of loyalty, romance, and the pressures of balancing artistic passion with external challenges.[1] Carlito Olivero assumes the role of Davis Jimenez, a talented performer whose journey involves overcoming insecurities and rivalries to shine in High Water's competitive environment.[1] Eric Graise stars as King, a multifaceted artist who is a DJ, rapper, singer, and dancer, depicted as headstrong and resilient, drawing from his background in adaptive dance as a double-leg amputee using a wheelchair.[14] Jade Chynoweth assumes the role of Odalie Allen, a fiercely talented rival dancer whose polished technique and hidden backstory—rechristened from her birth name Ashley—fuel rivalries and alliances that heighten the series' competitive stakes.[18] Chynoweth's extensive credits as a professional dancer in films like 300: Rise of an Empire ensured realistic execution of Odalie's intricate choreography and emotional layers.[19] For season 3, the cast saw significant updates to sustain the core narrative. Christina Milian recasts Collette as Collette Jones, maintaining the character's nurturing yet authoritative presence as she supports Sage amid escalating threats to the school.[20] Milian's multifaceted career in music and acting, including dance-heavy roles, facilitated a seamless transition while deepening the character's relational dynamics. Keiynan Lonsdale recasts Tal Baker, continuing the character's arc as a student leader confronting identity and leadership pressures in High Water's evolving environment.[21] Lonsdale's prior work in dance-infused projects like The Flash enhanced the authenticity of Tal's physical and emotional evolution.[22] These mains frequently interact with recurring figures to amplify themes of community and conflict.Recurring and guest
The recurring cast of Step Up: High Water features supporting performers who enrich the ensemble dynamics at the fictional High Water Performing Arts School, often through subplots involving mentorship, rivalries, and personal struggles among dancers and faculty. R. Marcos Taylor portrays East-O, a local figure entangled in financial and street-level conflicts that intersect with student narratives, appearing in multiple episodes of season 1 to highlight external pressures on the school's community.[8] Al Calderon plays Johnny One, a dancer navigating personal conflicts and group loyalties, contributing to themes of camaraderie and tension in the dance crews across 5 episodes in seasons 1 and 2.[23] Saidah Nairobi recurs as Electra, a faculty-adjacent character whose presence underscores institutional hierarchies and cultural representation within the school's diverse environment, with appearances in 10 episodes from 2018 to 2022.[1] Ashley Greene joins in season 2 as Nine Sanders, a key addition who amplifies rivalries and mentorship arcs among the performers, featured in 5 episodes that tie into broader explorations of ambition and interpersonal drama.[24] Guest stars provide high-profile infusions of real-world expertise and celebrity, enhancing world-building without overshadowing the core storyline. Dance legend Savion Glover makes a notable cameo as Quincy Hobbs in one episode of season 1, bringing authentic choreography insights and elevating a pivotal dance sequence that emphasizes historical influences on contemporary styles.[23] Rapper Rick Ross appears as himself in a season 2 installment, integrating music industry elements into subplots about performance opportunities and cultural authenticity for the Atlanta-based dancers.[23] Choreographer and performer Todrick Hall guests as himself in season 2, contributing to thematic ties around innovation in dance and representation of multifaceted artists in the hip-hop and theater fusion at High Water. These appearances, limited to single episodes, foster a sense of broader artistic connections, such as mentorship through iconic figures, while maintaining focus on the students' growth.Episodes
Season 1 (2018)
The first season of Step Up: High Water consists of 10 episodes, all released simultaneously on January 31, 2018, via YouTube Premium, allowing viewers to binge the entire season from launch.[25] This drop format was part of YouTube Premium's strategy for original content, marking the series' debut as a dance-drama extension of the Step Up film franchise. The season's episodes are as follows:| Episode | Title | Director(s) | Writer(s) | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | Adam Shankman | Holly Sorensen, William H. Brown, Henry Hand, Bryan M. Holdman | January 31, 2018 |
| 2 | Solo | Debbie Allen | Thembi Banks, Rochée Jeffrey | January 31, 2018 |
| 3 | The Running Man | Rob Hardy | Hadjii | January 31, 2018 |
| 4 | Shuffle | Janice Cooke | Jerica Lieberman, Molly Margraf | January 31, 2018 |
| 5 | 5, 6, 7, 8 | Norman Buckley | Various (series staff) | January 31, 2018 |
| 6 | Duets | Michael Schultz | Various (series staff) | January 31, 2018 |
| 7 | Dance Craze | Nzingha Stewart | Various (series staff) | January 31, 2018 |
| 8 | Ensemble | Silas Howard | Various (series staff) | January 31, 2018 |
| 9 | Choreography | Charles Randolph-Wright | Various (series staff) | January 31, 2018 |
| 10 | Two-Step | Norman Buckley | Holly Sorensen | January 31, 2018 |
Season 2 (2019)
The second season of Step Up: High Water comprises 10 episodes and was released in its entirety on YouTube Premium on March 20, 2019. Building briefly on the established rivalries and aspirations from season 1, it escalates tensions at High Water Performing Arts School as students navigate the high-stakes world of professional dance amid mounting personal and institutional pressures.[29][30] The season arc centers on deepening divisions within the school, particularly between the HMC and Outcasts crews, as dancers form teams to compete for spots on pop star Sage Odom's national tour. Intensified competitions push characters to their limits, incorporating advanced choreography challenges that test physical and emotional resilience, while external threats like rival crews and underlying corruption at the school heighten the drama. Personal crises abound, including debilitating injuries that force characters like Odalie to fight for their place on the tour, betrayals in relationships such as Rigo's strained dynamic with Poppy due to his rising music career and street ties, and revelations like Tal's discovery of a devastating family secret that reshapes his motivations. These elements drive growth in dance skills, with episodes showcasing innovative routines inspired by styles like vogueing and isolations, emphasizing teamwork and individual breakthroughs under Sage's demanding direction.[31] Key events highlight the tour's preparation as a central conflict, with team formations leading to alliances and fractures—such as Nine and King collaborating to elevate Rigo's music, only for his external connections to jeopardize his progress. External threats manifest through aggressive rivalries, including Zo's antagonistic moves against Tal, and institutional issues like funding woes that Collette Jones (played by Naya Rivera) navigates in her expanded role as a mentor figure, providing guidance amid the chaos before her character's prominence shifts. Betrayals culminate in emotional pivots, like Dondre uncovering a secret that alters his bond with Poppy, and Rigo confronting the truth about his father's death, intertwining personal healing with professional ambitions. The season underscores skill development through high-pressure rehearsals, where dancers innovate concepts like erotic routines and risky aerial work, fostering resilience amid crises.[32] Naya Rivera's portrayal of Collette gains deeper impact this season, as her character assumes greater responsibility in managing tour logistics and student conflicts, influencing key resolutions before departing the series after the finale.Episode list
| No. in season | Title | Original release date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Precision | March 20, 2019 |
| 2 | Splits | March 20, 2019 |
| 3 | Form | March 20, 2019 |
| 4 | Vogue | March 20, 2019 |
| 5 | Inversion | March 20, 2019 |
| 6 | Isolations | March 20, 2019 |
| 7 | Attitude | March 20, 2019 |
| 8 | Azonto | March 20, 2019 |
| 9 | Improvisation | March 20, 2019 |
| 10 | Hip-Hopera | March 20, 2019 |
Season 3 (2022)
The third and final season of ''Step Up'', consisting of 10 episodes, premiered on Starz on October 16, 2022, and concluded on December 18, 2022.[34] It shifted the narrative focus toward the precarious future of High Water Performing Arts School following a major scandal, emphasizing themes of redemption, betrayal, and artistic evolution amid external threats.[35]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 | "Kryptonite" | Damian Marcano | Bill Brown | October 16, 2022 | N/A |
| 22 | 2 | "Ain't Gon' Let Up" | Terrence Green | Delondra Mesa | October 23, 2022 | N/A |
| 23 | 3 | "Player's Ball" | Janice Cooke | Thomas West | October 30, 2022 | N/A |
| 24 | 4 | "Cell Therapy" | Dawn Wilkinson | Eboni Freeman | November 6, 2022 | N/A |
| 25 | 5 | "Never Scared" | Damian Marcano | Cameron Johnson | November 13, 2022 | N/A |
| 26 | 6 | "You Know What It Is" | Terrence Green | Lyah Leflore | November 20, 2022 | N/A |
| 27 | 7 | "It's Goin' Down" | Janice Cooke | Thomas West | November 27, 2022 | N/A |
| 28 | 8 | "Who Can I Run To?" | Dawn Wilkinson | Eboni Freeman | December 4, 2022 | N/A |
| 29 | 9 | "Bring 'Em Out" | Damian Marcano | Cameron Johnson | December 11, 2022 | N/A |
| 30 | 10 | "Sleep When U Die" | Terrence Green | Holly Sorensen | December 18, 2022 | N/A |
