Watch Bunheads

Bunheads is a charming and witty television series that originally aired on FreeForm from 2012 to 2013. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show follows the life of a Las Vegas showgirl named Michelle Simms, played by the talented Sutton Foster. Michelle's dreams of becoming a professional dancer are somewhat crushed when she is forced to settle down in a sleepy California town to marry her musician boyfriend, Hubbell. However, when Hubbell tragically dies in a car accident, Michelle is left adrift and unsure of her future.

In the midst of her grief, Michelle impulsively decides to move to the quirky town of Paradise, California, where Hubbell's mother Fanny, played by Kelly Bishop, runs a dance school. At first, Michelle clashes with Fanny and the other members of the tight-knit dance community. However, as she gets to know the students, including Fanny's prickly and talented granddaughter Sasha, played by Julia Goldani Telles, Michelle finds herself drawn back into the world of dance.

Throughout the show's first and only season, Michelle struggles to balance her life in Paradise with her past as a Las Vegas showgirl. She faces a number of challenges, from dealing with unrequited love with the town's plumber, to helping the dance students navigate the complicated world of ballet competitions.

One of the things that sets Bunheads apart from other dance-centric shows is its strong focus on character development. Each member of the Paradise community, from Fanny to the teenage dancers, is given a distinctive voice and personality. Even the town itself feels like a fully realized character, with its oddball population and quirky landmarks.

The show is also known for its witty and fast-paced dialogue, which is reminiscent of Sherman-Palladino's previous show, Gilmore Girls. Many of the characters speak in rapid-fire banter, which can take a bit of getting used to, but ultimately adds to the show's energy and charm.

Another highlight of the show is its impressive cast of dancers. Sutton Foster, who previously starred in Sherman-Palladino's short-lived show, The Return of Jezebel James, is a talented triple threat who brings depth and complexity to the role of Michelle. Kelly Bishop, who is perhaps best known for playing Emily Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, also shines as Fanny, a former ballerina with a larger-than-life personality.

The young actresses who play the dance students are also impressive, particularly Julia Goldani Telles as the rebellious Sasha. Emma Dumont, Stacey Oristano, Bailey De Young, and Kaitlyn Jenkins round out the talented ensemble cast, each bringing their own unique energy and style to their roles.

Despite its many strengths, Bunheads struggled to find an audience during its single season on FreeForm. Some critics felt that the show was a little too niche, combining dance with Sherman-Palladino's signature quirkiness in a way that didn't quite click with viewers.

However, for those who did tune in, Bunheads was a charming and heartfelt show that offered a unique perspective on the world of dance. Whether you're a fan of dance shows, quirky comedies, or simply Sutton Foster's magnetic presence, Bunheads is worth checking out.

Bunheads is a series that ran for 1 seasons (18 episodes) between June 11, 2012 and on FreeForm