Step Up, the first televised installment in the dance-focused drama franchise under the same name, will change networks as it looks to its third season. Originally a YouTube Premium production, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the series will be hosted by the Starz Network for its third season.
The series (original entitled Step Up: High Water) was produced by YouTube Premium for two seasons that ran from January 2018 to March 2019. The show was part of YouTube Premium’s initial goal to host original, scripted content. However, due to the streaming service transitioning away from this purpose, Step Up: High Water was cancelled in August 2019. The rights to the series were subsequently put up for sale to other networks, meaning that the chance of a revival was never off the table.
Starz Network bought the rights and has ordered third season, “which will see the dance drama reimagined for a premium outlet,” as stated in the original article for The Hollywood Reporter. The original two seasons of the show will also be available on the network. Currently, the first two seasons are still available on YouTube Premium.
The Step Up franchise has its roots in the original 2006 film also titled Step Up. The film saw four sequels from 2008-2014 and a spin-off in 2019. The franchise is owned and produced by Lionsgate, the parent company of the Starz Network. The original film is notable for being one of Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street)‘s first roles in film. Tatum serves as an executive producer for the series alongside Jenna Dewan (American Horror Story: Asylum), Adam Shankman (Hairspray), Jennifer Gibgot (Rock of Ages), Erik Feig (The Hunger Games), and Bill Brown (One Tree Hill).
The Step Up television series follows Ohio-born twins Janelle (Lauryn McClain, Haunt) and Tal Baker (Petrice Baker, Play the Devil) as they move to Atlanta and enroll in the performing arts school known as High Water. Tensions ramp up between the twins and the students of High Water after Tal gets accepted to the school while Janelle does not.