5 Reasons ABC Family Should Renew 'Bunheads'
With the sudden and sad news that ABC Family tore down the "Bunheads" set over the weekend, we're dealing with a lot of grief at the prospect of losing this great dance-themed dramedy.
[Related: Bunheads' Stacey Oristano on a Truly Funny Role and Her Dream Friday Night Lights Spin-Off]
"Bunheads'" ratings haven't been great — it averaged 1.25 million viewers for the first season after premiering at 1.64 million. Despite not being renewed yet, the show still has a cult following that is trying incredibly hard to keep it alive with everything from calls to action to save-the-show campaigns. As "Bunheads" superfans ourselves, we are holding on to hope that there will be a new season come fall. Here's why:
1. The Perfect Cast
How often does a show come along that has not one, but two triple threats in lead roles? On "Bunheads," main characters Michelle Simms and Fanny Flowers are played by the inimitable Sutton Foster and Kelly Bishop. Between them there are three Tony Awards: Sutton won for playing Millie Dillmount in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and reviving Reno Sweeney in "Anthing Goes," and Kelly won for her role as Sheila in "A Chorus Line."
And then there are, of course, the four fantastic ballet virtuosos who play Boo, Sasha, Ginny, and Melanie. Kaitlyn Jenkins, Julia Goldani Telles, Bailey Buntain, and Emma Dumont are all classically trained dancers. And let's not forget to mention their impeccable acting talent and ability to deliver snarky one-liners.
2. Amy Sherman-Palladino
Speaking of all the amazing people who have come together on "Bunheads," showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino is the lifeblood of the series and one of the wittiest, most unique writers in television.
In 2006 she left "Gilmore Girls" over a dispute with The CW. The show continued on for a seventh season without her, but many fans see it as a dud compared to the previous six, attributing this to Amy's departure.
If we lose "Bunheads," we're losing yet another fantastic contribution to TV from this great comedic mind. And who knows if or when we'll be able to get another!
3. The References and Witticisms
As fans of "Gilmore Girls" know, anything by Amy comes with her patented ability to deliver a good joke. "Bunheads" is a dramedy, and it has some great moments of sincerity and sweetness, but it's also incredibly hilarious and smart.
As Fanny said quite aptly in the "Pilot" episode, "Oh my God, the quips, the chatter. Don't you ever just shut up?" The answer is no, and let's keep it that way.
4. The Dance Routines
"Bunheads" is not just a cute title to describe the most common hairstyle used by the actresses on the show. For those who perform ballet, the term "bunhead" represents a lifestyle. This show is about a group of people who devote their lives to ballet. Along with that come some really beautiful dance routines.
Take a look at one below:
5. An Uplifting Teen Comedy
There are so many programs on television now that show teens as insecure, troubled ne'er-do-wells, featuring everything from teen pregnancy to catfights and hurled insults.
"Bunheads" is about the love between friends and the passion they share for dance. Of course they have their scrapes, but what it comes down to is a fun and heartfelt show that should make teens and their parents (and anyone, for that matter) excited to tune in. It's more than a girls' show, it's more than a teen show; it's a show for everyone.
