Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

Did You Know?

• Around 30 new songs were written for the series by American songwriter Justin Tranter, who also served as executive music producer.
• The series was released on digital on July 24, 2023, and on DVD on November 7, 2023.
• The series takes place in 1954, six years before the events of Grease.

Cast and characters

Marisa Davila portrays Jane Facciano, a Rydell High student, founding member of the Pink Ladies, the first female student to run for class president, and older sister of Fran "Frenchy" Facciano. Cheyenne Isabel Wells plays Olivia Valdovinos, a student and founding Pink Lady who is the younger sister of T-Bird member Richie and has a reputation based on rumors she disregards. Ari Notartomaso appears as Cynthia Zdunowski, a tomboyish student who wanted to be a T-Bird before becoming a founding Pink Lady. Tricia Fukuhara plays Nancy Nakagawa, a student, aspiring fashion designer, and founding Pink Lady. Shanel Bailey portrays Hazel Robertson, a shy student who takes on the lead female role in Romeo and Juliet. Madison Thompson plays Susan St. Clair, a student on Rydell High's Dance Committee and Buddy's ex-girlfriend. Johnathan Nieves appears as Richie Valdovinos, a T-Bird, one of Jane's two love interests, and Olivia's older brother. Jason Schmidt plays Buddy Aldridge, a student from a prominent family and one of Jane's two love interests. Maxwell Whittington-Cooper portrays Wally Winslow, a student with a crush on Hazel. Jackie Hoffman appears as Asst. Principal McGee, who later becomes principal in Grease. Chris McNally plays Mr. Leonard Daniels, an English teacher and head of the school newspaper who pursued a fling with Olivia. Josette Halpert appears as Dorothy "Dot", a student and friend of Susan. Maximo Weber Salas plays Edward "Shy Guy", a T-Bird and boxer who does not enjoy boxing. Alexis Sides portrays "Potato", a T-Bird also known as "Pedrito". Nicholas McDonough plays Gil Rizzo, a T-Bird and older brother of Betty. Niamh Wilson appears as Lydia, a thespian. Madison Elizabeth Lagares plays Fran "Frenchy" Facciano, Jane's younger sister who later becomes a Pink Lady. Emma Shannon portrays Betty Rizzo, Gil's younger sister who later becomes the Pink Ladies' leader.

Production

WarnerMedia ordered the series straight-to-series in October 2019 under the title Grease: Rydell High for HBO Max. Annabel Oakes was hired in April 2020 to write the pilot and serve as executive producer. The title changed to Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies in May 2020, with a planned 2021 premiere. In October 2020, after HBO Max's chief content officer Casey Bloys decided not to proceed, the series moved to Paramount+, and Oakes was named creator. A ten-episode order was officially given in July 2021, with Marty Bowen and Erik Feig joining as executive producers. Alethea Jones was announced as a producer in October 2021 and directed the first episode. Main cast members were reported on January 31, 2022, and additional recurring cast joined in February 2022. The series was initially scheduled to film in California after receiving a tax credit, but production began in Vancouver, British Columbia on January 31, 2022.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 63% approval rating with an average rating of 6.7/10 based on 38 critic reviews. The critics consensus describes the songs as merely passable but notes the core cast is plucky enough for nostalgic viewers. Metacritic assigned a score of 59 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating mixed or average reviews.