STARZ ANNOUNCES PICK UP OF RE-IMAGINED “STEP UP” SERIES STARRING NE-YO AND NAYA RIVERA

Starz announced it has ordered a new season of the “Step Up” dance drama series from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen and Lionsgate Television. With a new premium approach, the series will feature many popular characters from previous seasons of the series, while expanding the scope and storytelling as a 10-episode STARZ Original series.

“Holly and her team have created a new and dynamic iteration of the series that captures the hallmarks that have made the ‘Step Up’ franchise so successful and elevates the storytelling for the premium, global audience,” said Christina Davis, President, Original Programming for Starz. “This, coupled with the worldwide appeal of the multi-talented, multicultural cast, will make this series a great addition to our slate.”

“The latest installment of ‘Step Up’ not only reimagines the entire franchise but is filled with high energy, lots of heart and electrifying dance moves, and we’re very excited to reunite the talented cast and creative teams for another great season,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “This collaboration underscores our ability to work successfully across our businesses to supply premium content to STARZ.”

Inspired by the Step Up Lionsgate film franchise that grossed over $600 million at the worldwide box office, the series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School and Collette (Naya Rivera), his partner in High Water and in life. The upcoming season will see Sage, Colette and their relationship challenged as they face criminal charges, financial ruin and powerful political enemies who want to destroy Sage and High Water.

Tricia Helfer, who joins the series this season will portray “Erin,” alongside stars Ne-Yo and Naya Rivera and returning series regulars including Petrice Jones as “Tal,” Faizon Love as “Uncle Al,” Marcus Mitchell as “Dondre,” Jade Chynoweth as “Odalie,” Carlito Olivero as “Davis,” Terrence Green as “Rigo,” Eric Graise as “King,” and Kendra Oyesanya as “Poppy.”

Along with Sorensen, Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot, producers on the original Step Up films, are executive producing this latest chapter in the franchise through their Offspring Entertainment banner. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film, will also executive produce through Tatum’s Free Association production company. Erik Feig, who served as producer on all the films and oversaw the franchise while an executive at Lionsgate, is executive producing via his production shingle PICTURESTART. Bill Brown is also executive producing.

The series is inspired by the Lionsgate franchise spanning five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show “Step Up Dubai, All In!” at MOTIONGATE Dubai theme park. The first two hit seasons, which earned a passionate and devoted fan following on the YouTube platform, will be available exclusively on the STARZ App and On Demand prior to the launch of the new season.