By Remember that Grease prequel series that was coming to HBO Max? Yeah, I don’t either, but plans have changed! In an announcement from ViacomCBS today, the company revealed that this new limited series would not only be heading to Paramount+ but would be getting a retitle. Goodbye Grease: Rydell High, hello Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.
The swap of networks came when HBO decided to not go forward with the series. Their loss, I suppose, but I was never a fan of Grease. Anyway, the show will focus on Sandy, Rizzo, Jan, Marty, and Frenchy’s first meeting and how the climate of the 1950’s led to dramatic changes Rydell High School forever. Completely original setup, I know.
Variety broke the news and unveiled a few extra details for anyone interested. Rise of the Pink Ladies will debut with an hour long special that will possibly continue into a full series. The special with have original songs, though Paramount TV Studios is hoping to make a deal with rights holders Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey to get some of the iconic tunes of the film back. Originally, the two withheld their work when the series was planned for HBO Max.
Curiously, the Wikipedia page for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies states that the series is a continuation of the 1978 film. I’m not sure if that’s a misprint (likely), or the show will actually move us into the 1960s. There seems to be a ton of conflicting information here, but one thing is certain. More Grease is coming, whether you like it or not!
Source: Variety
