Prime Video is expanding its push into franchise-driven scripted content with the launch of Elle, a coming-of-age prequel series tied to the Legally Blonde brand, and has already committed to a second season before the show’s first episode airs.
The streaming service said Thursday that Elle, produced by Hello Sunshine and Amazon MGM Studios, will premiere on July 1, with all viewing exclusive to Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Alongside the premiere date, Prime Video confirmed it has ordered Season Two, signalling confidence in the series’ commercial potential and its ability to attract both established fans and new viewers.
The early renewal is a notable move in an increasingly competitive streaming market, where platforms are seeking to lock in recognizable intellectual property while building long-term subscriber engagement. For Prime Video, Elle adds to a broader strategy that mixes original scripted series with live sports and add-on channel subscriptions to strengthen its overall entertainment offering.
In Season One, Elle shifts the focus back to the origins of Elle Woods, one of the most recognizable characters in early-2000s film comedy, by exploring her life before the events of the first movie.
“In Season One, Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film.”
Reese Witherspoon, who starred in the original Legally Blonde film and serves as an executive producer through Hello Sunshine, said the series is intended to expand the character’s story while retaining the tone that helped make the franchise a cultural touchstone.
“Twenty-five years after the world met Elle Woods for the first time, it’s a dream come true to share the story of how she became the unstoppable force we all fell in love with,” said Reese Witherspoon. “Discovering Lexi Minetree and watching her step into Elle’s fabulous shoes has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I think our series’ themes of kindness, authenticity, and believing in yourself will resonate deeply with fans of the original films and new audiences alike. Working with our incredible Hello Sunshine team, Amazon and our visionary writers and directors to bring Elle’s high school journey to life has been a tremendous joy. I can’t wait to share Season One with the world and start rolling cameras on Season Two!”
Prime Video’s decision to greenlight a second season ahead of the launch reflects a broader trend among streaming services: investing in brand continuity early to maintain momentum and avoid long gaps between seasons. It also provides production stability, allowing writers, directors and cast to plan longer arcs and supporting a more predictable release cadence.
Peter Friedlander, Global Head of Television at Amazon MGM Studios, said the series is designed to balance nostalgia with a fresh take on the character.
“Elle captures the heart, confidence, and optimism that made Elle Woods an enduring cultural icon, while giving audiences a fresh and deeply personal coming-of-age story,” said Peter Friedlander, Global Head of Television, Amazon MGM Studios. “Ordering a second season speaks to our belief in the creative vision and the incredible team behind the series, and we’re excited for audiences to experience Elle’s journey starting with Season One.”
The series was created by Laura Kittrell, whose credits include High School and Insecure. Kittrell is co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Caroline Dries. The executive producer team also includes Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Marc Platt and Amanda Brown.
Jason Moore, known for directing Pitch Perfect, directed the first two episodes of Season One and also serves as an executive producer, adding a proven comedy background to a project that is expected to combine humour with teen drama and character development.
The Season One cast is led by Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods. June Diane Raphael plays Elle’s mother Eva, and Tom Everett Scott plays her father Wyatt. The cast also includes Gabrielle Policano, Jacob Moskovitz, Chandler Kinney and Zac Looker.
Prime Video said recurring cast members include Jessica Belkin, Logan Shroyer, Amy Pietz, Matt Ober, Chloe Wepper, David Burtka, Brad Harder, Kayla Maisonet, Lisa Yamada and James Van Der Beek.
For Prime Video, the announcement also reinforces its position as a full-service entertainment platform, where original series are part of a wider package that includes sports rights, licensed content and subscription add-ons.
In Canada, Prime Video has increasingly leaned into sports and high-profile originals to maintain its place in a crowded streaming landscape. The service highlighted its broader programming slate, including Prime Monday Night Hockey, and Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and films such as Fallout, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, The Boys, and Roadhouse. The platform also offers add-on subscriptions through Prime Video Channels, including Sportsnet, Paramount+, Crave, Citytv+, STARZ and others.
The debut of Elle on July 1 gives Prime Video a marquee summer release tied to a well-known entertainment brand, while the early Season Two renewal indicates the platform is betting on the franchise’s long-term value as it competes for viewer attention and retention in 2026.
