Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (2023) User Reviews

Watch and decide for yourself

[lynxmaser · 5/10 · 13 April 2023]

Being a fan of the original Grease I decided, why not give this a try. Set 4 years before the movie, rise of the pink ladies is cute and quirky. It points out the ridiculousness of the time while also kinda poking fun at the original movies. The songs though modern in feel have a nice retro edge to them. The characters are just as silly and shallow as the original. Definitely a cheesy feel good type of show. Very light, drama and angst free. If you go into it taking it too seriously you won't enjoy it as much. Just take it at face value without comparing it to the movies and you might like it.

Fun fluff that is much appreciated!

[kthansen13 · 7/10 · 8 April 2023]

There's a lot to be said for "Grease: The Rise of the Pink Ladies". First off, revisiting the characters of Rydell High is just a fun concept. I'm all about meeting the original T-Birds and their female counterparts. Junior high schoolers Frenchy and Rizzo are delightful.

Let's be real, the show is cheese. But if you're watching this, you should be okay with that. While the racial diversity, lack of smoking, music, and plot scenarios aren't exactly period, the cast is so talented and joyous to watch. The scenic design and costumes are really breathtaking and the choreography is quite reminiscent of the original film. It's just plain FUN.

It's a fun kiddie ride that is a refreshing change from much of the intense content that is so popular right now. Let's root for Rydell!

Stay with it. It does get better.

[bwillard1980 · 7/10 · 31 May 2023]

I started watching Pink Ladies due to my love of Grease from when I was a kid. I also love musicals and teen drama, so I was stoked when I found out they were making a prequel. Initially, I felt the songs, while well sung and choreographed on their own, didn't seem to fit within the story very well. I kept watching, though, as I was enjoying the overarching storyline. However, at Episode 5, I finally felt the songs mesh within the storyline and the overall production found their footing within the show. Now each episode has better songs than the last and I find myself singing them. Give it a change. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Does no one remember the movie accurately?

[katiekat-80821 · 8/10 · 30 April 2023]

This show isn't meant to be a remake of the movie. But some of these bad reviews seem to have forgotten what the original movie was really like. It was made in the 70s. Olivia Newton-John was a 30-something playing a high school student and was obviously not one. They tackled social issues like Russo being slut-shamed and being worried about being pregnant. It came down hard on both the Socs and the gangs. It had songs that were not 50s style ("Hopelessly Devoted" anyone?). It had a flying car at the end and an entire cartoon scene during "Greased Lightning". Plus it was based on a popular Broadway play. So get over yourselves.

This show is cute and fun. It definitely has some more pop/50s style songs. Yes, it reflects actually more 50s realistic social issues like women seen as unfit to lead and Black people rarely appreciated for who they really are. That is not fantasy. That's realistic. Idk why anyone thinks that's not how the past was. It's socially conscious and yet fun. I enjoy the Pink Ladies and the shenanigans they get up to while trying to make their points and make Rydell fun for all.

Absolutely Fantastic!

[jen_78 · 10/10 · 1 May 2023]

I think some of the people reviewing forget the fact that this is FICTION. Who cares if it's not historically accurate? It's not a biopic. It's not a documentary. It's a fun, bubble gum musical with incredible talent. The music is beautiful and fun. The characters are zany and cheesy in the best way. I LOVE that it's tackling issues that maybe wouldn't have been tackled at the time. It's about girl power. It's about cultural diversity. It's a show about the underdogs fighting to be treated fairly. I wasn't sure during the first episode. But it just gets better and better every episode. I can't pick a favorite character because I love all of them! Nancy is especially hilarious. But Olivia has an INSANE voice. But Jane is so endearing and strong. And Cynthia so unapologetically herself. Fantatsic show for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast.

Seriously Charming

[girl_final · 7 April 2023]

I grew up obsessed with the OG Grease. With the hindsight of adulthood, one realizes the limitations of the original. And although this has its own missteps, anyone who appreciates a fresh approach will love the feminist slant, albeit from a burgeoning sense of new identity. Some of the songs can be a tad clunky, but others (like I Want More in the second episode) are powerhouses. Most of the main characters have decent depth to them and hint at more to come. And the easter eggs are a delight to old school fans who cherish their trips down memory lane with a bit of bite. Although it's not Oscar fare, I'm definitely looking forward to this season and how their stories unfold at Rydell.

A family friendly show

[anthonymoah · 7/10 · 16 April 2023]

This show is based on the popular movie named Grease. The T-Birds and The Pink ladies is showcased in this show.

It's cool to view a TV show that's family friendly and it's a musical as well. It's also a TV show where teenagers can relate with, because the show portraits problems which teenagers have to face. There's more drama in the show, than laughter.

There's a lot of original songs in the show, it's refreshing. Would love to have the soundtrack. The actors also play their roles exceptional well.

If you're into musicals, teenager drama, culture from the 1970's, then this show is for you.

Fresh new look on the series

[Mr-Powers1996 · 4/10 · 8 April 2023]

I was sceptical at first thinking it is a quick cash grab at yet another franchise but I was surprise at how well not only the choreography of all the dancing but the singing from the cast.

Love watching all the behind the scene look at how it is film and how it all comes together and works so well for today's generation of musical theater. I would also like to point out all the background and how well they all work together and there little acts of cheesy comedy and how well they all work together.

Can't wait to see the next season and what there fresh new that on it will look like!!!!!!!!!

Do not get discouraged by the bad reviews. This deserves to be watched.

[dvcmovies · 9/10 · 30 April 2023]

A must-see show if you love musical theatre.

Memorable moments, joyful references to the original musical and the movies. You find yourself pointing to the screen and gasping (if you are a musicals' nerd, of course) Great original songs and a lovely cast performing them. Not a jukebox musical like Glee but an original musical almost 10 hours long.

If this get packaged in a West End or Broadway show, it would be an immediate long-running hit.

Do not approach this thinking that the (old) movie Grease is the only (and perfect) way to imagine the life at Rydell High... There are other ways, this is a great one.

Always remember Grease was a theatre show before being a movie and this new Grease is more theatrical and less two-actors-centric like the original one.

I dare to say, in 2023 this show is more enjoyable than the "original" one.

Grows on you

[suzbennett-61140 · 7/10 · 16 April 2023]

At first I felt my eyes begin to roll with the levels of diversity and over produced lengthy songs. By the third episode however there is a bit of a better balance between the song and story and the debate song for the final piece is a great show piece.

In addition there is a level of charm from the actors that reels you in. Chemistry between Jane & Richie and Olivia & Jane is decent. Olivia and Mr Daniels storyline is intriguing. The characters have depth and the performances are good. Nicely inserted little easter-eggs to the original. Costumes are good and the gand jackets are just nostalgia. Overall just good fun.

Makes Grease 2 look like Citizen Kane

[scolbert-94771 · 1/10 · 9 April 2023]

Wow...this was bad. I never liked Grease 2 but it's a masterpiece compared to this turd. Songs are horrible and they won't stop singing every couple of minutes...please make it stop!!! No likable character whatsoever, they're all annoying. Im still looking for some kind of story or plot but haven't found it yet. I'd say it's pure cheese but it's worse...maybe rancid, stinky cheese. I really had high hopes for this when it first started but the more it went on I just got a bad feeling in my stomach. Also, they keep playing the Grease song every 15 minutes or so to remind us of what a much better movie that was. None of the kids remind me of the 50s at all...they look like a bunch of millennials playing dress up.

Such a feel good show

[lbc-46835 · 10/10 · 10 April 2023]

I have only seen the first 2 episodes but I love it so far!! I read one review where someone wrote that it's not realistic but why would anyone want it to be? In a world of depressing news, this show gives a brief reprieve from everyday life. One aspect that isn't realistic and I'm so happy about is that the cast isn't all white people.

The music is fun and uplifting and makes me want to dance. I love seeing high school life through a lens of innocence and simplicity although mixed with some modern day issues.

I think the young actors do a great job and this show embodies the fun and nostalgia of Grease. I can't wait to see more episodes!!

It's not Grease, but that's okay.

[kateabbott-01151 · 7/10 · 25 May 2023]

Anyone is entitled to compare this to the original Grease films. It's in the title. It's used as a catalyst for the series. It would be difficult to separate the two. But it needs to be done. It's possible that you may not have liked the original Grease film if you knew more about the characters and had time to pick them apart. That's the perk of writing a movie or play instead of a series. Not every single song is incredible and well placed but that's the curse of any show that has to keep the speed up. The songs and storylines are mostly modern, which gives the show more of an era-less Riverdale vibe than a show rooted in the 50s. With all of that said, the cast seems to buy into the story and energy which makes the show watchable, even if it's eventually forgotten.

All Heroes Have an Origin Story

[rihard2000-396-581265 · 9/10 · 7 April 2023]

These are big jackets to fill, but the Pink Ladies of this class have a style all their own. The show strikes all the right nostalgia vibes at the start and then slips into a more contemporary musical style with some of the best choreography to grace television. If you enjoyed Glee and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, then you'll enjoy watching Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

Make no mistake though, this for sure isn't a John Travolta and Olivia Newton John rehash of Grease. This Rydell High girl group origin story is all it's own. It is funny, intriguing and full of Easter eggs for loyal fans to discover. After watching just two episodes, I can already see this talented cast singing and dancing their way into Grease fandom.

Surprisingly good!!!

[alesaenz-48003 · 10/10 · 11 April 2023]

When I heard about a TV series related to "Grease", I wasn't sure if i'd any good, so I watched with reserves, but I'm truly glad, after watching the initial two episodes that the project is truly enjoyable and respectful with the original film. The cast is awesome and musical number are quite entertaining. The ambiance of the TV series and the style of acting, both are quite fitting for a musical set in 1950's in that way you have some kind of muscal theater feeling that it's logical since "Grease" was a theater play first. Even without spoiling anything the TV series has some surprising ties to the original characters.

GREASE REVIEWS are DIVIDED

[clarebradleysmyth · 9 May 2023]

I read some of the reviews and was surprised by how many people didn't like the show, till I read their reviews and went "oooh yeah, of course they wouldn't like it" it's progressive. One of the comments mentioned history and how this series isn't realistic. Another comment noted that the movies were also not realistic (Hopelessly devoted and flying cars), all of them are fantasy. That said, this show reminds us of the inequalities like men cheating at elections and male teachers taking advantage of students. All very real things that were more 'in your face' in the 50's but still happen today. But what I've never seen before was a butch/non-binary looking girl be shown so realistically. They suffer the same desire and confusion around their relationship as their other straight classmates (male and female). It's SUPER important to see this because it reveals the truth, that we ALL have to navigate relationships and how special 'in love' 'in lust' ones really are in ALL of our developments, normally starting in high school. I would have had a poster of this show in my locker. I love it.

Not as bad as they say

[taddykstone · 6/10 · 17 April 2023]

Granted it's not Glee. But I'll take it. It's fun and peppy. Acting is no better than the original. And you really shouldn't complain. The diversity is noticeable and welcoming. Get over all the unrealistic portrayals. What you mean is everyone is not white. I think it has potential. Granted I didn't know Balinsiaga was around in the 50's but so what. High school was never this fun. Granted I loved the original but at least in this version they look like teenagers. ONJ and Travolta looked 30 or better in the original. Sit back and just enjoy. It's fun and silly and I think captures the fun of the original.

The fall of the pink ladies

[stasiak-439-85599 · 1/10 · 7 April 2023]

Looking back and remembering the old and true Grease from my young days, I really had high hopes for this tv series, and was looking forward to watching it, but it was really a huge disappointment. This show is a total mockup and an insult to the first and only Grease. Even the whole time period is put to shame. Remember this show is set I the 50's, and trying to modernize something like this just does not work, it just kills the whole feeling you had watching the old Grease growing up. The Generally very bad acting and cheasy songs with a too modern wipe, and the need to put in roles and characters just to fit the modern world and to equality please everyone shines through way too obvious and it just ruined it all for me and made it hard to watch. It was like watching a bad kids show on the Disney Channel. Only cool thing about it was the 50's styling and the old cars, that at least worked really well and was the only thing that gave it a 50's wipe.

Fresh but nostalgic

[aiminator · 10/10 · 8 April 2023]

Listen, if you wanna have a good time, watch this show. It's fun, rich with a relatable characters, the dancing is exciting and the tunes are catchy while still moving the story forward.

Anyone who compares this to the original Grease needs to relax- it's not the same and shouldn't be. It's been 45 years since that was released and the world wants to see more than just one single perspective.

The pacing is spot on, didn't drag on at any points. I love to see new faces too! The entire cast (but especially the four main ladies) deliver with talent and passion. Honestly don't know what's not to like!

All the haters represent the traditionalists in the show

[chassw-68914 · 7/10 · 15 April 2023]

All those hating on this represent the group's insistent that the old days were the good day... or so the days when woman weren't the storyline and gender roles were more favored... or when white jocks ruled the school... you miss it because it was easier but only for you. You don't like this because it represents the oppression that actually existed that was often ignored or invisible because it didn't affect you directly.

As for those saying that this is a show attempting to rewrite history, remember that Grease is not based on a real story, and this is a spin-off of Grease anyway. It's not the same. We know. It even shows it in the title.

If you aren't interested in female empowerment, which is clearly shown in the trailer and title, then don't want the show! It's not the classic version, so don't compare it as such. That's like eating a fruity tootsie roll and being angry it's not chocolate... well, that's obvious.

Back to me review:

The reason why I am giving 7 stars is because the lead, as amazing as she is, is playing an Italian and Puerto Rican character despite not being explicitly either. I'm not one to be offended often by these things, but the show is based a lot on her culture, and as one who actually is Sicilian with grandparents from Sicily, it's just annoying that they the show missed their opportunity to portray their vision correctly with someone of at least one of the two ancestral cultures. It wouldn't matter if it weren't such a big theme in the show, but it is.

Im obsessed

[smadrak-03969 · 9/10 · 6 April 2023]

I was a huge grease fan as a teenager, this show is making that teenager in me so happy. Such a fun watch, if I could binge all the episodes right now, I would. The imagery & performances are so well done. This is the show I didn't know I wanted.

I could go on, but I think you get it.. if you were/are a fan of grease, I think you'll enjoy this as much as I do. It's obvious that they could do a lot more with the Rydell High setting but never did. A coming of age show about the pink ladies is a fun and interesting route & I think every girl who's ever been in high school can relate to the characters.

Has potential

[KrstnCrtr4 · 6/10 · 9 April 2023]

As an avid lover of Grease, I was really excited to watch this show. It has potential to be good. The writing and the casting is pretty great. Where the show fails is the musical numbers. They're entirely too modern, and the vocals are so synthesized you can't understand the lyrics. When you nail the feeling of Rydell from the original film through set design, costumes, casting, and storyline, why ruin it with autotuned pop garbage? I don't forsee the director listening to little ole me and changing anything, so I'll stick with my 6/10 rating of a subpar show. I'm so bummed because I want to love this show!

Pretty fun

[peterhaag86 · 10/10 · 8 April 2023]

The reviews bombing this show are basically all the same "whaaaaaah, where'd all my white people go?!" The songs are excellent, beautiful harmonies and great progression. A good vision and a proper representation of just how bad the 50's were for kids if you weren't one of the rich white kids in power.

Check it out for yourself, as for me, the original Grease is far down the list of musicals I enjoy watching. This is actually higher on the list for me because the characters aren't 1 dimensional caricatures of the product of their time. This has impact, it has relevance. Give it a shot and you'll be surprised.

Tickled Pink

[terriclark4 · 9/10 · 6 April 2023]

Two episodes in and I couldn't stop grinning. This pre-quel to Grease hits all the nostalgic marks (Frenchy & The Frosty Palace!) while bringing attention to current issues that haven't evolved nearly as much as they should have since the 50s. The musical performances are fun and well choreographed - you'll find yourself bopping along to several. You know from the opening number that you're in for a fun time. The cast is top notch - especially the Pink Ladies. I loved seeing the origin of our beloved "girl gang" & watching these women step into their power. Marisa Davila is exceptional as new girl Jane. Her story parallels that of Sandy, but she fights back with her brains. Can't wait to see the remaining episodes and I'm already🤞 for more seasons!

Grease is not the word here

[Akaforest · 10 May 2023]

Right from the start I had the feeling that series like Riverdale were sent back to the 50s. Coming of Age etc., everything that's hot nowadays has been packed into a Grease adaptation. In addition, musical inserts whose ghastly auto-tune singing sounds plastic and unnatural. As set up and clean as the whole production. Let's be honest: did you really think you could fill such a topic with modern vibes AND at the same time put it on a scale with the great cult film? If that was the plan, then I'm out.

If you value modern and artificial entertainment, are probably of the young generation and didn't celebrate the original film as much as we used to, you will probably like the series.