Michelle is a Las Vegas showgirl who would like to return to her true love - dancing. After a tumultuous experience at an audition for the musical Chicago, Michelle accepts a marriage proposal from an admirer. On impulse Michelle and Hubble get married and she relocates to a small town where she learns she will be sharing a house with her mother-in-law Fanny. Little to Michelle's knowledge, Fanny owns a dance studio in the back of the property and Michelle sees all these young ballerinas striving to reach their dreams. After an unexpected tragedy, Michelle's entire world will change. Written by Carrie DeCosta
Look, I'm a 22-year-old male, not exactly this show's target audience. I only caught it because I was watching the hilarious train wreck that is The Secret Life of the American Teenager (god what an awful show).
I was expecting more of the same from Bunheads (I have to echo everyone else's sentiments here: that title is terrible). Instead, I found myself totally engrossed. Sutton Foster is an incredible find -- bundles of charisma, great comedic timing and the ability to pull off the dramatic stuff without being cheesy. The conflict between her and Fanny is well pitched and comedic and should carry the show far. The teens are all great actors considering their age and the fact that this is ABC Family, and have a cute camaraderie that will be fertile ground for drama later on (you can see the writers already laying the foundation for this).
The best part, though, is the show's humor. Michelle name drops Kirsten Wiig and it's a good comparison -- manic, physical but always with intelligence and heart. The writing obviously never reaches the heights (or the grossness) of Bridesmaids, but Bunheads is honestly funnier than any network comedy not airing on NBC.
If you liked Gilmore Girls, or want a family comedy-drama, or are just bored on a Monday night, I highly recommend checking out Bunheads. Even if you're a twenty-something guy...