The Step Up television series from YouTube’s attempt to expand to script television will live another day.

Starz has picked up the drama, titled Step Up: High Water, which was canceled about a year ago at YouTube. It is a pickup that makes sense, given the fact that the show is produced by Lionsgate, Starz’s corporate sibling. YouTube’s scripted effort, called YouTube Red and YouTube Premium at one point, has basically scrapped all originals with the exception of Liza Koshy’s Liza on Demand and Cobra Kai. 

Naya Rivera and Ne-Yo, who starred in the first two seasons, will return for the third season at Starz. The premium cable network will also air the first two seasons that were on YouTube. It is unknown if the High Water branding will carry through to Starz. The original film stars, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, are returning to executive produce as they did during the YouTube stint.

The official description: Inspired by the Lionsgate film franchise of the same name, “Step Up” 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.

“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 of original programming for Starz, in a statement. “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.”

The Hollywood Reporter first broke this news.

 

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Photo: Lionsgate