Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Prime Video’s Elle Debuts at No. 1 and Includes Posthumous James Van Der Beek Tribute

The 1995-set Legally Blonde prequel launched July 1 and shows Amazon’s confidence after a second season was greenlit and has already finished filming.

Overview

  • Prime Video released all eight episodes of Elle on July 1, and the series quickly rose to the top of the platform’s most-watched list.
  • Episode 3 features a posthumous appearance by James Van Der Beek with an on-screen title card reading “In loving memory of James Van Der Beek,” a moment that has moved many viewers.
  • Reese Witherspoon served as an executive producer and helped cast Lexi Minetree after an open audition process that drew thousands of tapes, with showrunners emphasizing 1990s authenticity in music and wardrobe.
  • Critics remain divided over the show’s necessity and tone while many viewers praise Minetree’s performance and the production design that places teenage Elle in 1995 Seattle.
  • Amazon confirmed Season 2 earlier this year, production sources report that filming has wrapped and new cast members were added, and showrunners say the next season will pick up directly after Season 1.