Despite a lukewarm 58% Rotten Tomatoes critics' score and widespread pre-release skepticism, Amazon Prime's Legally Blonde prequel series Elle has won over viewers and critics alike, with many now eagerly anticipating season two. The series, which premiered in 2026, follows a 16-year-old Elle Woods as she navigates a move from sunny Los Angeles to dreary Seattle after her father botches a nose job.
Surprising Success Amid Reboot Fatigue
Senior TV Reporter Asyia Iftikhar admitted she initially rolled her eyes at the announcement of a Legally Blonde prequel, citing a wariness of unnecessary IP reboots. However, after watching the show, she was pleasantly surprised. "Elle Woods has done it again, despite the stacked odds," Iftikhar wrote.
The series stars Lexi Minetee as the titular heroine, a casting choice praised as genius. "Not only does she look close enough to a young Reese Witherspoon, but she has even nailed her mannerisms, cadence and gait," Iftikhar noted. Minetee's performance is widely credited as a key factor in the show's appeal.
Fresh Take on an Iconic Character
Unlike many reboots that simply rehash familiar stories, Elle offers a fresh perspective. The show focuses on Elle discovering her inner confidence rather than proving herself to others, setting up her character arc for the original film. Iftikhar highlighted a scene where Elle shows up to a pool party dressed wrong and decides to own it, perfectly teeing up a similar moment in Legally Blonde.
The series also features strong LGBTQ+ representation, including a sapphic romance that feels natural rather than forced. "It was a pleasant surprise to see the show commit to meaningful LGBTQ+ representation without a side of trauma," Iftikhar said. The ensemble cast, including Jacob Moskovitz as track runner Miles, Zac Looker as activist Dustin, Gabriella Policano as rocker lesbian Liz, and Chandler Kinney as senior Kimberly, received praise for their performances.
Critiques and Cliffhanger
While the show has been well-received, it is not without criticisms. Some viewers find the Seattle setting unconvincing, and the 90s aesthetic occasionally feels anachronistic. However, these issues are not dealbreakers for most fans. The season one finale ended on a juicy cliffhanger, leaving viewers desperate for more.
Amazon renewed the series for a second season ahead of time in January, a move Iftikhar applauded. "At least the streamer backed the show where many haven't, and my main wish now is that more people could get behind it," she wrote.
Elle is available to stream on Amazon Prime now.
