Let’s be real for a second. When we heard Hulu was reviving the ghost of reality TV’s most chaotic past, most of us probably rolled our eyes. We’ve been through eight seasons of Abby Lee Miller’s pyramid-shaped trauma, several lawsuits, and more "Mom-magedon" than any sane person should consume in a lifetime.
But then Dance Moms: A New Era dropped, and honestly? It’s kinda different.
If you were expecting a carbon copy of the ALDC days, you might be surprised. The "new" show isn't just a change of scenery from Pittsburgh to Ashburn, Virginia; it’s a total shift in how the industry handles the "mean dance teacher" trope. But don't worry—the moms are still absolutely unhinged.
What’s the Deal with the New Studio?
The dance moms new show centers on Studio Bleu. If that name sounds familiar, it's because you’ve probably seen them on the competition circuit or even in small cameos during the original run. Leading the charge is Gloria "Glo" Hampton.
Now, Glo is no Abby.
She doesn't scream about "saving your tears for the pillow" in quite the same way. She’s been in the game for decades and actually coached her daughter, Kaeli, who fans might remember from Season 3 of the original series. The vibe at Studio Bleu is technically superior, but the pressure? Oh, it’s still there. It’s just wrapped in a slightly more "professional" package that feels very 2026.
🔗 Read more: Did Mac Miller Like Donald Trump? What Really Happened Between the Rapper and the President
The Team You Need to Know
The new Junior Elite team is a mix of high-level technicians and big personalities. You’ve got:
- Audrey: The "Maddie" of the group. She’s polished, she’s been with Glo since she was four, and she’s already done Broadway.
- Ashlan: The one who brings the "mini-drama." Her relationship with her mom is... a lot.
- Mina: The tiny powerhouse. She’s eight and basically a technical prodigy.
- Bellatrix, Lily, Leilah, and Smiley: They round out a team that, frankly, dances circles around the early seasons of the original show.
Why Season 2 Changed Everything
If Season 1 was about testing the waters, Season 2 of Dance Moms: A New Era (which hit Hulu in December 2025) completely blew up the format. Midway through filming, the original home of the team—Studio Bleu—actually closed its doors.
Total chaos.
Glo had to scramble to keep her team together, eventually rebranding under Project X. This wasn't some scripted "the electricity got cut off" drama from the Lifetime days. This was real-world business failure meeting reality TV. It forced the moms into a "us against the world" mentality that we haven't seen since the Kelly and Christi era.
Honestly, seeing Glo try to rebuild from scratch while dealing with a new mom (Corinne) and the constant hovering of executive producer Bryan Stinson makes for some of the most authentic-feeling footage the franchise has ever produced.
💡 You might also like: Despicable Me 2 Edith: Why the Middle Child is Secretly the Best Part of the Movie
Is the Drama Still Real?
People always ask if the fights are fake. Look, reality TV is always "produced," but you can’t fake the sheer exhaustion on these kids' faces.
The biggest critique of the dance moms new show is how the drama has shifted. In the original, it was mostly Moms vs. Abby. Here, because Glo is more of a "tough but fair" mentor, the moms have turned on each other with a vengeance. They fight about "living arrangements" (some kids live with Glo during the week), social media followers, and who’s getting the "influencer" opportunities.
It’s very modern. It’s very messy.
There was a specific moment in Season 2 where a physical altercation almost broke out over a group dance concept involving "military aliens"—yes, you read that right—that highlighted just how high the stakes feel for these parents. They aren't just looking for a trophy; they’re looking for a TikTok deal.
What Happened to Abby Lee Miller?
You can’t talk about a dance moms new show without the woman who started it all. Abby has been vocal on her podcast, Leave It On The Dance Floor, about her feelings on the reboot.
📖 Related: Death Wish II: Why This Sleazy Sequel Still Triggers People Today
Short version: She’s not a fan.
She’s claimed that the producers "stole" her format and that the new kids don't have the "it factor" her original girls had. Despite the shade, Abby has been busy with her own projects like Mad House, though it hasn't quite captured the mainstream lightning that the Hulu reboot has.
There’s a clear divide in the fandom now. You’re either a "Miller Loyalist" who misses the insults and the pyramid, or you’re a "New Era" fan who actually wants to see some decent choreography without the federal prison storylines.
How to Watch and What to Expect
If you're looking to binge, here’s the current breakdown:
- Hulu/Disney+: This is where the main action is. All episodes of A New Era Season 1 and Season 2 are currently streaming.
- Lifetime: They still air "Legacy" marathons, but they also picked up the linear rights to the new show for those who still have cable.
- The "Project X" Era: Keep an eye out for the transition in the later episodes of the second season—it’s where the show stops being a reboot and starts being its own weird, fascinating thing.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re diving into the new series, don't go in looking for the next JoJo Siwa. These kids are "Competition Kids" first and "TV Stars" second.
- Watch the technicals: The choreography by Glo and Kaeli is actually much more current than the "lyrical-dominant" routines Abby used to cycle through.
- Look for the cracks: The most interesting parts of the new show aren't the choreographed fights in the gallery, but the moments when the moms realize their kids might actually be better off without the cameras.
- Follow the transition: Pay close attention to the move from Studio Bleu to Project X; it reveals a lot about how these "famous" studios actually operate behind the scenes.
Whether you love the mess or just want to see some incredible 11-year-olds do triple pirouettes, the dance moms new show has officially proven that the franchise doesn't need a single "matriarch" to survive. It just needs a lot of hairspray, some overbearing parents, and a dream of winning first place in a high school auditorium in New Jersey.
Next Steps for the Fandom:
To stay ahead of the curve, check out Bryan Stinson's social media for casting calls—rumor has it Season 3 is looking for "established" rivalries from the West Coast. Also, if you’re curious about the technical side, Glo Hampton often posts the full, unedited competition versions of the dances on YouTube, which are much better than the choppy "TV edits" you see on Hulu.