From Beverly Hills to Seattle: How ‘Elle’ reimagines Elle Woods at 16

Prime Video’s Elle brings the world of Legally Blonde back to TV, this time as a 1990s high school prequel centered on a teenage Elle Woods. Played by Lexi Minetree, Elle goes from being a popular Beverly Hills girl to an outsider in Seattle after her dad’s bad business deal forces the family to move. The show uses that culture clash to set the tone — swapping California sunshine for grunge, rain, and a very different kind of high school.

The series leans heavily into style. Critics have praised the performances, particularly Minetree, June Diane Raphael as Elle’s mom Eva, and Tom Everett Scott. There’s no laugh track, and the acting has been called “really, really good” for the genre. Raphael’s Eva stands out in a subplot where she helps a mayoral candidate with image consulting, delivering sharp critiques with a smile. The show also includes plot twists and small nods to Elle’s future law career that fans of the original film will catch.

But as a strict prequel, Elle faces criticism for consistency. Reviews point to “diminishing returns” when it comes to character and canon. Some plot choices show Elle developing traits that don’t match who she is in Legally Blonde, only to have her seemingly regress later. Others flagged anachronisms — costumes that feel more mid-2010s than 1995, and a student body that lacks the variety of the era. One review summed it up as “fine”: not terrible, but not doing much to further the character Reese Witherspoon made famous.

Despite the mixed reception, Prime Video has renewed Elle for Season 2, with filming already completed. The first season ends with Elle landing a Cosmopolitan internship that could take her back to Los Angeles, teeing up the next chapter.

The overall take: Elle works best as a bright, pink, 90s teen dramedy with heart. If you can overlook the canon nitpicks, there’s enough charm — and enough Lexi Minetree — to make it an easy summer binge.