Elle was renewed before it even premiered – but not everyone is coming back in season 2.
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Based on Amanda Brown‘s novel, the 2001 movie Legally Blonde introduced Us to Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a sorority girl who attempted to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner (Matthew Davis) by getting a degree at Harvard Law School. Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Victor Garber and Jennifer Coolidge rounded out the cast, with a second movie following two years later.
With Lexi Minetree taking on the role as teen Elle, the series stars June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott as Elle’s parents. Chandler Kinney, Gabrielle Policano and Jacob Moskovitz were also announced as series regulars alongside Zac Looker, Amy Pietz and more. (James Van Der Beek also joined the cast for what would become his final TV role before his death. He died in February 2026 at the age of 48.)
Before season 1 premiered, the cast hinted to Us Weekly who would be returning – and who might not.
“Most faces you’ll see in season 2,” showrunner Caroline Dries exclusively teased.
Jessica Belkin, who plays Elle’s Los Angeles friend Madison, hinted that she would still be on the show despite pulling double duty with Fox’s Baywatch.
“I definitely am back in season 2. There’s more to Madison’s story,” she teased. “We just wrapped and before we got back into it, the entire cast had a little movie watch binge night together and we watched the full season together, which was super special.”
She continued: “I had a quick reminder of like, ‘Oh, that’s Madison. She’s spunky. She’s feisty. She gives the best advice.’ I hope that everyone loves Madison in season 1 because she’ll be back.”
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Danielle Chand, meanwhile, isn’t expected to reprise her role as Shannon – yet. While speaking with Us, Chand didn’t rule out a potential return after Shannon left Seattle at the end of season 1.
“I’ve made story lines in my head [of how she can return],” Chand added. “My hope for Shannon is that she is just hanging out with all of our friends. If there’s a graduation or like something that involves Kimberly, I would love Shannon just to keep popping in.”
Keep scrolling for a full guide of who is and isn’t returning for season 2:
There is no Elle without Elle Woods so Minetree will obviously be featured in season 2.
Raphael is reprising the role of Eva when Elle is back on Prime Video.
Wyatt has a lot to figure out about his marriage in season 2.
Moskovitz is returning in the sophomore season of the show after introducing Us to Miles.
Liz’s story is still front and center when Elle returns.
Kinney is back as Kimberly in season 2.
Elle’s love triangle with Miles and Dustin will remain central on the show.
Pietz is expected to be back as Donna a.k.a. Liz’s mother.
Season 2 will introduce Ramakrishnan in an important – but mysterious for now – role.
Despite being busy with Fox’s Baywatch revival, Belkin confirmed exclusively to Us that she filmed scenes as Madison for season 2.
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Chand has hinted that she isn’t back – at least in season 2 – as Shannon.
The actor died in February 2026 after filming season 1 of the show.
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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 7:46 AM.