Beacon 23 will finally get a chance to be seen, thanks to MGM+.
MGM+ has acquired the rights to “Beacon 23,” the sci-fi drama starring Stephan James and Lena Headey. This move follows the uncertainty surrounding the series due to the closure of Spectrum Originals in 2022.
The eight-episode series based on Hugh Howey’s book of the same name will launch exclusively on MGM+, Nov. 12 at 9 p.m. with its first two episodes.
Initially announced as a collaboration between Spectrum and AMC Networks, the show faced uncertainty when Charter revealed its plans to phase out scripted programming, leading to the closure of Spectrum Originals. Despite this, Spectrum renewed the series for a second season even before the first season premiered in August 2022.
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Created by Zak Penn, Beacon 23 follows Aster (Headey), a government agent, and Halan (James), a stoic ex-military man, who become trapped together in one of the space Beacons that serve as lighthouses for intergalactic travelers. Each Beacon is operated by a highly trained human and specialized Artificial Intelligence. As Aster mysteriously arrives at Halan’s lonely Beacon, a tense battle of wills unfolds, with Halan questioning whether Aster is friend or foe due to her ability to conceal her true agenda.
Michael Wright, head of MGM+, praised the series, stating, “‘Beacon 23’ is a series in the best tradition of thought-provoking genre storytelling.” He commended Zak Penn and Glen Mazzara for their visionary work, along with the outstanding performances of Lena Headey and Stephan James, making “Beacon 23” essential viewing for fans of premium science-fiction drama.
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The show boasts a remarkable lineup of executive producers, including Zak Penn, Glen Mazzara, David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, James Middleton, Nick Nantell, Tina Thor, Katie O’Connell Marsh, Elisa Ellis, Liz Varner, Ira Steven Behr, Daniel Percival, Joy Blake, Lena Headey, and Stephan James. Boat Rocker Media produces the series and handles global distribution and licensing.
David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, co-executive chairmen of Boat Rocker Media and co-chairmen of Boat Rocker Studios, expressed their enthusiasm for bringing “Beacon 23” to MGM+. They described it as a rare psychological thriller with compelling characters and gripping storylines that take viewers to unexpected places. They also thanked their creative partners for helping bring this epic story to life.
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