MGM+ has picked up Zak Penn’s “Beacon 23” after the series’ fate was left to speculation last year due to the shutdown of Spectrum Originals in 2022.
The sci-fi series is scheduled to premiere globally on Nov. 12 on the streamer.
Originally announced as a Spectrum-AMC Networks joint production, the series was left hanging in the balance after Charter unveiled its plans to slowly transition out of scripted programming, which started with the closure of Spectrum Originals last year. Spectrum renewed the series for a second season ahead of the Season 1 premiere in Aug. 2022.
Created and executive produced by Penn, starring Lena Headey and Stephan James, the sci-fi thriller is said to follow Aster (Headey), a government agent, and Halan (James), a stoic ex-military man, who cross paths when they end up trapped together inside one of the many Beacons in outer space that serve as a lighthouse for intergalactic travelers. “Every Beacon is run by one highly trained human and a specialized Artificial Intelligence. Aster mysteriously finds her way to the lonely Beacon-keeper Halan, and a tense battle of wills unfolds. Halan begins to question whether Aster is friend or foe, as her ability to disguise her agenda and motives could make her a formidable opponent,” the description reads.
“’Beacon 23′ is a series in the best tradition of thought-provoking genre storytelling,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “With the incredible vision of Zak Penn and Glen Mazzara, riveting performances by Lena Headey and Stephan James, and an exciting world-building design, ‘Beacon 23’ is essential viewing for fans of premium science-fiction drama.”
In addition to Penn, Mazzara served as executive producers alongside 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, Headey, and James. Boat Rocker Media produces the series and oversees global distribution and licensing.
“We’re delighted to bring ‘Beacon 23′ to MGM+ and introduce viewers to a world in the dark recesses of space where nothing is quite what it seems,” said Fortier and Schneeberg, co-executive chairmen of Boat Rocker Media and co-chairmen of Boat Rocker Studios. “’Beacon 23’ is a rare psychological thriller whose rich characters and gripping storylines take you to some pretty unexpected places. We’re grateful to our creative partners for helping bring this epic story to life.”
