Beacon 23 renewed for season 2 at MGM+

MGM+’s science fiction series Beacon 23 is returning for a second season!

Beacon 23 is a new sci-fi show that began airing this fall, based on a novel of the same name by Silo author Hugh Howey. Starring Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) as Aster and Stephan James (Homecoming) as Halan, the series explores themes of isolation on the human psyche with tightly contained stories set upon the titular beacon, a deep space lighthouse with a reliance on a dangerous AI.

The show’s first season ended its run this weekend with a two-episode finale that left the fate of Headey’s character Aster in question. With that cliffhanger looming over us, MGM+ has made the swift move to let fans know that Beacon 23 will be returning for season 2 — and sooner than expected. Season 2 will premiere on MGM+ in April 2024.

“The creative team behind Beacon 23 has masterfully brought Hugh Howey’s best-selling book to life, and we’re excited for fans to continue this journey into Beacon 23’s universe of suspense, emotion, and unforeseen twists,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+, in a press release.

Beacon 23 has a solid team behind it. In addition to Howey’s source material, the television show was created by Zak Penn (Ready Player One, Free Guy). Season 2 will see executive producer Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead) step up to serve as co-showrunner, along with Joy Blake (The Passage, Ghost Whisperer). Production company Boat Rocker will continue to produce the series into its second season.

“We’re thrilled that Beacon 23 has found a loyal audience on MGM+ and look forward to sharing more episodes with fans in 2024,” said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, Co-Executive Chairmen, Boat Rocker Media and Co-Chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios. “Thank you to our dedicated creative partners, the wonderful team at MGM+, and the talented cast and crew for helping deliver what is sure to be an unforgettable season of television.”

“Beacon 23’s Season Two ups the game: more action, more mysteries, more twists, and exciting new characters,” said Glen Mazzara. “It’s a thrill ride. I can’t wait for the audience to see it.”

“I’m so grateful to MGM+ for continuing the story of Beacon 23. What an incredible opportunity for us to tell the stories of such unexpected characters whose lives are inextricably linked by a place that few understand, and none can ever leave,” said Joy Blake.

Beacon 23 season 2 has already been filmed

This is great news for those who enjoyed Beacon 23. It doesn’t come as a total surprise though. Back when we spoke with Glen Mazzara about season 1, he revealed that the show’s second season had actually already filmed, though it hadn’t officially been renewed by that point. This is likely because Beacon 23 began life as a series for Spectrum Originals in collaboration with AMC Networks. Spectrum Originals shuttered this year, and AMC decided to cut back on some of its original content, which led to Beacon 23 being picked up by MGM+ in September, 2023, only a few months ahead of its November premiere date. Season 2 had most likely already filmed by that point.

Intriguingly, the press release announcing the renewal doesn’t list Headey among the returning cast. Season 2 will feature Stephan James, Natasha Mumba (The Last of Us) and Ellen Wong (GLOW). The first season made ample use of guest stars, so perhaps Headey could reappear in that capacity?

We’ll find out when Beacon 23 begins airing its eight-episode second season in April 2024.

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