Beacon 23
A psychological thriller set on a space lighthouse.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Beacon 23 is an American science fiction psychological thriller television series developed by Zak Penn, adapted from Hugh Howey's short story collection of the same name. The show features Lena Headey and Stephan James in leading roles and was produced jointly by Spectrum and Boat Rocker Media. Originally ordered by Spectrum Originals and AMC Networks, it first aired on MGM+ in the United States on November 12, 2023. A second season followed on April 7, 2024, before the series was canceled in September 2024.
Set in the 23rd century, the story unfolds on a remote space lighthouse at the edge of the known universe. The plot centers on Aster and Halan, whose lives become intertwined after they end up trapped together in this isolated outpost. Aster arrives mysteriously at the beacon keeper's station, sparking a tense psychological struggle as Halan questions whether she is an ally or an enemy, given her skill at concealing her true intentions.
The cast includes Lena Headey as Aster Calyx, Stephan James as Halan Kai Nelson, Natasha Mumba as Harmony, Wade Bogert-O'Brien as Bart, Stephen Root as Solomon, Barbara Hershey as Sophie, Eric Lange as Milan/Aleph, Marc Menchaca as Keir, Jess Salgueiro as Saldana, Daniel Malik as Finch, Marnie McPhail as Kanadey, Carolina Bartczak as Dr. Ree Avalon, Cyrus Faird as Tech Wrecker, Tara Rosling as Randall, Sandrine Holt as Coley, A.J. Simmons as Farut, Sydney Meyer as Grisha, Matilda Legault as Parsim, and Ellen Wong as Iris.
The series was first announced in 2018. Lena Headey was cast as the lead in March 2021, with Stephan James joining as co-star in September 2021. Before its premiere, a second season was ordered, and both seasons were filmed back-to-back. Due to Zak Penn's scheduling conflicts, Glen Mazzara and Joy Blake took over as co-showrunners after the first season. Principal photography was initially planned for Toronto in 2021 but began on April 19, 2022, after delays. Daniel Percival directed the pilot. Production on season one wrapped in November 2022, but work continued concurrently with season two. In July 2023, author Hugh Howey confirmed both seasons had been filmed and were in post-production.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 55% approval rating based on 11 critic reviews, with an average score of 5.5 out of 10. The critical consensus notes that *Beacon 23* offers inventive world-building but lac
- Creator
- Zak Penn
- Based on
- Short stories by Hugh Howey
- Starring
- Lena Headey, Stephan James
- Network
- MGM+
- Premiere
- November 12, 2023
- Cancellation
- September 2024
- Seasons
- 2
Lore & Background
Set in the 23rd century, Beacon 23 takes place on a remote 'lighthouse' in space. The series follows Aster and Halan, two people whose fates become entangled after they find themselves trapped together at the end of the known universe. Aster mysteriously finds her way to a lonely beacon keeper, on his lighthouse in the darkest recesses of space. A tense battle of wills unfolds as Halan begins to wonder if Aster is friend or foe as her ability to disguise her agenda and motives could make her a formidable opponent.
Initial development of the series was announced in 2018. In March 2021, Lena Headey was named as the series lead, and in September 2021, Stephan James was named as the co-star. Prior to its initial broadcast, it was announced that the series would be picked up for a second season. It was also reported that season one and two would film back-to-back and that Glen Mazzara and Joy Blake would take over as co-showrunners after season one because of scheduling issues for Zak Penn.
Principal photography was initially scheduled to begin in Toronto in 2021. After a series of delays, it finally began on April 19, 2022. The pilot episode was directed by Daniel Percival. Production on the first season finished in November 2022, but the series stayed in production concurrent with the filming of the second season. On July 2, 2023, the author of the adaptation's source material, Hugh Howey, confirmed that two seasons had been filmed and were in post-production.
Reader's Guide
Beacon 23 represents a notable entry in the science fiction psychological thriller genre, adapted from Hugh Howey's short stories. Its significance lies in its production history: originally greenlit by Spectrum Originals and AMC Networks, it ultimately premiered on MGM+ in November 2023, with a second season following in April 2024. The series was cancelled in September 2024 after two seasons. Critical reception was mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 55% approval rating based on 11 critic reviews, noting 'clever world-building flourishes while light on character depth.' The series is also notable for its back-to-back filming of both seasons and the showrunner change after season one. Its legacy is as a short-lived but ambitious space-set drama starring established actors Lena Headey and Stephan James.
Did You Know?
- The series is based on a series of short stories of the same name by Hugh Howey.
- Lena Headey was named as the series lead in March 2021.
- The first and second seasons were filmed back-to-back.
- The series was cancelled in September 2024 after two seasons.
More in Television series set in the 23rd century 1-20
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