MGM Plus to Debut Sci-Fi Series ‘Beacon 23’ in November

Stephan James and Lena Headey in MGM Plus' 'Beacon 23'
Stephan James and Lena Headey in MGM Plus’s ‘Beacon 23’ (Image credit: MGM Plus)

MGM Plus in November will debut sci-fi series Beacon 23, based on the bestselling book by Hugh Howey. 

The eight-episode series, which was originally greenlit by Spectrum Originals before the division shut down in 2022, stars Lena Headey and Stephan James, and follows two strangers whose fates become entangled after they find themselves trapped together inside one of many Beacons that serve as a lighthouse for intergalactic travelers, according to the network.

Beacon 23 is executive produced by 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.

Beacon 23 is a series in the best tradition of thought-provoking genre storytelling,” MGM Plus head Michael Wright said. “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.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.