'Beacon 23' - Season 1 Episode Release Dates, Cast, Trailer

Beacon 23 Official Synopsis

Season 1 starts Sunday 12th November 2023 // Network: MGM+

"The series takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way and follows Aster, a government agent, and Halan, a stoic ex-military man, whose fates become entangled after they find themselves trapped together inside one of many Beacons that serve as a lighthouse for intergalactic travellers. 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."

Why You Should Watch 'Beacon 23'

Lena Headey (herself from Game of Thrones) stars in this high concept Sci-fi show, where she seemingly crashes into a Beacon, one of many outposts in space that guide travellers through the darkness of space. But was it an accident? What is she looking for? Why is Halan (played by Stephan James, previously in Surface) the Beacon operator, called a lighthouse keeper, so secretive? And why are there mercenaries with weapons on the station suddenly? Is it all connected?

Created by Zak Penn (who also created Syfy's Alphas, and co-wrote films such as X-Men 2 and The Avengers) and based on a story by the same author as Silo, Beacon 23 should offer lots of sci-fi space action, mystery and tension.

Who Is In 'Beacon 23'?

Emmy Award nominee Lena Headey portrays Aster Calyx, a mysterious government agent (oh... really...?), who's ship runs into trouble, leaving her stranded on Beacon 23. Which is lucky, because that's where she was going. Why she's there and what her true motives are unravel as the series progresses.

Emmy Award nominee Stephan James plays Halan Kai Nelson, the lighthouse keeper of Beacon 23, apparently. He's even more defensive and entrenched in subterfuge than his new companion. A battle of wills starts between the two, stranded in (more literally than ever) the middle of nowhere. But there seems to be a lot of people suddenly inhabiting the middle of nowhere, and the duo will have to learn to trust each other to survive.

Emmy Award nominee Stephen Root chews the scenery as Solomon, a previous lighthouse keeper. His fate forms one of the main storylines of the show, but no spoilers here. 

When Will New 'Beacon 23' Episodes Be Released On MGM+?

Episode 1 and 2 will air (hang on, there's no air in space!) on Sunday the 12th of November 2023, with a weekly schedule thereafter, until Christmas Eve. So you've got something to watch while you actively ignore the rest of your family during the festivities. Merry Christmas everyone!

Watch the Official 'Beacon 23' Trailer

Cancellation (kind of) and Renewal

After being announced in 2018, production of the show started in 2020, yet filming only started in late 2022. There was a minor pandemic in amongst that schedule, but the show has been hit with more than its fair share of delays. Originally a co-production between Spectrum and AMC, the show was left without a home when the former took tax write offs instead of monetising productions and pulled out of making original content, and the latter seemingly decided that any show without zombies was a no-go on the network. In mid 2023 it was announced that the series would move to MGM+, securing not just it's present, but also it's future. The show was pre-emptively renewed for a second season by the original production companies, and MGM+ have apparently honoured that, with Hugh Howey seemingly confirming that two seasons have already been filmed.