Summary

  • MGM+ has officially renewed Beacon 23 for a second season despite mixed reviews from critics.
  • The fate of the core cast for season 2 is unclear, but Lena Headey and Stephan James are expected to return.
  • Season 2 of Beacon 23 has a lot to work with, including Aster's survival, the mystery of the artifact, and the relationship between Aster and Halan.

MGM+ has officially green-lit Beacon 23 for a second season, and there are already plenty of exciting updates about the episodes. Based on the eponymous short story series by Hugh Howey, the science fiction show is set on a remote lighthouse at the edge of space, and tells of the tense and thrilling struggle between the mysterious Aster (Lena Headey) and beacon-keeper Halan (Stephan James). With its stripped-down premise, Beacon 23 accentuates the psychological thriller elements of its story while also delivering a fair amount of science fiction excitement as well.

The Zak Penn-developed series was met with somewhat middling reviews from critics during its eight-episode first season, with many pointing out the shallowness of the characters (via Rotten Tomatoes). On the other hand, the tremendous world-building of the first season has opened the door for even more intrigue in future episodes, and actors like Lena Headey bring a certain amount of prestige to the fledgling project. MGM+ clearly has faith in its latest sci-fi opus, and Beacon 23 will return for more episodes in the near future.

Stream On MGM+

Beacon 23 Season 2 Latest News

Season 2 Receives A Trailer & Release Date

Lena Headey in Beacon 23 looking worried while staring at a monitor

Not long after the series was picked up for an additional season, the latest news sees a trailer for Beacon 23 season 2 revealed that also drops the release date as well. The one-minute teaser hints at a larger conflict on the horizon as the Beacon is attacked by military forces, but without leaving out any of the mind-bending science fiction that made season 1 so interesting. The teaser ends by revealing that Beacon 23 season 2 is slated to premiere on April 7.

Beacon 23 Season 2 Release Date

The Heady Sci-Fi Series Returns In April

Beacon 23 season 2 Stephen James looking stoic

Even though season 1 of Beacon 23 went off the air in December 2023, the Zak Penn sci-fi epic is returning on April 7, 2024. This quick turnaround time suggests that season 2 was already in the works before it was renewed, and it could ensure continuity for the series' fanbase.

Beacon 23 season 2 will consist of 8 episodes.

Beacon 23 Season 2 Cast

Who Is Coming Back For Season 2?

aster & halan in beacon 23

Though the entire cast has not been revealed yet, the teaser trailer did reveal the returns of several notable characters from season 1. Lena Headey's Aster Calyx was left in a precarious position in season 1's cliffhanger, but she will be back in some capacity for the second outing. Likewise, Headey's co-star Stephan James is reprising his role as the stoic Halan Kai Nelson, since his character's importance to the artifact has yet to be full revealed.

Other potential returning cast include:

Actor

Beacon 23 Role

Wade Bogert-O'Brien

Arty

Natasha Mumba

Harmony

Stephen Root

Solomon

Eric Lange

Milan

Jess Salgueiro

Saldana

Daniel Malik

Finch

Ellen Wong

Iris

Marc Menchaca

Keir

Beacon 23 Season 2 Story

Will The Artifact's True Purpose Be Revealed?

Lena Heady and Stephan James in Beacon 23 wearing matching uniforms

The finale of Beacon 23 season 1 was a tailor-made cliffhanger to set up more episodes, and season 2 has a lot to work with. Though it seems as if Aster will die before she ever learns what the artifact has been calling her for, she will likely survive Keir's shocking bullet and somehow make it to the next season. The circumstances of Aster's survival will also probably serve as the basis for the next chapter of the story, especially when it comes to her relationship with Halan.

The big mystery hanging over the entire story is Aster's mysterious connection to the artifact, and season 2 could either keep that mystery alive or crack the entire universe wide open with twists and revelations. Only time will tell if Beacon 23 season 2 will answer any of the prolonged questions, but season 1 left a lot to be resolved once the second season rolls around.

Beacon 23 Season 2 Trailer

The First Look At Season 2

Halan holds his coffee mug while looking surprised in Beacon 23 season 1

The MGM+ original series is practically rushing back to the air after the conclusion of season 1, and the first trailer for Beacon 23 season 2 promises an even more explosive second act. In the aftermath of the season 1 ending, Halan is left shaken and beginning to feel isolated on the Beacon. Meanwhile, new Beacon keepers arrive to assist him, but they are immediately plunged into violent conflict with military forces. Finally, the trailer hints at Halan's continued connection with the artifact, and Beacon 23 season 2 could be more mind-bending and action-packed than its predecessor.