HBO Comedy Saved From Cancellation By Another Network
The now-canceled HBO show, Minx, has been revived by STARZ.
Comedy series Minx has found a new home at Starz after being canceled by HBO Max. The premium cable network will now own the rights to the first and second seasons of the show. Its debut 10-episode outing was released in March 2022. Production was almost completed on season two before the streaming giant scrapped it.
The move makes perfect sense since Minx is produced by Lionsgate, which is the parent company of the cable network. Speaking about the acquisition, Starz President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch said the series is a perfect fit for its female-forward brand. “Starz is proud to be the new home for this incredible show that has drawn well-deserved critical acclaim,” he told Variety.
He added that the network is excited to welcome the Minx team and can’t wait to bring its passionate fans to the second season. Created and written by Ellen Rapoport, Minx is set in the 1970s. The story follows Joyce, a young feminist who joins forces with a low-rent publisher named Doug to create an erotic magazine for women.
Through this unlikely alliance, the Los Angeles-based characters discover meaningful relationships in the strangest places. Minx stars Ophelia Lovibond and Jake Johnson as Joyce Prigger and Doug Renetti respectively. Idara Victor, Jessica Lowe, Lennon Parham, Michael Angarano, and Oscar Montoya also star. Elizabeth Perkins joins the show for the second season.
Following the release of the first season, Minx received positive reviews from viewers and critics. It currently holds a rating of 97 percent on review aggregator, Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s consensus describes the rapport between Ophelia and Jake as the irresistible centerfold of the show. It also praised its bawdy and sharp comedy.
But despite its success, the comedy was still dropped by HBO Max. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Minx wasn’t the only casualty at the streamer. The show was one of many that Warner Bros. Discovery chose to ditch across its streaming and linear channels. The move is part of a major cost-saving effort after the merger.
Still, series creator Ellen Rapoport is excited about the Minx move and is absolutely thrilled to be joining the Starz family. “We’ve found the perfect home,” she told Variety. “Our writers, cast, and crew have created something truly special in season two and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.” The team is also excited to introduce the series to a brand-new audience.
Executive producer, Paul Feige, also shared his enthusiasm about its new network. “We are so proud of our beloved Minx and are thrilled that it has a wonderful new home on Starz,” he told the publication. He added that audiences will finally be able to watch the amazing new season that Ellen and the cast created.
A fresh audience will be treated to a brand-new show, while long-time Minx fans can re-watch the first season before the second outing airs. Along with Rapoport and Feig, the series is also produced by Dan Magnante via Feigo Entertainment. Rachel Lee Goldenberg, who directed the pilot, also executive produces with Ben Karlin.
Series star, Jake Johnson, serves as a co-executive producer, while Minx is primarily produced by Lionsgate Television, Variety reports.
