The first season premiered on HBO Max in March 2022 and was renewed for a second season two months later. The streamer rolled back a season two renewal in December while the comedy series was in its final week of production. The cancellation was part of a larger programming purge at Warner Media Discovery following the company's April 2022 merger as part of cost-cutting tax write-offs.
With Starz's pick-up of both seasons of the Lionsgate television series, season one will be part of the network's library and season two will be a Starz series exclusive. According to sources, Starz pursued Minx when it became available and stepped forward to pick it up.
“We have always felt this show would be a perfect fit for our brand with our dedication to narratives by, about, and for women,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO for Starz. “Starz is proud to be the new home for this incredible show that has drawn in well-deserved critical acclaim. We’re excited to welcome Ellen and the talented ‘Minx’ team to the network and can’t wait to bring its passionate fans the second season.”
Media companies use their own networks to pick up valuable series after being canceled by a third party. The Universal Television-produced Magnum, P.I. is a recent example; it was saved by NBC following the series' cancellation by CBS. Lionsgate is splitting up Starz and the movie/television studio later this year.
Set in 1970s Los Angeles, Minx revolves around Joyce (Lovibond), a serious young feminist who joins forces with a low-cost publisher (Johnson) to create the first erotic magazine for women.
The series also stars Idara Victor, Jessica Lowe, Lennon Parham, Michael Angarano and Oscar Montoya.
Minx has been well received, landing on a bunch of Best Series lists for 2022 and earning the second highest Rotten Tomatoes score for a Max Original comedy, behind only Hacks.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Starz family, and for the opportunity to introduce Minx to a brand new audience, said Ellen Rapoport, Minx creator, showrunner, and executive producer. “We’ve found the perfect home. Our writers, cast, and crew have created something truly special in Season 2, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Fellow EP Paul Feig added, “We are so proud of our beloved Minx and are thrilled that it has a wonderful new home on Starz. That audiences will be able to watch Ellen and our cast’s amazing new season two as well as rewatch or discover season one for the first time has us jumping for joy and thanking our lucky Starz.”
Minx was created by Rapoport, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Feig and Dan Magnante for Feigco Entertainment, Ben Karlin and Rachel Lee Goldenberg, who also directed the pilot. Johnson serves as a co-executive producer. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television.
