Moonhaven delivered a unique and promising sci-fi series that was cut short by AMC, but a push from fans could potentially keep it going.
What Is It?
Moonhaven takes place on a Utopian colony on the surface of the Moon that may be essential to the survival of the human race. It has a powerful artificial intelligence system designed to find solutions for Earth’s problems and that works closely with the people of this community. But as the first group of the new generation of settlers is on the verge of heading to Earth, a murder occurs, revealing a darker side to this paradise.
Aired: AMC+, 2022, 1 Season Totaling 6 Episodes
Starring: Emma McDonald, Dominic Monaghan, Amara Karan, Ayelet Zurer, Joe Manganiello, and Kadeem Hardison
Created By: Peter Ocko
Why Was It Cancelled?
This series arrived in the summer of 2022 with very little fanfare but still managed to find a notable audience. It was a very unique show and somewhat of a slow burn, but those who stuck with it through its six-episode first season found it to be an enjoyable sci-fi entry. It did receive some promotion and managed to build up a decent audience, becoming the most-watched exclusive original on AMC+ at that time (though the streamer never shared the actual viewing numbers). It received a second-season renewal and looked like it could turn into a sleeper genre series until corporate shenanigans got in the way.
In Fall of 2022, AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade stepped down from her position, and it was announced that the company would be going through extensive cost-cutting measures. As part of that, the second season of Moonhaven was axed due to what was referred to as “strategic programming assessments”. Basically, the company was feeling the pain of the Peak TV Crunch (more on that at this link) and decided to make some deep cuts. Not only were plans for the second season of Moonhaven cancelled, but the show was removed from streaming by the end of the year. Another casualty was the Anime series Pantheon, which had released its first season that Fall, and the second season was already completed. Both were promising sci-fi entries for the streaming service, and both were cut short too soon.
Can It Be Saved?
There was no word on Moonhaven getting shopped around after the cancellation, and since it is an AMC Studios production, they may not have put much energy into finding it a new home. If it were owned by another production company, they would likely have more control over moving the show depending on the licensing agreement. But AMC went the write-down route (more on that at this link) by killing the show and reducing the cost from its tax burden for the year. If it sells the property to another venue, it may have to reverse that, so the company is probably fine with leaving the show as another one-and-done casualty of Peak TV.
Fans did make some noise to save the show, and there is still a possibility that a resumed Call to Action could lead to that promised second season. Another venue could take a flyer on the property and purchase it from AMC, though I am guessing that would not be cheap. But if series creator Peter Ocko and/or one or more of the cast members were to get behind fan efforts, that may help with the revival efforts. The cast and crew have since gone on to other things, but it is only a little over a year since the first season ended, and there is still a chance to bring them back together. It would take a pretty strong effort from fans, and the clock is certainly ticking on this, but there is a possibility the show could return at some point. A campaign to purchase the first season on physical media and VOD (see below) might be a good place to start, as that goes right to the bottom line and should draw the interest of AMC execs.
Where Can You Watch It?
As mentioned above, AMC+ removed the show from streaming, so it is no longer available from that service. It did receive both a Blu-ray and DVD release, and it is available to purchase VOD from providers like Amazon.com.
Did you watch Moonhaven, and will you support fan efforts to save the show?
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I watched an episode or two. I was unimpressed. A friend of mine said: Hippies in Space. 🙂 With that said, after the run had ended, I had seen some positive comments for it, and I do plan to watch all 6 episodes someday.
I almost bailed after the second episode. Decided to stick it out and the show really came together from that point on.