Shining Vale Finds New Streaming Home on Max After Starz Cancellation

The horror-comedy series Shining Vale, starring Courteney Cox and Greg Kinnear, has found a new streaming home on Max after being canceled and removed from Starz in December 2023. The show, which premiered in March 2022, follows a dysfunctional family haunted by supernatural forces in their new Connecticut home. Despite its cancellation, the series has been revived on Max, where it quickly climbed to the platform’s top three most-watched titles within 24 hours of its release.

Shining Vale was co-created by Jeff Astrof and Sharon Horgan and produced by Warner Bros. Television. The show’s move to Max is attributed to its Warner Bros. connection, as both the studio and the streaming platform are owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The series had been unavailable for streaming since its removal from Starz, though it remained accessible for purchase on video-on-demand platforms.

The first season of Shining Vale introduces Pat Phelps (Cox), a struggling author who moves with her family to a Victorian mansion in an attempt to save her marriage. The family soon encounters paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena. Season 2 delves deeper into Pat’s mental health struggles and the family’s ongoing battle with supernatural forces.

The series also features a strong supporting cast, including Mira Sorvino, Gus Birney, Merrin Dungey, and Dylan Gage. Despite its critical acclaim, with a 71% critics’ score and an 84% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the show was canceled after two seasons. Its revival on Max offers a second chance for the series to connect with audiences.

Max’s acquisition of Shining Vale comes amid a broader trend of streaming platforms removing underperforming content. In 2022, Max made headlines for removing dozens of titles, including Generation and Mrs. Fletcher, as part of a cost-cutting strategy. Similarly, Disney+ and Paramount+ have also axed shows like Willow and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

While Shining Vale has found a new home, its future on Max remains uncertain. The platform has a history of canceling or removing original content, even after acquisition. However, the show’s placement alongside other Max horror-comedy titles like Los Espookys and Velma could help it find a dedicated audience.