Starz stepped in last January to save Minx, starring Ophelia Lovibond and Johnson, after the series was canceled by HBO Max as part of tax write-offs while production on season two wrapped.
The premium network, which is in the process of cutting ties with owner Lionsgate, has picked up both the first season and the unaired second season of Minx, which is produced by Lionsgate Television. Both seasons will continue to stream on the Starz app and all major platforms.
Johnson, who had cut his hair short in anticipation of the expected cancellation, referenced Minx's initial cancellation in conversation and the challenges the series faced when its second season launched just days after the SAG-AFTRA strike and the cast was unable to promote the series.
“I think the move to Starz, I think HBO kind of doing their HBO thing, or HBO Max, whatever it’s called now, I think that was brutal for [the show],” he said. “Then, I think the strike coming out right as we were trying to promote it…My guess is you can’t beat something up that many times and keep going.”
The official decision on Minx follows Starz's canceled series Shining Vale after two seasons last month, with the horror-comedy starring Courteney Cox also being removed from the network's digital platforms.
Shining Vale and Minx were Starz's last remaining comedy series, with the ending marking a comedy retreat.
As revealed last month, sources say Starz executives have complained in private conversations with producers that comedy doesn't work on the network.
Starz has about a half dozen upcoming scripted series, all drama series. Sources within the network have emphasized that the network is not retreating from the comedy business and may in the future develop half-hour projects aimed at Starz's target audience of women and underrepresented communities.
Created by Ellen Rapoport, who also served as showrunner, Minx has been well-reviewed and praised for its story that celebrates sexuality, inclusion and the female gaze.
Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the comedy centers on Joyce (Lovibond), a serious young feminist who joins forces with a low-budget 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.
Rapoport co-produced with Paul Feig and Dan Magnante for Feigco Entertainment, Ben Karlin and Rachel Lee Goldenberg, who also directed the pilot. Johnson served as co-executive producer.
