The CBS All Access revival of The Twilight Zone has been given an early season 2 renewal. The series returns to television as part of an interesting trifecta that combines the recent popularity of the anthology format, the continued interest of networks in bringing back and in some cases re-packaging pre-existing IP, and the critical and box office success of Academy Award winning filmmaker Jordan Peele. Those three elements combined to bring the classic sci-fi-tinged series back for yet another go-round, following several TV reboots and a feature film.
The new series benefits not only from touting Peele’s influence (he also fills in for Rod Serling as the narrator this time), as well as that of X-Men scribe Simon Kinberg, but also from an impressive cast that has so far featured Kumail Nanjiani, Adam Scott, Sanaa Lathan, Steven Yeun, and most recently, John Cho, in the episode titled ‘The Wunderkind’. The series has also included some notable talent behind the camera, with Greg Yaitanes (Quarry), Ana Lily Amirpour (The Bad Batch), and Richard Shepard (Tokyo Project) directing. And though the series has received mixed reviews so far, CBS All Access is confident enough in the anthology to green light a second season halfway through the first.
As reported by TVLine, the network reports that The Twilight Zone is a hit, as its premiere was the biggest in CBS All Access history. Moreover, Julie McNamara, executive vice president of original contact at CBS All Access, stated that the network was eager to see more of the show’s “socially conscious storytelling,” as it moves forward into season 2.
“Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg’s reimagining of The Twilight Zone is off to an amazing start on CBS All Access, driving the most viewers on its premiere day for an original series to date. Jordan, Simon, the creative team and cast have done a phenomenal job translating the series’ legacy of socially conscious storytelling for modern-day audiences. They are master storytellers, and we look forward to bringing fans further into The Twilight Zone with a second season.”
The series still has five episodes left in its initial run, with appearances by Taisa Farmiga (American Horror Story), Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2), Chris O’Dowd (Get Shorty) and more. Given how readily stars came on board for this new iteration of the series, it will be interesting to see if The Twilight Zone can attract the same caliber of talent, and perhaps improve its critical reception when it returns for season 2.
The Twilight Zone continues this Thursday with ‘Six Degrees of Freedom’ on CBS All Access.
Source: TVLine