Courteney Cox starrer Shining Vale returns on Max after initially being cancelled by Starz

Shining Vale has found a new streaming platform! Originally aired on Starz, this horror-comedy series was co-created by Jeff Astrof and Sharon Horgan. Courteney Cox, popularly known for her performances in Friends and Scream, plays an author, Pat, who moves with her family to a new home, only to be haunted by supernatural forces.

Despite its popularity, the show was canceled less than three weeks after its Season 2 finale and removed from the Starz streaming service entirely.

The series originally aired on Starz and gained attention for its quirky mix of scares and laughs. It tells the story of the Phelps family, who leave their Brooklyn home to start fresh in a Victorian mansion in Connecticut.

Unfortunately, their new home has a dark past, it was once an asylum for women, and strange events begin to affect Pat. She starts questioning whether she is depressed or possessed, as the symptoms feel the same.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

Details about ***Shining Vale*'s cancellation explored**

Shining Vale aired two seasons before Starz canceled it shortly after the second season’s finale. By the end of 2023, Starz also removed the show from its streaming service entirely. For over a year, it wasn’t available to stream anywhere, though fans could rent or buy it on-demand.

The show’s revival on Max comes as a result of its co-production by Warner Bros. Television Studios, which shares ownership with Max under Warner Bros. Discovery. This move brings Shining Vale back to streaming, much to the delight of its fans.

While Shining Vale is now available on Max, this doesn’t guarantee a third season. Warner Bros. Discovery has a history of removing shows that underperform, even from their streaming service. In 2022, Max removed several titles like Generation and Mrs. Fletcher as part of a new content strategy.

In some cases, even completed projects like the Batgirl movie were canceled for tax purposes, raising concerns among fans about the longevity of shows like Shining Vale on the platform.

Courteney Cox’s performance as Pat Phelps was a highlight, balancing her character’s humor and vulnerability. The show explored themes like mental health, family dynamics, and personal struggles, all with a supernatural twist. Its blend of satire and suspense gave it a fresh appeal.

The second season delved deeper into Pat’s story, including her time in a psychiatric hospital after a disturbing turn of events. This added layers to the character and kept viewers hooked.

Alongside Cox, the show featured an impressive cast, which include:

Greg Kinnear as Terry Phelps, Pat’s husband trying to save their marriage.
Gus Birney and Dylan Gage as their children, Gaynor and Jake.
Mira Sorvino in multiple roles, adding a mysterious edge to the series.

The supporting cast included familiar faces like Sherilyn Fenn, Judith Light, and Alysia Reiner, who brought depth to the story.

Shining Vale may not have a confirmed future, but its move to Max gives both old and new fans a chance to enjoy this unique horror-comedy. Whether it’s the creepy house, the sharp humor, or Cox’s stellar performance, the show has something for everyone.