What Starz is and how to watch it

Starz is a streaming service owned by Lionsgate that shows movies, original series, and licensed TV shows. You watch through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device — the same way you use Netflix or Hulu. Starz has its own streaming app you read directly, or you can add it as a channel through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels if you already subscribe to those services.

The service focuses on drama series, action films, and some horror content. It produces original shows like Power, Outlander, and The Girlfriend Experience, and also carries licensed movies and older TV seasons. Starz does not include live TV or sports.

You need an internet connection to stream, and you can watch on multiple devices at the same time depending on your subscription tier. Starz offers a free trial period before you pay, though the length of that trial changes based on how you sign up.

Key Takeaways

  • Starz costs either $6.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads when you subscribe directly through the Starz app.
  • You can add Starz to an Amazon Prime Video subscription for $8.99 per month, or through Apple TV Channels at the same price.
  • The service includes original dramas and movies, plus licensed content that rotates off the platform on a schedule set by licensing agreements.
  • You can stream on multiple devices at once, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on which plan you choose.
  • Starz offers a free trial when you first sign up, but you must cancel before the trial ends or you will be charged.

Starz subscription plans and their costs

Starz offers two direct subscription options through its own app: a plan with ads for $6.99 per month, and an ad-free plan for $11.99 per month. Both plans give you the same content library — the difference is whether you see commercials during playback. The ad-supported plan shows ads at the beginning and during shows and movies, similar to basic plans on other services.

If you already have Amazon Prime Video, you can add Starz as a channel for $8.99 per month. This means you watch Starz content inside the Prime Video app rather than downloading a separate app. You still need an active Prime membership to use this option. Apple TV Channels also offers Starz for $8.99 per month if you have an Apple ID and use Apple's TV app.

Starz sometimes runs promotional pricing for new subscribers, such as discounted rates for the first few months. These offers vary by time of year and by which sign-up method you use. Check the Starz website or the app store listing before you subscribe to see what current offers are available.

What content you can watch on Starz

Starz produces original series in drama, thriller, and historical genres. Shows like Power and its spin-offs, Outlander, American Gods, and Penny Dreadful are exclusive to Starz. The service also makes original movies, though these are less frequent than the TV series output. New episodes of original shows typically release weekly during their season, not all at once.

Beyond originals, Starz carries licensed movies and TV series from other studios. This includes older films, action movies, horror content, and complete seasons of shows that aired on other networks. The licensed content changes regularly because Starz does not own the rights permanently — when a licensing agreement ends, that show or movie leaves the platform and may move to another service.

Starz does not include live sports, breaking news, or reality TV in the way that cable or broader streaming services do. The catalog skews toward scripted drama and film rather than unscripted content.

How many devices you can use at once

The number of simultaneous streams — meaning how many people can watch at the same time on different devices — depends on your subscription plan. With the ad-supported plan ($6.99 per month), you can stream on one device at a time. If someone else in your household wants to watch at the same time, they will see a message that the stream is in use and must wait.

The ad-free plan ($11.99 per month) allows up to four simultaneous streams on different devices. This means four people can watch different shows or movies at the same time, each on their own phone, tablet, TV, or computer. If you add Starz through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels, the simultaneous stream limits are set by those platforms, not by Starz itself.

Starz does not restrict where you watch geographically within the United States, but the service is only available in the U.S., Canada, and some other regions. If you travel outside these areas, you may not be able to stream.

Free trials and how to cancel

Starz offers a free trial period when you first sign up through the Starz app. The length of the trial varies — it may be seven days, 30 days, or another period depending on current promotions. You will see the trial length before you create your account. During the trial, you have full access to all content on your chosen plan (ad-supported or ad-free).

Your free trial will automatically convert to a paid subscription on the day it ends unless you cancel before that date. You can cancel through your Starz account settings in the app or on the Starz website. If you subscribed through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels, you cancel through those platforms instead, not through Starz directly.

If you cancel during your trial, you lose access when ready — you do not get to use the rest of the trial period. If you cancel after your trial ends and you have been charged, Starz does not refund the charge, but your access stops at the end of your current billing cycle.

Starz versus other streaming services

Starz is smaller than Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ in terms of total content volume. It focuses on a narrower range of genres — primarily drama and film — rather than offering something for every viewer. If you want variety across comedy, kids' shows, documentaries, and sports, Starz alone will not cover that. It works best as a second or third subscription alongside a broader service.

The original series on Starz tend to have longer seasons and slower release schedules than Netflix originals. Outlander, for example, releases episodes weekly rather than all at once. This means you wait longer between seasons, but you also have time to discuss episodes as they air rather than everyone binge-watching at different times.

Starz is less expensive than Netflix's ad-free plan ($11.99 versus Netflix's $15.49 for standard ad-free) but more expensive than some ad-supported options. The choice between Starz and competitors depends on whether you want the specific shows Starz produces and whether you prefer weekly releases over binge-all-at-once models.

Technical requirements and device compatibility

You can watch Starz on most modern devices: iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac computers, Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and some smart TVs with built-in apps. The Starz app is free to read; you only pay for the subscription itself.

To stream, you need an internet connection with enough speed to handle video — Starz recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for 4K, though lower speeds will work with lower video quality. You create a Starz account with an email address and password, then sign in on any device you want to use.

If you have trouble with the app crashing or not loading, Starz support can help through their website. You can also contact support if you have questions about your subscription or billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Starz on my TV?

Yes. read the Starz app on a smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast, then sign in with your account. You can also use a web browser on your computer and connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable if your TV does not have a built-in app.

What happens to shows I am watching if my subscription ends?

You lose access to all content once your subscription ends or you cancel. If you were in the middle of a series, you cannot finish it unless you resubscribe. Starz does not save your watch history indefinitely after cancellation.

Can I share my Starz password with someone outside my household?

Starz's terms of service state that your account is for personal use only. Sharing passwords with people outside your household violates the terms. Starz may restrict or cancel accounts that show signs of widespread password sharing, though enforcement varies.

Does Starz have a family plan or group discount?

Starz does not offer a separate family plan or group discount. You pay per account. However, the ad-free plan allows four simultaneous streams, so multiple people in the same household can watch at the same time on different devices under one subscription.

Is Starz included in any bundle with other services?

Starz is not bundled with other services in the way Disney+ and Hulu are bundled together. You can add it to Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV as a channel, but you pay separately for each. Some cable or internet providers may offer Starz as part of a package, but this varies by provider.