What Starz is and who it's for
Starz is a streaming service that shows movies, TV series, and documentaries. You pay a monthly fee to watch on demand — meaning you choose what to watch and when, rather than following a broadcast schedule. The service is owned by Lionsgate and competes with Netflix, Hulu, and other subscription platforms.
Starz focuses on original drama series, premium films, and content aimed at adult audiences. If you watch a lot of prestige television or want access to movies without waiting for them to appear on free services, Starz may fit your budget. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through its app or website.
Key Takeaways
- Starz offers two subscription tiers: a standard plan with ads and an ad-free plan, each with different monthly costs that vary by region.
- You can stream on multiple devices at once depending on your plan, but the number of simultaneous streams is limited.
- The service includes original shows like Power and Outlander, plus licensed films and series from other studios.
- You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, though you lose access when ready upon cancellation.
- Starz is sometimes bundled with other services like Hulu or Disney+, which may cost less than paying for each separately.
Starz subscription plans and monthly cost
Starz offers two main plans. The Standard with Ads plan includes commercials during shows and movies but costs less per month. The Premium plan removes ads entirely and costs more. The exact price depends on your region and changes periodically, so you should check the Starz website directly for current rates.
Both plans let you read episodes to watch offline on the Starz app, which is useful if you travel or have spotty internet. The main difference is ad interruption and sometimes the number of devices you can use at the same time. Standard plans typically allow fewer simultaneous streams than Premium plans.
If you already subscribe to Hulu or Disney+, Starz may be available as an add-on to those services rather than as a standalone subscription. This bundled route often costs less than paying Starz separately, though you should compare the total cost of all services you actually use.
How to set up your Starz account
To start, go to the Starz website or read the Starz app on your device. You will create an account using an email address and password. During signup, you choose which plan you want and enter a payment method — usually a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Your subscription begins when ready after payment processes. You can then log in on any device and start watching right away. If you sign up through a bundle (like Hulu + Starz), you manage the subscription through the primary service's account, not through Starz directly.
Keep your login information find, especially if you share your household devices. Starz allows multiple people to watch at the same time depending on your plan, but the account itself belongs to one person. If you change your password, anyone logged in on other devices will be signed out.
What content is available on Starz
Starz produces original series in drama, crime, and historical genres. Shows like Power, Outlander, and American Gods are exclusive to Starz and often draw subscribers. The service also licenses films and older TV series from studios like Sony, Paramount, and others, though the exact titles change monthly as licensing agreements expire and renew.
The library is smaller than Netflix or Hulu, so you should browse the current catalog before subscribing to make sure the shows or movies you want are actually there. Starz publishes a list of new releases each month on its website and app. You can also search for specific titles to see if they are currently available.
Original series often release new seasons once a year, and Starz cancels shows that do not draw enough viewers. If you start watching a series, there is no may provide it will continue beyond the current season, so check how many seasons exist before investing time.
Pausing and canceling your subscription
You can pause your Starz subscription for up to three months without losing your account or payment information. This is useful if you know you will not watch for a while but plan to return. Pausing stops your monthly charges but keeps your profile, watchlist, and viewing history intact.
To cancel, log into your account settings and select the cancel option. Your access ends when ready — you cannot watch anything after cancellation, even if you paid for the current month. Starz does not offer refunds for partial months, so timing your cancellation to the end of your billing cycle saves money.
If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can create a new account or reactivate your old one. Your viewing history may or may not be restored depending on how long you were away, so do not count on picking up where you left off if you cancel for several months.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct email and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it via email. Make sure you are checking the email account associated with your Starz account, as the reset link goes there.
If the app crashes or will not load, try closing it completely and reopening it. If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall the app. On smart TVs or streaming devices, restart the device itself. If you still have trouble, contact Starz customer support through the website — they have a help section with live chat or email options.
If you are charged twice in one month or see an unexpected charge, check your billing history in your account settings. Starz shows each charge with its date and amount. If something looks wrong, contact your bank or credit card company first to dispute the charge, then contact Starz to explain what happened.
Comparing Starz to other streaming services
Starz is most similar to premium cable channels like HBO or Showtime, which focus on original drama rather than broad content. Netflix has a much larger library and more variety across genres, but costs more for ad-free viewing. Hulu offers more recent TV episodes and a larger film selection, though its original series are less prestige-focused.
If you watch a lot of prestige drama — especially crime, historical, or fantasy series — Starz may be worth the cost. If you want variety and breadth, Netflix or Hulu might serve you better. Many people subscribe to multiple services and rotate which ones they pay for each month, canceling one and restarting another based on what they want to watch.
The cheapest approach is to list the shows and movies you actually want to watch, then check which service has them. Subscribing to one service at a time for a month or two, then switching, costs less than paying for everything year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Starz on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. Standard plans usually allow two streams at once, while Premium plans allow more. If someone tries to watch on a third device while two are already streaming, the oldest stream will be interrupted.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch Starz?
No. Starz is a standalone streaming service and does not require cable. You only need an internet connection and a compatible device. Some cable providers offer Starz as an add-on channel, but that is separate from the streaming service.
What happens to my watchlist if I cancel?
Your watchlist is tied to your account, so it stays saved if you pause your subscription. If you cancel completely, the watchlist may be deleted after a certain period of inactivity, though Starz does not publish an exact timeline. To be safe, write down titles you want to watch before canceling.
Can I share my Starz password with family members?
Starz allows multiple people to watch simultaneously depending on your plan, but the account itself is meant for one household. Sharing your password with people outside your home violates the terms of service and could result in account suspension.
Is there a free trial for Starz?
Starz occasionally offers free trial periods, but these are not always available. Check the Starz website to see if a trial is currently being offered. Trials typically last seven days and require a payment method on file, so your subscription will convert to paid unless you cancel before the trial ends.