What Starz is and who runs it

Starz is a streaming service owned by Lionsgate that shows movies, TV series, and original programs. You pay a monthly fee to watch on demand — meaning you choose what to watch and when, rather than following a broadcast schedule. Starz is separate from other streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, though you can subscribe to multiple services at the same time.

The service is available through the Starz app (on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers), through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on channel, or through some cable and satellite TV packages. How you subscribe affects your cost and what devices you can use.

Key Takeaways

  • Starz costs between $6 and $12 per month depending on whether you choose an ad-supported or ad-free plan, and prices change periodically.
  • You can subscribe directly through the Starz app or as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video, and the cost differs between these two routes.
  • Starz offers a free trial period before your first charge, though the length varies by how you sign up.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings; there is no contract or early termination fee.
  • Content on Starz includes original series, licensed movies, and programs focused on drama, crime, and adult-oriented storytelling.

Current pricing for direct Starz subscriptions

If you subscribe directly through the Starz app or website, you choose between two plans. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but includes advertisements during playback. The ad-free plan costs more but plays content without interruption. Exact prices vary by region and change over time; you will see the current price when you create an account.

Starz typically offers a free trial before your first payment is charged. The trial length depends on current promotions — it may be three days, seven days, or longer. You will see the exact trial period and the date your first charge will occur before you confirm your subscription.

If you already have a Starz subscription and your plan price increases, Starz will notify you before the new price takes effect. You can cancel before the increase goes into effect if you do not want to pay the higher rate.

Subscribing through Amazon Prime Video

You can add Starz as a channel to an existing Amazon Prime Video subscription. This costs less than a standalone Starz subscription in most cases, but the exact price depends on your Prime membership tier and current promotions. When you add Starz through Prime Video, your charge appears on your Amazon bill rather than as a separate payment.

The free trial period for Starz through Prime Video is typically shorter than the direct subscription trial — often three days instead of a week. You manage the add-on through your Prime Video account settings, and you can remove it at any time without affecting your Prime membership.

One trade-off: if you subscribe through Prime Video, you watch Starz content only within the Prime Video app. You cannot use the standalone Starz app with this subscription type.

What devices Starz works on

The Starz app runs on most common devices: iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablets, Roku devices, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and computers through a web browser. If you subscribe directly through Starz, you can use the app on any of these devices with the same account.

If you subscribe through Prime Video, you watch through the Prime Video app instead, which is available on a similar range of devices. Check Amazon's device compatibility list if you are unsure whether your device supports Prime Video.

You can stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the number of simultaneous streams allowed depends on your plan. Most plans allow two or more streams at once, but confirm the exact number when you sign up.

How to cancel and what happens to your access

You can cancel your Starz subscription at any time through your account settings. If you subscribed directly through Starz, log into the Starz app or website, go to your account or subscription settings, and select the option to cancel. If you subscribed through Prime Video, go to your Prime Video settings, find the Starz add-on, and remove it.

Cancellation takes effect when ready, but you keep access to Starz content through the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on the 15th of the month and your billing date is the 1st, you can watch until the 1st of the next month. You will not be charged again after cancellation.

If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you create a new account and start fresh. Your viewing history and saved shows do not carry over after cancellation.

Content available on Starz

Starz focuses on original series, licensed movies, and programs aimed at adult audiences. Original Starz series include drama and crime shows; the library changes as new seasons premiere and older content is removed. The service also carries licensed films and TV shows from other studios, though which titles are available varies by month.

You can browse the full catalog within the app or on the Starz website without logging in. This lets you see what is currently available before you subscribe. The app also lets you create a watchlist, set reminders for new episodes, and resume watching where you left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Starz password with family members?

Your subscription terms allow you to use your account on multiple devices, but Starz has been moving toward stricter password-sharing policies similar to other streaming services. Check your current account terms or contact Starz support to confirm what is allowed under your specific plan.

Does Starz have a yearly subscription option?

Starz occasionally offers annual plans at a discounted rate compared to paying month-to-month, but availability varies. Check the pricing page when you sign up to see whether a yearly option is currently offered in your region.

What is the difference between Starz and Starz Play?

Starz Play is an older branding used in some regions outside the United States. In the U.S., the service is straightforward called Starz. If you are outside the U.S., check whether Starz or a regional equivalent is available in your country.

Can I watch Starz on my TV if I do not have a smart TV?

Yes. You can connect a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast to any TV and install the Starz app on that device. You can also cast or mirror from your phone or computer to a TV that supports those features.

What happens if I do not use my Starz account for a long time?

Starz will continue to charge your subscription fee each month unless you cancel. The service does not automatically pause or cancel inactive accounts. If you are not using the service, cancel through your account settings to stop charges.