Starz is a paid streaming service with movies, series, and original shows
Starz is a subscription video service owned by Lionsgate that streams films, television series, and original programming. You pay a monthly fee to watch on-demand — there is no free tier, and the service does not bundle with other platforms as part of a standard package, though some cable providers and third-party services do offer it as an add-on.
The service focuses on drama series, action films, and horror content. It competes directly with Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, but operates as a standalone subscription rather than as part of a larger entertainment bundle.
Key Takeaways
- Starz charges a monthly subscription fee; the exact amount varies by region and changes periodically, so you should check the official Starz website for current pricing.
- You can watch on multiple devices including phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs, though the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan tier.
- The service offers a free trial period for new subscribers in some regions, but trial length and availability vary by location and current promotion.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle.
- Starz content rotates — shows and movies are added and removed on a schedule, so titles you want to watch may not always be available.
How much Starz costs and what payment methods work
Starz offers subscription tiers at different price points. The exact monthly cost varies by region and changes periodically; you will need to visit the Starz website or app to see the current price where you live. Some regions offer a lower-cost ad-supported tier and a higher-cost ad-free tier, while others may have different options.
You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. If you subscribe through a cable provider or a third-party platform like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels, the charge appears on that provider's bill instead of a separate Starz invoice.
Starz occasionally runs promotional offers for new subscribers, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. These promotions are not permanent and vary by region and time of year. Check the Starz website to see what is currently available in your area.
What devices you can watch on
Starz works on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers running Windows or Mac, and smart TVs including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TV. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer.
The number of devices you can stream to at the same time depends on your subscription tier. Standard plans typically allow two or three simultaneous streams; higher-tier plans may allow more. If you exceed the limit, you will see an error message and will need to stop playback on another device before starting a new stream.
How to start and stop your subscription
To start a Starz subscription, visit the Starz website or download the Starz app, create an account with your email address, choose your plan, and enter your payment information. If a free trial is available in your region, you can use it before your first charge occurs.
To cancel, log into your account on the Starz website or app, go to your account settings, and select the option to cancel your subscription. You will be asked to confirm. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period; you do not lose access immediately upon cancellation.
If you subscribed through a cable provider or third-party platform, you must cancel through that provider or platform, not through Starz directly. Log into your cable provider's website or app, find the add-ons or subscriptions section, and remove Starz from there.
What content is available and how often it changes
Starz produces original series and films and also licenses content from other studios. The library includes drama series, action films, horror content, and some documentaries. The service is known for series like Power and its spin-offs, along with films and shows from Lionsgate's catalog.
Starz rotates its content on a regular schedule. Movies and shows are added monthly and removed monthly as licensing agreements expire. If you see a title you want to watch, it is worth watching soon rather than assuming it will remain available indefinitely. The Starz app and website show you which titles are leaving soon.
Troubleshooting common issues
If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. Make sure your internet connection is stable and try logging in again.
If video playback is slow or stops, try closing the app or browser and reopening it. Check that your internet speed meets Starz's minimum requirements — the service recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming. If you are on a shared network, other devices using bandwidth may slow your stream.
If you are charged after canceling, contact Starz customer service through the website or app. Keep a record of your cancellation date. If you subscribed through a third-party platform, contact that platform's support first, as they handle billing.
Starz versus other streaming services
Starz is smaller than Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video and focuses on a narrower range of content — primarily drama, action, and horror rather than broad entertainment. If you want a wide variety of genres and a massive library, a larger service may be a better fit. If you are interested specifically in Starz's original series or Lionsgate films, a Starz subscription makes sense.
Some people subscribe to multiple services to access different content. Others rotate subscriptions — subscribing to one service for a month or two, then canceling and switching to another. This approach costs less over time but means you cannot watch everything at once.
Starz is sometimes bundled with other services through third-party platforms. For example, you may be able to add Starz to an Amazon Prime Video subscription or access it through a cable provider's streaming app. These bundles can cost less than a standalone Starz subscription, so it is worth checking whether you already have access through another service you pay for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Starz offline or download shows to watch later?
Starz allows you to download some titles to your phone or tablet for offline viewing. Not all content is available for download — it depends on licensing agreements. Open the app, find a title you want to download, and look for a download button if it is available for that title.
What happens to my account if I do not pay my bill?
If your payment method fails, Starz will attempt to charge it again. If payment continues to fail, your account will be suspended and you will lose access to the service. You can reactivate by updating your payment information and paying any outstanding balance. Contact Starz support if you need help resolving a payment issue.
Can I share my Starz password with family members?
Starz terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only and should not be shared. However, simultaneous streams are allowed on your plan, so family members in your household can watch at the same time on different devices using the same login. Sharing passwords with people outside your household violates the terms of service.
Does Starz have a student discount?
Starz does not currently offer a dedicated student discount. However, promotional offers for new subscribers change regularly, so check the Starz website to see what deals are available. Some third-party platforms that bundle Starz may offer discounts through student programs.
How do I contact Starz customer service?
You can reach Starz support through the Help section of the website or app. Options typically include email support, a contact form, or a phone number. Response times vary. If you subscribed through a cable provider or third-party platform, contact that provider's support first, as they handle account and billing issues.