Starz Review

Starz features all of the premium channel’s current and past original programs. Episodes from on-air shows go live at the same time as they do on cable, and you can stream entire series and seasons of past shows on-demand, too. While the list of original programming is not as extensive as those of Netflix, Amazon Prime, or HBO Max, Starz seems more focused on carving out its own niche in the streaming world. For example, Starz has tried to release shows that appeal to women, in particular. Despite its limitations, a show can still be excellent without being popular, and Starz’s dedication to providing a diverse range of content is commendable.

What Can You Watch on Starz? 

Starz offers a comprehensive collection of all its current and past original programs. You can watch on-air episodes simultaneously with cable TV and stream entire series and seasons of past shows on-demand. The service’s original programming lineup includes Blindspotting, Hightown, Outlander, P-Valley, Power Book II: Ghost, Run the World, The Girlfriend Experience, and The Gloaming. While the list of original programming may not be as extensive as those of other streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or HBO Max, Starz is focused on creating its own unique niche in the streaming world. The service has made a conscious effort to produce shows that appeal to specific audiences, such as women. It’s worth noting that a show’s popularity doesn’t necessarily reflect its quality, and Starz has produced some excellent original content.

However, when it comes to original content, Starz falls short compared to its competitors. While shows like Power and Outlander have been successful, the channel’s lineup is limited and lacks the critical acclaim of shows like The Crown or Stranger Things.
One positive aspect of Starz’s service is its support for offline downloads on mobile devices, which is great for those who want to watch content on the go without using up their data. Additionally, Starz allows up to four concurrent streams per account, which is more than some other streaming services offer.
However, the apps could use improvement, and it’s disappointing that Starz doesn’t currently support 4K streaming. Overall, while Starz’s movie catalog is impressive, its limited original content and lack of advanced streaming options may not make it the best choice for everyone.

Additionally, Starz boasts an impressive movie catalog, which is not surprising given that it is owned by Lionsgate, a prolific film studio. As of now, Starz offers over 800 movies, with streaming rights to Sony’s theatrical content until 2022. While the catalog used to have over 1,000 titles, it appears that Starz is now focusing more on producing original content. Some of the popular movies currently available on the platform include Bad Boys for Life, Jumanji: The Next Level, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Spider-Man: Far from Home, and the recently added Monster Hunter. It’s important to note that the lineup of movies and TV series may change periodically, similar to other video streaming services.

How Much Does Starz Cost? 

Starz’s pricing is competitive with most other on-demand services, making it an affordable option for viewers. For comparison, Peacock’s Premium plan is cheaper at $4.99 per month, while Netflix’s Standard tier (the minimum tier recommended) costs $13.99 per month. Showtime is pricier at $10.99 per month, and HBO Max’s ad-free plan costs $14.99 per month, although its limited, ad-supported tier is available for $9.99 per month. Overall, Starz offers a good balance of content and value for its price.

However, Starz does offer a discounted annual plan at $74.99 per year, which can save you some money in the long run. Additionally, Starz is available as an add-on to other popular video streaming services, such as Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, and YouTube TV, for the same price. It’s worth noting that while Starz does offer a free seven-day trial, you will need to enter a payment option to access it. Overall, Starz’s pricing is reasonable and competitive within the on-demand streaming market.

When it comes to pricing, Starz is competitive with most other on-demand services. Peacock’s Premium plan is cheaper at $4.99 per month, while Netflix’s Standard tier (which we recommend as the minimum) costs $13.99 per month. Showtime is pricier at $10.99 per month, and HBO Max’s ad-free plan costs $14.99 per month, although you can opt for its limited, ad-supported tier for $9.99 per month.

Starz: Movies and More

If you’re looking for a video streaming service that won’t break the bank, consider one of the free options we’ve reviewed. Our top pick is Peacock, which offers a wide selection of mainstream shows and movies.
For those who need to stream on multiple devices simultaneously, Starz and Disney+ both allow up to four streams per account. Other services, such as Hulu and Netflix, charge extra for this feature.
Starz can be accessed through its website or mobile app for Android and iOS devices, as well as media streaming devices like Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku. It’s also available on select smart TVs from LG, Samsung, and Sony, as well as the Xbox One and Series X.
While Starz has an extensive movie library and supports offline downloads on mobile, its original shows don’t quite measure up to the competition. The service also needs to improve its accessibility options and apps. However, if you’re a fan of Starz’s content, the affordable price may make it worth considering.
Alternatively, we recommend checking out our PCMag Editors’ Choice winners, such as Netflix for its impressive lineup of original shows, Hulu for its vast collection of cable TV shows, or Peacock for its free library of popular content.