Starz Unavailable on Verizon Fios After Failed Renewal Talks
Subscribers must find alternative ways to watch content like "S.W.A.T. Exiles" and "Outlander: Blood of my Blood" following a breakdown in negotiations.
Starz has been removed from Verizon Fios programming lineups after the two companies failed to reach a new agreement for carriage rights.
Verizon Fios customers can no longer access Starz content, including new episodes of "Outlander: Blood of my Blood" and "S.W.A.T. Exiles." The streaming network and the telecommunications provider were unable to finalize a renewal agreement, leading to the service's discontinuation for Verizon customers.
Alison Hoffman, President of STARZ Networks, stated that despite efforts to maintain uninterrupted access for Verizon Fios subscribers, the provider ultimately chose to remove the channel. Hoffman added that Verizon had misrepresented Starz's position and demonstrated an unwillingness to negotiate constructively.
Starz has expressed readiness to reach a fair agreement that would reinstate the channel for Verizon customers as quickly as possible. This situation is reminiscent of a similar blackout in October 2025, when YouTube TV briefly lost access to ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned networks before a new deal was reached.
Verizon Fios subscribers seeking to watch Starz programming have several alternative options. The network is available directly through the STARZ app, which offers early access to new episodes starting at midnight. Additionally, Starz can be accessed as an add-on package through various streaming platforms.
Subscribers can add Starz to their Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Fubo, or Sling TV accounts. The direct subscription to Starz is priced at $4.99 per month for the first three months, after which it increases to $11.99 per month. A 12-month prepaid subscription is available for $29.99, equating to $2.50 per month. Philo offers Starz for $25 per month, with a seven-day free trial for new users. Amazon Prime Video and Hulu also offer Starz as an add-on for $11.99 per month, with both platforms providing a seven-day free trial.
The third episode of "Outlander: Blood of my Blood" Season 2 and the second episode of "S.W.A.T. Exiles" were scheduled to air on Friday, October 1, 2026. Both episodes were also available for streaming on the STARZ app from midnight on the same day.