Starz is a premium American cable network comprising numerous TV channels. However, like HBO and Showtime, Starz also has an inexpensive standalone streaming service that offers on-demand content, including movies and TV shows.
This streaming platform offers a vast library of content, including originals, movies, and TV shows. However, the content library needs more additions to compete with other popular streaming services like HBO and Showtime. In addition, their user interface could be more user-friendly than the top streaming platforms.
Nevertheless, Starz’s numbers testify that it’s gaining an audience.
If you have streamed most of the exciting content on Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu and want to watch something new, then Starz would be the best add-on. It will offer you a wide variety of modern and classic movies and exclusive originals that you won’t find anywhere else.
History
In the 1990s, Starz was a premium cable network. The first decade was challenging, but they got together. In the early 2000s, when digital cable was introduced in the US, Starz provided digital cable.
This company started growing because providers could now avail more room for channels. This opportunity made Starz an attractive candidate.
Long story short, In the mid-2010s, Lionsgate bought this network. After a few years, STARZ unveiled a streaming app to complement its subscription streaming service. Since then, it has maintained its position as a formidable competitor to networks like Showtime and HBO.
Design
When you use Starz on a website, you will see a large slide-show banner displaying featured content. However, you might be disappointed because its design could be more straightforward and sleek than its competitors. For example, on the top, there is a list of menu items; Movies, Series, Home, Browse, and Schedule.
All the content divides into categories, and each shows different sliders. These categories include Originals, Popular, Just Added, and other genres. In addition, there’s a separate playlist that organizes everything you are currently watching and have downloaded.
On the top right is a search bar, with which you can search for whatever you want to watch. However, you can access the settings and switch profile options on the right side.
Key Features
Award-winning Originals
Starz offers exclusive originals you won’t find anywhere else. Its popular originals include Black Mafia Family, Party Down, The Serpent Queen, and many more.
Offline Access
Like many other premium streaming service providers, Starz allows its audience to download and watch content conveniently.
Video Quality
This website also provides streaming in 4K and HDR, but only a few movies and TV shows are available in this video quality.
Ad-free Streaming
Here’s a plus point for Starz. It offers ad-free streaming, unlike its competitors like HBO and Showtime.
Pocket-friendly Plans
Starz’s subscription plan rates are comparatively lesser than HBO and Showtime. If you subscribed to Starz through a TV provider, you could use Starz’s streaming service for no additional cost.
Free Trial
Similar to other streaming websites, this streaming service provider gives its new members a free trial of 7 days. So they can easily decide whether to go further or not.
Pricing and Plans
Starz offers different pricing options depending on the part of the service you want and which cable or satellite providers are available in your area. However, it’s comparatively cheaper than HBO and Showtime.
Different cable or satellite providers offer different rates. If you subscribe to Starz through these providers, you can also use the Starz streaming app at no additional cost. Subscribing through its website will cost you $9/month, and you will also get free DVR storage access.
There are plenty of deals where you can buy its subscription at a low price or as an add-on. For example, If you are a Prime Video subscriber, you can add Starz to your Prime Video subscription for an additional $9/month.
Starz offers its new members a free trial of 7 days. The subscription fee would deduct once your free trial ends. So beginners can enjoy free streaming, and it’s suitable for them to decide whether to stay on this platform.
Content
Starz offers a great collection of content. It has over a thousand movies and hundred plus TV shows. No doubt, Starz plays a good role in providing high-quality content.
This platform provides exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else. Though the content library is smaller than other streaming giants, it still competes with them.
The movie library has 1000+ movies and is still adding new ones. So, you will get a great selection of modern and classic films. The popular movies on this platform are Naked Singularity, City of Lies, The Humans, She ball, and more.
However, the TV show library contains over a hundred TV shows. Almost all are original, and you won’t find them on Netflix or Hulu. Popular TV shows include Heels, Hightown, American Gods, BMF, Power Book, and Run the World.
Starz allows you to access its 20 TV channels and enjoy live programming.
Compatibility
Starz is compatible with every device, including Smart TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Tablets, Xbox, Desktops, Mobile phones, and more. If you use it through the app, you won’t face any compatibility issues. However, some users faced minor login issues while using it through a web client.
Everything runs perfectly on all devices. The UI is simple and intuitive, and it’s easy to navigate. However, some users complain that they can’t cancel their subscriptions through mobile phones. It’s been days since we heard complaints and we think the problem is not anymore.
Mobile/Desktop Interface
Starz is also compatible with mobile phones and desktops like other streaming sites. Its interface on mobile is simple and works fine compared to those of competitors. If you use it through the mobile app, you will be pleased with the dark theme option.
Most of the things are similar on both devices. For example, on the main page, you would see a slider; under that slider, there would be four options to choose from and enjoy streaming.
The Schedule option is missing on mobile phones, which means live streaming is inaccessible.
Suggestions that We Have for STARZ
We have some tips for Starz that will help this platform to gain more audience.
Starz’s content library is small compared to Netflix, Hulu, or HBO. It should add more content so the audience will have more choices to select from.
This platform doesn’t offer sports programming. However, if Starz adds sports programming, many sports enthusiasts will subscribe to this platform to watch their favorite content.
This streaming website’s design is less user-friendly than its competitors. As a result, the design needs to be improved to gain more audience.
Conclusion
Starz is a premium cable and streaming network offering a diverse programming collection, including movies, original series, and documentaries. The channel focuses on delivering quality content that appeals to a broad range of audiences, including men and women of all ages.
Starz has invested heavily in original programming, which has helped it establish a strong brand identity and attract a loyal subscriber base. Some of its most popular original series include Outlander, Power, and American Gods.
In addition to its original programming, Starz also offers a comprehensive library of movies, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films, giving viewers a wide range of options for their entertainment needs. In conclusion, Starz is a dynamic and evolving network well-positioned to continue delivering top-notch programming and quality entertainment to its viewers.
