Everyone who has wondered how to get Starz without cable can now rejoice. The premium cable channel is now available as a standalone service, joining similar offerings from HBO and Showtime that launched last year. The service is less expensive, at $8.99 a month, compared to $10.99 for Showtime and $14.99 for HBO. In addition, it allows you not only to stream movies and shows but also download them — which makes it unique among the premium services. Note, however, that Starz doesn't stream its programming live, instead making all of its content on-demand.
The app is available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. To get started, simply download the free Starz on-demand app, and tap Buy Starz. If you're already a cable subscriber, you can download the app and authenticate it by entering your login credentials, allowing you to view Starz content on your device at no extra charge.
This availability of Starz as a standalone service is good news, as more and more TV content is becoming available via à la carte standalone services, saving people money who are reluctant to pay a $100 per month cable TV bill. These three services, along with Sling TV, make it easier to cut the cord. Sling TV, at $20 per month, offers ESPN's sports programming as well as cable channels such as TNT, TBS, AMC, CNN, Disney, and more.
Starz offers subscribers over 2,400 selections each month. This includes Starz series such as “Outlander,” “Power,” and “American Gods,” as well as TV shows and Hollywood movies. All of their original series are available via the Starz on-demand app. Later this year, the large number of movies available will include the recent hit “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
“Starz has entered the market today with an enormous value proposition for consumers,” said CEO Chris Albrecht. “Our programing will now be more widely available to the 20 million broadband only homes of cord nevers, cord cutters ,and cord shavers, including millennials and other underserved consumers who need other viable subscription service options.”
