STARZ Is Back on Verizon Fios After the Carriage Dispute Ends
STARZ is back on Verizon Fios. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, STARZ and Verizon announced a new agreement that restores all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand and access to the STARZ app with a Fios login. That ends a blackout that began when STARZ went dark on Fios on October 1.
If you're a Fios TV customer who had STARZ before the dispute, you should see it in your guide again. Here's what came back, what the fight was about and what to do if STARZ still isn't showing up.
What Fios customers get back
- The live STARZ channels in the Fios TV guide
- STARZ On Demand through Fios
- Signing in to the STARZ app with your Verizon Fios account
That means Fios subscribers can again watch the full Power universe and the upcoming Power: Origins, the drama Fightland, every episode of Outlander and its prequel Outlander: Blood of My Blood, the current season of S.W.A.T. Exiles and the thriller Tip Toe, according to STARZ. The upcoming season of P-Valley and STARZ's movie lineup, including Michael, Shelter, In the Grey and Power Ballad, are part of the deal too.
What the dispute was about
STARZ went dark on Fios after the two companies couldn't agree on a new distribution deal before the old one ran out. STARZ said Verizon chose to remove its channels and accused the company of mischaracterizing its position. Verizon said STARZ was selling its own streaming service directly to consumers for as little as $2.50 a month while asking Verizon customers to pay about double that for the same content.
As usual with carriage deals, neither company shared the terms. STARZ Networks president Alison Hoffman called it "a mutually beneficial agreement that brings Starz's premium programming to Verizon Fios customers." Our earlier coverage of the Verizon Fios STARZ blackout has the full background.
STARZ still missing on Fios?
If STARZ isn't back for you yet, restart your Fios set-top box and check your guide again. For the STARZ app, sign out and sign back in with your Verizon login. If you subscribed to STARZ directly during the blackout so you wouldn't miss anything, you may now be paying twice, so decide whether you still want that separate subscription before it renews.
Getting STARZ on DIRECTV
If the blackout made you rethink your TV service, STARZ is also on DIRECTV, starting at channel 525 with more STARZ channels on 527 to 531. It's included with the PREMIER package and available as a premium add-on with other Signature packages. ULTIMATE includes STARZ ENCORE, which is a separate set of movie channels. Our guide to what channel STARZ is on DIRECTV lists every number, and if you're ready to make a change, see how to switch from Verizon Fios to DIRECTV. You can keep Fios internet and still get DIRECTV for TV.
Frequently asked questions
Is STARZ back on Verizon Fios?
Yes. STARZ and Verizon announced a new agreement on October 20, 2026, that restores STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand and the STARZ app on Fios.
Why did STARZ go dark on Fios?
The companies couldn't agree on a new carriage deal before the old one expired at the end of September 2026. STARZ said Verizon removed its channels, and Verizon said STARZ wanted Fios customers to pay about double what STARZ charges for its own streaming service.
Can I use the STARZ app with my Fios login again?
Yes. The deal restores STARZ app access through Verizon Fios. If it doesn't work right away, sign out of the app and sign back in.
What are the terms of the STARZ and Verizon deal?
Neither company released the terms of the agreement.
What channel is STARZ on DIRECTV?
STARZ starts at DIRECTV channel 525. It's included with PREMIER and available as a premium add-on with other Signature packages.
Want STARZ and other premium channels in one guide? Call 1-855-690-9884 to compare DIRECTV packages at your address.