Verizon Fios Dropped STARZ: How to Keep Watching Power, Outlander and P-Valley
If STARZ disappeared from your Verizon Fios lineup, it isn't your box. Late on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, STARZ said Verizon Fios customers had lost access to all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand and the STARZ app through Fios after the two companies failed to reach a new carriage deal.
As of Thursday afternoon, October 1, STARZ is still dark on Fios. Here's what you lost, what each side is saying and the fastest ways to get STARZ back, including on DIRECTV.
What happened between Verizon and STARZ?
Earlier on September 30, STARZ warned Fios customers that they could lose the network unless a deal was reached right away. By that night the channels had gone dark. In a statement, STARZ Networks president Alison Hoffman said Verizon "has chosen to remove STARZ" and accused the company of mischaracterizing STARZ's position and being unwilling to negotiate. STARZ said it is ready to reach a fair agreement that would restore the channels.
The channels went dark after the companies' previous agreement expired at midnight.
Verizon tells a different story. In a statement issued before the blackout, Verizon said it was "actively engaged in constructive discussions" and called STARZ's public warnings to customers "an unnecessary pressure tactic." Verizon said STARZ is trying to force higher rates that "would directly drive up monthly bills" for Fios customers, and it urged STARZ to settle at the negotiating table.
As of Thursday afternoon, October 1, neither side had announced a new deal or a timeline, so there's no way to know how long the blackout will last.
What Fios customers lost
- Live STARZ channels in the Fios TV guide
- STARZ On Demand through Fios
- STARZ app access using a Fios login
According to STARZ, that cuts off the full Power universe, including the upcoming Power: Origins; the new drama Fightland; every episode of Outlander and its prequel Outlander: Blood of My Blood; the upcoming season of P-Valley; the current season of S.W.A.T. Exiles; the upcoming premiere of Tip Toe; and the STARZ movie library, including Michael.
The timing stings. Tip Toe premieres Friday, October 2, so Fios customers who want to watch it right away will need another way to get STARZ.
How to keep watching STARZ
Option 1: Subscribe to STARZ directly
The STARZ streaming service isn't part of the dispute, so you can sign up for STARZ directly and keep watching in the STARZ app. Right now STARZ is offering new and returning subscribers who sign up on its website $4.99 a month for the first three months, then $11.99 a month, or $29.99 for the first year on its annual plan (regularly $69.99). The offer doesn't include a free trial. Our STARZ review covers billing and cancellation.
Option 2: Add STARZ through a streaming service you already use
Hulu sells STARZ as an add-on that you can watch in the Hulu app. If you already pay for another streaming service, check its add-on store before you buy STARZ on its own.
Option 3: Get STARZ with DIRECTV
STARZ is available on DIRECTV, starting at channel 525 with more STARZ channels nearby. It's included with the PREMIER package and can be added to other packages as a premium channel. DIRECTV lists the add-on at $10.99 a month at its regular rate. DIRECTV customers can also watch premium channels on the go by signing in to the DIRECTV app or the network's app with their DIRECTV credentials.
Option 4: Switch providers
If STARZ is the last straw, our guide to switching from Verizon Fios to DIRECTV walks through equipment returns, timing and what to compare. You can keep Fios internet and still get DIRECTV for TV.
Want STARZ back in a regular channel guide? Call American TV at 1-855-690-9884 to see DIRECTV packages and premium options at your address.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Live STARZ channels? | STARZ originals and movies? | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| STARZ app (direct) | No channel guide, app only | Yes | Keeping Fios TV and adding STARZ fast ($4.99/mo for 3 months right now) |
| Hulu STARZ add-on | Watch in the Hulu app | Yes | Households that already pay for Hulu |
| DIRECTV | Yes, starting at channel 525 | Yes, plus On Demand | Wanting STARZ in a TV guide with DVR |
| Wait it out on Fios | Not while the dispute lasts | Not through Fios | Viewers who can wait for a deal |
Should you ask Verizon for a credit?
Neither company's statement mentioned credits, and we didn't find a Verizon credit offer as of October 1. If you were paying Verizon for STARZ as a premium add-on, check your next bill and contact Verizon about the charge. If STARZ came as part of a bundle, ask what your options are.
Ready to compare? Call 1-855-690-9884 for DIRECTV options at your address.
Frequently asked questions
Did Verizon Fios drop STARZ?
Yes. STARZ said Fios customers lost all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand and STARZ app access through Fios on September 30, 2026, after the companies failed to reach a new agreement.
Can I still use the STARZ app with my Fios login?
No. App access through Fios is part of what was removed. A direct STARZ subscription or STARZ through another provider still works.
What channel is STARZ on DIRECTV?
STARZ starts at DIRECTV channel 525. It's included with PREMIER or available as a premium add-on.
When will STARZ come back to Fios?
No date has been announced. STARZ says it's ready to reach a fair agreement that restores the channels, and Verizon says it's focused on a fair deal that doesn't raise customers' bills.
Why did Verizon drop STARZ?
The two companies couldn't agree on a new carriage deal before the old one expired. STARZ says Verizon was unwilling to negotiate. Verizon says STARZ wants higher rates that would raise Fios bills.
Which STARZ shows am I missing on Fios?
Power and Power: Origins, Fightland, Outlander and Outlander: Blood of My Blood, P-Valley, S.W.A.T. Exiles, Tip Toe and STARZ's movie library, according to STARZ.
Questions? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 1, 2026 (updated in the afternoon with Verizon's statement and current STARZ pricing). Carriage disputes can end at any time. Prices, channel numbers and premium offers are set by each provider, vary by location and may change. STARZ, Verizon, Fios, Hulu, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.