https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_knFMIPwzP0
Premium movie network Starz was one of the first to offer a streaming service that was totally independent of cable and satellite, giving early cord-cutters access to the same original series and licensed films that appeared on the television network.
And, for years, the price of Starz has remained relatively unchanged, with streamers paying $9 a month or $75 a year for thousands of commercial-free movies and TV shows available on a wide number of streaming video devices.
All of that changes in June when Starz’ parent company, Lions Gate, will roll out a $1 increase on the monthly plan of the service, which will see streamers paying $10 a month for the first time. The price increase will impact customers who pay for Starz directly through the service, as well as those who subscribe to Starz through a streaming cable alternative like Philo or YouTube TV.
Executives said the time is right to increase the price of Starz, noting that they’ve historically kept the price the same while other media rivals steadily raised their rates. Lions Gate also said the company continues to inject more original shows and films into Starz, and that the value of content offered in its library more than justifies charging just $1 more for the service.
“We haven’t changed the rate since we launched into the digital side of the world seven years ago, and in that time, some of our peers have done one — and, some of them, two — rate increases,” Jeffrey Hirsch, the CEO of Starz, said on a recent conference call with investors.
That said, Starz is currently running a special deal for new and returning customers that shaves several dollars off the price of a monthly subscription over the long-term. Right now, readers of The Desk who sign up for Starz at this link can get their first three months of the service at just $5 per month — a 44 percent discount of the current rate of $9 a month (and the price won’t increase within those first three months).
Big fans of Starz content can save even more when they sign up at this link and pay just $20 for six full months of service. That’s not $20 a month — that’s just $20 for six months of Starz.
Here’s how to get either deal:
- If you want Starz for $5 a month for 3 months, visit this link, or
- If you want Starz for six months at just $20, visit this link.
- If you are a new Starz subscriber, choose an email for your account, or
- If you are a former Starz subscriber, use the email on file with Starz.
- Submit your payment information, and start streaming!
Starz is home to a number of original hits, including the series “Outlander,” which will debut its seventh season in mid-June. The network also offers the “Power” anthology series and a number of other originals, including “Run the World,” “Black Mafia Family” and the reboot of “Party Down.”
Starz also offers a number of Hollywood blockbusters, including “Spider Man: No Way Home,” “Venom,” “Fall,” “Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Madea Goes to Jail,” “Colombiana” and more.
To learn more about Starz and to get a special deal on a subscription, click or tap here.
