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• Starz: channels taken offline after talks stalled
• Verizon’s response
• Earlier warning and Starz’s argument
• What viewers lose — and alternatives
• Industry context

Starz has been removed from the Verizon FiOS TV lineup after the two companies failed to reach a renewed carriage agreement, leaving FiOS subscribers without the network’s linear channels, Starz On Demand and the Starz app. The dispute—played out in public statements from both sides—underscores tensions over streaming-era pricing and distribution deals.

Starz: channels taken offline after talks stalled

“Since an agreement was not reached, customers have lost access to Starz’s programming,” Alison Hoffman, President of Starz Networks, said late Wednesday. She added that Starz made “extensive efforts” to secure a renewal and keep service uninterrupted for Verizon FiOS customers, but that Verizon “has chosen to remove Starz.”

Starz accused Verizon of misrepresenting its position and being unwilling to negotiate in a way that would produce a mutually acceptable outcome.

Verizon’s response

Verizon said it was “disappointed that Starz has chosen to remove its premium channels from the Verizon Fios TV lineup.” The company also pointed to Starz’s direct-to-consumer pricing, writing that Starz is “currently selling its service direct to consumers for as low as $2.50 a month,” and contending that Starz is asking Verizon customers to pay roughly double that amount for the same content.

Verizon added that it aims to “protect[] our customers and deliver content at a fair value” and that it remains open to a resolution. The carrier characterized Starz’s public claims as an attempt to distract from negotiations, calling them “baseless.”

Earlier warning and Starz’s argument

Earlier in the day, Hoffman said Starz had been negotiating in good faith and warned that if an agreement was not reached “imminently,” Verizon would remove the service. Hoffman also framed Starz as an independent programmer that serves women and underrepresented audiences and said limiting access would reduce competition and consumer choice.

What viewers lose — and alternatives

FiOS customers who relied on their pay-TV package to watch Starz now find the following unavailable on Verizon’s platform:

• Linear Starz channels
• Starz On Demand
• The Starz app

However, the companies noted that Starz’s standalone streaming offering is not affected by the carriage dispute. That means FiOS subscribers can still subscribe directly to Starz’s streaming service to access its programming.

Industry context

Starz ended 2025 with about 17.6 million subscribers, though the company has since stopped regularly reporting subscriber totals. Roughly three-quarters of its audience is served via streaming rather than traditional pay-TV distribution, a factor that has shaped previous carriage rows.

Because many viewers can obtain Starz content through its direct streaming service, analysts and industry participants often view disputes between smaller premium programmers and distributors as less likely to unsettle the broader market than clashes between major conglomerates and large pay-TV platforms.

Tom Tapp contributed to this report.