As of midnight on September 30, 2026, Verizon Fios has officially removed all Starz channels, Starz Encore, and Starz On Demand access from its television lineup. This service disruption also extends to the Starz app, meaning Fios credentials no longer allow subscribers to log in or stream content remotely.
The blackout arrives at a critical juncture for the network’s programming. Today, October 2, 2026, marks the premiere of Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2, Episode 3, titled “Rabbits Don’t Swim.” Fans are also seeking access to S.W.A.T. Exiles, a new standalone spinoff starring Shemar Moore that made its debut on September 25.
Why Starz is No Longer on Fios
The removal is the result of a failed contract renewal between Verizon and Starz. In public statements, both sides have traded accusations regarding the breakdown in talks. Starz President Alison Hoffman accused Verizon of being “unproductive” during the negotiation process. The dispute has drawn the attention of executive producer 50 Cent, a major figure in the Starz “Power” universe, who urged fans in New York and New Jersey via Instagram to switch providers following the blackout.
How to Watch ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ and ‘Outlander’ Now
With Fios credentials no longer valid for Starz access, viewers must seek alternative methods to watch current episodes. The most direct path is subscribing to the Starz streaming app independently, which typically carries a standard price of $11.99 per month.
Third-party platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV also offer Starz as an “add-on” channel for a monthly fee. These services allow for immediate access to the library, including the following recent releases:
- Outlander: Blood of My Blood: New episodes of the prequel series air Fridays, including today’s premiere of Season 2, Episode 3.
- S.W.A.T. Exiles: The new spinoff series, which follows Shemar Moore’s character in a new setting, is currently airing its first season following its September 25 launch.
- The Power Universe: All past seasons and current spinoffs remain available through the Starz library.
Verizon’s $5 Bill Credit
In response to the loss of service, Verizon is offering a one-time $5 bill credit to residential customers who had Starz included in their Fios TV package. This is being presented as an “inconvenience” credit as the company adjusts its programming tiers.
Impacted customers can review their service terms and look for available offers through the official Verizon content agreement and support page. While the credit does not cover the full cost of an independent Starz subscription, it is the only current financial recourse offered by the provider for the lost channels.
For those who do not wish to pay for an additional streaming service, there is currently no timeline for when, or if, Starz will return to the Fios channel lineup. Distribution disputes of this nature can last from several days to several months, depending on when both parties return to the negotiating table.
