Whether you’re a diehard fan of “Outlander” and “Power” or just love movies from the 70s, chances are you’ve wondered about the connection between Starz and Starz Encore. Though they share part of the same name, these two popular channels actually have key differences in their offerings and availability. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what sets Starz and Starz Encore apart, where they overlap, how to access them, which one viewers tend to prefer, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
By the end, you’ll have all the details needed to determine which of these sister networks (or both) are right for you.
- Starz focuses on original series like “Outlander” and “Power,” while Starz Encore is built around classic and catalog movies from the 1970s onward
- Starz costs about $9/month as a standalone streaming subscription, whereas Starz Encore is typically bundled with cable/satellite packages at $5-10 extra
- Starz Encore includes multiple themed channels such as Encore Westerns, Encore Classic, and Encore Black, each organized by genre or era
- Cord-cutters have more options with Starz since it offers a standalone app and add-ons through Prime Video, Hulu, and Sling TV
- Both networks share the same parent company (Lions Gate Entertainment) and some movies air on both, but only Starz produces original programming
#Are Starz and Starz Encore Different Channels?
Though Starz Encore was rebranded to highlight its connection to Starz back in 2016, these two channels are not identical. They have significant differences when it comes to content libraries, channel lineups, and more. But they do share the same parent company, Lions Gate Entertainment.
Here’s a quick rundown of what sets them apart:
- Starz – Premium cable & streaming channel focused on original content
- Starz Encore – Suite of channels primarily showing movies from decades past and some Starz originals
Starz operates as a premium cable channel that also offers a standalone streaming subscription. This grants access to all its buzzworthy original series like “Outlander” in addition to a range of popular movies.
Meanwhile, Starz Encore encompasses multiple movie-oriented channels including Starz Encore Classic, Starz Encore Westerns, Starz Encore Black, and Starz Encore Family. The main Starz Encore feed spotlights films from the 70s and onward.
So while their offerings overlap in the movies department, Starz Encore no longer creates any original content. However, some legacy Starz Originals now air on select Starz Encore channels so viewers can still access hits like “Power” without the Starz subscription.
#What Content and Genres Do They Offer?
When it comes to the actual shows and movies you’ll find on Starz versus Starz Encore, here’s a full breakdown:
Starz
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Original Series – “Outlander”, “Power”, “American Gods”, etc.
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Movies – Wide range of contemporary blockbusters and lesser-known indie films
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Genres – Drama, comedy, action/adventure, romance
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Decades – Primarily 1990s-present
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Content Strategy – Focus on buzzy, critically-acclaimed originals + complementary movies
Starz Encore
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Original Series – Airs select Starz originals like “Power”
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Movies – Classic hits, hidden gems, and modern box office smashes
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Genres – Drama, comedy, action/adventure, western, etc.
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Decades – Mostly 1970s-present
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Content Strategy – Massive movie library organized across channels by genre/era
There’s certainly cross-over when it comes to movies that air on both Starz and Starz Encore. However, for first-run original series, Starz has the clear edge.
Starz Encore shines when you’re searching for a specific comedy, drama, or action flick from the 70s onward. Can’t get enough mob movies or westerns? Starz Encore has you covered.
#How to Watch Starz vs Starz Encore
Accessing Starz:
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Add Starz to cable/satellite package (starz on directv, starz on dish tv)
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Subscribe directly through Starz app for $8.99/month (activate starz)
Accessing Starz Encore:
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Available through most cable/satellite TV packages
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Can’t subscribe directly, must get through provider
The easiest way to get Starz Encore is bundling it with a cable TV package since most providers include it by default. Meanwhile, Starz offers more flexibility for cord-cutters. You can subscribe to the Starz streaming app directly or integrate it with sites like Amazon, Roku and Hulu.
Take note that Starz raised its rates in 2022, so expect to pay around $9 per month for access. Starz Encore pricing varies more widely based on your TV provider and location, but averages around $6 extra monthly.
#Side-by-Side Comparison
What They Offer
| Starz | Starz Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Content Focus | Original series + wide range of movies | Channels organized by movie genre |
| Original Series | Multiple hit series like “Outlander”, “Power”, “American Gods” | Airs select Starz originals such as “Power” |
| Movies | Contemporary blockbusters, lesser-known indies – primarily 1990s-present | Classic hits from the 70s-90s, hidden gems, modern box office smashes |
| Genres | Drama, comedy, romance, action/adventure | Drama, comedy, action/adventure, western, and more |
| Access | Cable channel, Streaming app, Add-on via Prime Video/Hulu | Available via most cable/satellite TV bundles |
| Monthly Cost | $8.99 stand-alone streaming app | $5-10+ extra depending on cable/satellite provider |
Key Differences
| Starz | Starz Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Content Ownership | Invests heavily in developing buzzworthy original programming | No original programming, but licenses rights to air some Starz originals |
| Viewer Experience | More focused, lean-back experience centered around marquee originals and complementary movies | Channels organized by niche genres allow viewers to customize based on preferences |
| Programming Strategy | Priority is critical acclaim and building audience loyalty to anchor original series | Massive content library to satisfy range of movie fans craving variety |
| Pricing & Availability | Premium channel requiring add-on fee for access outside basic cable | Bundled in most basic cable/satellite plans for no extra charge |
#Which One Do Most Viewers Prefer?
Starz arguably attracts more buzz thanks to its growing roster of original series that rival offerings from the likes of Netflix and HBO. From historical epics to hard-hitting urban dramas, Starz strikes a chord with critics and audiences.
However, long-time movie buffs who crave variety may prefer sifting through the Starz Encore channels to unearth hidden gems from decades past. There’s something comforting about catching beloved classics instead of investing in brand new series.
At the end of the day, preferences come down to personal taste and the types of movies/shows you seek. Good news is that fans can usually bundle Starz AND Starz Encore together pretty affordably and get the best of both worlds!
#FAQ
#Can I get Starz Encore without subscribing to Starz?
Yes. Many cable and satellite plans include Starz Encore channels by default at no added charge. Starz typically requires paying a separate monthly fee, so you can watch Encore movies without ever subscribing to Starz itself.
#Do Starz and Starz Encore cost about the same?
No. Starz runs about $9/month as a premium add-on or standalone streaming subscription. Starz Encore pricing depends on your cable or satellite provider but usually falls between $5 and $10 extra per month, and some packages bundle it in for free.
#How do I cancel my Starz subscription?
If you subscribed directly through the Starz app, you can cancel your starz subscription from your account settings or by calling customer service. For subscriptions added through Prime Video, Hulu, or another platform, you’ll need to cancel through that service instead.
#How does Starz compare to other premium channels?
Starz shares some overlap with channels like Cinemax and Showtime in terms of movies, but its original series lineup sets it apart. Pricing, content libraries, and streaming options vary between all three, so the best pick depends on which shows and movies matter most to you.
#What channels are included with Starz Encore?
Starz Encore includes several themed channels: Encore Classic, Encore Westerns, Encore Black, Encore Family, Encore Action, and Encore Suspense. Each one focuses on a specific genre or era, making it easy to find movies that match your mood.
#Can I stream Starz Encore online?
Starz Encore does not have its own standalone streaming app. You can only access Encore content through a cable or satellite subscription that includes it. Starz, on the other hand, offers a dedicated app and integrations with services like Prime Video, Hulu, and Sling TV.
#Is Starz worth it if I already have Starz Encore?
It depends on whether you care about original programming. Starz Encore gives you a deep catalog of movies across multiple genres, but it doesn’t produce its own shows. If you want access to series like “Outlander,” “Power,” and “American Gods,” adding Starz is worth the extra cost.
#Bottom Line
While Starz and Starz Encore share some DNA when it comes the movies they offer, the types of original programming and channel lineups differ significantly.
Hardcore fans can access the best of both by bundling these sister networks together through their cable provider. Or more selective viewers can choose the one that best fits their tastes, whether that’s originals like “Outlander” on Starz or classics and hidden gems airing across the Starz Encore channels.
Now that you know how Starz and Starz Encore overlap and diverge in terms of content, pricing, and availability, you can decide which option is right for you.