Starz is one of several cable networks competing for viewership in the premium space. Vying for viewers’ attention in an increasingly crowded space isn’t an easy feat. Neither is finding the Starz channel amongst the hundreds of other channels to choose from on your DirecTV guide. Where is Starz, exactly? And what are all its different variants for? Let’s take a look at the list of channels and discuss where you can find each one of them below.
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Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR.
Starz Channel Guide
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz | 525 (East) 526 (West) |
The History of Starz
©rafapress/Shutterstock.com
Premium cable and satellite television station Starz was first founded in 1994. It originated as a joint venture between broadcasters TCI and Liberty Media, who hoped to compete with the success of HBO and Showtime. This new premium network aimed to stand out by focusing on offering a wide range of movies without commercial interruptions. However, despite the inherent appeal of premium television, it struggled to establish itself as a serious contender in the early years against the other titans in its field.
By 1997, the tide finally began to turn for the new premium network. With the acquisition of new releases from many Disney-owned studios, Starz was able to take control of a large part of what made Showtime so enticing. Not long after, the network also received the rights to hundreds of Paramount Pictures releases. These strategic moves brought in thousands of new subscribers, eventually giving it the power to expand its offerings with its own original productions to rival HBO and the like.
Starz’s original content started gaining a lot more attention in the late 2000s and early 2010s. From Spartacus to Da Vinci’s Demons to Outlander and beyond, the network put out an assortment of highly rated and extremely watchable dramas that truly put the network on the map. It remains a trusted source for great prestige dramas, including the Power franchise, sports drama Heels, and adult comedy Minx. Its acquisition by Lionsgate in 2016 promises even more high-quality programming in the years to come.
Every Starz Sister Station
| Starz Cinema |
| Starz Comedy |
| Starz Edge |
| Starz In Black |
| Starz Kids & Family |
| Starz Encore |
| Starz Encore Action |
| Starz Encore Black |
| Starz Encore Classic |
| Starz Encore Español |
| Starz Encore Family |
| Starz Encore Suspense |
| Starz Encore Westerns |
| MoviePlex |
| IndiePlex |
| RetroPlex |
Starz Programming
Outlander
has been a hit on Starz since 2014.©Starz – License
Finally found Starz on your DirecTV guide? now it’s time to start watching everything the channel has to offer. From award-winning shows to great films both new and old, the network’s programming keeps you glued to your seat with uninterrupted, unedited productions from Hollywood’s top talent. Here’s what you can typically find playing on an average day.
Original Productions
Beyond its assortment of films, Starz is also known for its original TV show productions. From historical drama Outlander to fantasy series American Gods, crime thriller Power and sci-fi series Counterpart, the channel has a great library of shows made directly in-house.
Movie Library
Starz is known best for its movie library. There are no limits to the kinds of movies you might find on the network or one of its many sister stations. Action, adventure, romance, comedy… every last one of them has a home on this channel. Best of all, everything plays commercial-free, without interruption or censoring.
Other Starz Channels
Pit Pony
is one of many acquired programs on Starz Kids & Family.©Starz – License
Starz is made up of more than just one single channel. There are many specialized channels underneath Lionsgate’s umbrella. From Cinema to Comedy, Edge to In Black, Kids & Family to Encore, there are over half a dozen other Starz channels to flip through beyond the flagship station. Let’s break down each one of them below.
Starz Cinema
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz Cinema | 531 |
This premium channel puts the focus entirely on movies. Starz Cinema is home to a wide array of titles from various genres — from action-packed thrillers to award-winning dramas and everything in between. This is the station to find commercial-free, uninterrupted, unedited films played in their entirety.
Starz Comedy
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz Comedy | 528 |
If you’re looking for something funny to watch, check out Starz Comedy. This particular station fills its daily schedule with all sorts of stand-up specials, hilarious sitcoms, and comedy films, both new and old. You’re not going to find anything too serious, scary, or dramatic on this network. It’s all about the laughs.
Starz Edge
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz Edge | 529 |
If you’re looking for something with a bite, turn to Edge. This premium offshoot plays titles that are a little edgier. From unique narratives to bold dramas and twisted stories, Edge is definitely not for the faint of heart. You might have to watch through your fingers occasionally, but you might also find a new favorite in the process.
Starz In Black
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz In Black | 530 |
Starz In Black is Lionsgate’s premium cable channel devoted to all things Black culture and Black stories. From movies to television series to compelling documentaries, In Black puts a much-needed focus on diverse perspectives and voices in Black filmmaking. Catch classic films, new releases, and more.
Starz Kids & Family
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz Kids & Family | 527 |
For something mom, dad, and the kids can all enjoy, check out the Kids & Family channel. This station is where family-friendly entertainment thrives. Both kids and parents can have a good time watching the movies and television shows played on this network. You’ll likely see a lot of animated films with almost everything rated PG or below.
Starz Encore
| Channel Name | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Starz Encore (East) | 535 |
| Starz Encore (West) | 536 |
| Starz Encore Classic | 537 |
| Starz Encore Westerns | 538 |
| Starz Encore Suspense | 539 |
| Starz Encore Black | 540 |
| Starz Encore Action | 541 |
| Starz Encore Family | 542 |
| Starz Encore Español | 426 |
Encore was initially developed to play more classic films than any of the other sister networks. While it eventually got away from this initial purpose over the years, it still plays slightly more of the older films than newer ones. Encore is perfect for fans of Old Hollywood westerns, throwback romances, classic action films, and other nostalgic or culturally significant films.
MoviePlex
Lastly, there’s MoviePlex. This sister station mainly programs movies from between 1970 and the present day. It has sister stations of its own, as well: IndiePlex and RetroPlex. The former plays arthouse films, while the latter plays films released between 1910 and 1970. As of this writing, it is not available on DirecTV.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lionsgate.
