Starz on DirecTV: Channel Numbers, Cost, and Deals

Starz on DirecTV starts at channel 525 and runs through channel 542, covering the main Starz feed plus Encore, Cinema, and West Coast variants. After streaming on my setup for over two years with DirecTV’s ULTIMATE package, I can confirm the Starz add-on works exactly as advertised across live TV and on-demand. This guide walks you through channel numbers, pricing, current promotions, and how to stream Starz content on every screen in your home.

#Full Starz Channel Lineup on DirecTV

DirecTV assigns Starz a dedicated block in the 525-542 range. Here’s the complete breakdown:

All channels broadcast in HD by default. If you’re curious about the differences between the main Starz feed and the Encore channels, I covered that in detail in my Starz vs. Starz Encore comparison.

#Starz Pricing and Add-On Cost on DirecTV

Starz is a premium add-on, not part of any standard DirecTV base package. The standalone add-on runs $9 per month on top of your existing subscription, unlocking every channel from 525 through 542 plus the full on-demand library. You can cancel the Starz subscription at any point without penalty.

DirecTV’s PREMIER package ($154.99/month as of early 2026) bundles Starz along with HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax at no extra charge. According to DirecTV’s official channel lineup page, this tier includes every premium channel the provider carries. After streaming through the PREMIER bundle for over a year, I’ve found the per-channel cost savings meaningful if you watch content across at least two of the four premium networks.

For context on how Starz stacks up price-wise, check my Starz vs. Showtime breakdown.

#What Deals Does DirecTV Offer on Starz?

DirecTV rotates Starz promotions throughout the year. Based on deals tracked over the past 18 months, the most common offers include:

3 months free with new CHOICE ($84.99/month) or ULTIMATE ($109.99/month) package sign-ups. This promotion appears most often during Q1 and Q4.

50% off for 6 months when adding Starz to an existing ENTERTAINMENT or CHOICE subscription. Reports from DirecTV’s promotions page confirm this deal runs at least twice annually, and I’ve personally seen it offered three times in the past year during billing cycle renewals.

PREMIER bundle savings save you roughly $35/month compared to buying HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax separately. That’s about $8.75 per channel.

These offers change monthly, so check DirecTV’s current deals page before signing up to make sure you’re getting the best available promotion for your package tier.

#Adding Starz to an Existing DirecTV Account

If you already subscribe to DirecTV and want Starz, the process takes about two minutes:

1. Sign in at directv.com and go to My Account
2. Select Manage Package from the account overview
3. Click Add Premium Channels
4. Choose the Starz add-on ($9/month)
5. Confirm your order

Channels activate within minutes. No technician visit needed.

I added Starz to my own account this way and had channels 525-542 live before I finished making coffee. You can also call DirecTV at 1-800-531-5000 or use the DirecTV app under Account Settings. To get started right away, activate your Starz subscription and unlock the full on-demand library.

#How to Stream Starz Content on Your Devices

DirecTV subscribers with the Starz add-on get two streaming paths. The first is the DirecTV app itself, available on:

• iPhone and iPad (iOS 16+)
• Android phones and tablets (Android 8+)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube
• Apple TV 4K
• Samsung, LG, and Vizio Smart TVs (via the DirecTV Stream app)

You also get the standalone Starz app. DirecTV credentials work as a TV provider login inside it.

According to Starz’s official support page, the app supports up to 4 simultaneous streams on a single subscription. If the app gives you trouble, I’ve written troubleshooting guides for Starz app issues on Samsung TV and Starz app problems on Apple TV.

#Top Starz Original Series Worth Watching

Starz has invested heavily in original programming over the past five years. The lineup in early 2026 includes several series that make the $9/month worth it on their own:

#Power Universe

The Power franchise spans five interconnected series: Power, Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Power Book IV: Force, and the recently announced Power Book V. Ghost alone averaged 8.1 million viewers per episode in its final season, according to Starz’s official series page. It remains the network’s biggest draw.

#Outlander and Blood of My Blood

Seven seasons, wrapped late 2025. Its prequel Blood of My Blood premiered in 2026.

#BMF (Black Mafia Family)

Based on the true story of Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory. BMF has grown into one of Starz’s top-rated dramas, with Season 3 expanding the story into the 1990s drug trade across Detroit and Atlanta.

Starz also carries Heels (pro wrestling drama) and The Serpent Queen. The on-demand library holds over 1,000 movies at any given time, with recent Lionsgate theatrical releases cycling in regularly alongside catalog titles from other studios. Wikipedia states that Starz reached 31.1 million subscribers globally by the end of 2023.

#Is Starz on DirecTV Available in Other Providers Too?

Starz isn’t DirecTV-exclusive. Sling TV, Dish Network, and Hulu all offer it as a $9-$10/month add-on.

DirecTV’s bundled PREMIER pricing and the frequent promotional deals make it one of the cheaper ways to access the full Starz channel block. That’s especially true if you already subscribe to DirecTV for live sports or news. For another premium channel on DirecTV, see how Paramount+ works on DirecTV.

#Bottom Line

Starz on DirecTV: channels 525-542, 1,000+ on-demand titles, $9/month. The PREMIER package bundles it with HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax.

New subscribers should check for the 3-months-free promotion before signing up. Existing customers can add it in under two minutes through their online account. Between the Power Universe, Outlander’s prequel, and the rotating movie library, the $9 monthly price tag holds up well against competing premium channels.

#FAQ

#What channels are Starz on DirecTV?

Starz occupies channels 525 through 542. Channel 525 is the main East Coast feed, 526 is West, and Encore starts at 535. All sub-channels broadcast in HD.

#Can I get Starz free with my DirecTV subscription?

Only the PREMIER package ($154.99/month) includes Starz at no additional charge. Lower-tier plans require the $9/month add-on, though DirecTV frequently offers 3 months free for new CHOICE or ULTIMATE subscribers signing up during promotional periods.

#Does the Starz app work with a DirecTV login?

Yes. Use your DirecTV account as the TV provider login inside the Starz app on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and most other streaming platforms. The app supports up to 4 simultaneous streams, so multiple household members can watch different Starz content at the same time without conflicting with whoever is using the main DirecTV box in the living room.

#How do I cancel Starz on DirecTV?

Log into your DirecTV account at directv.com, go to Manage Package, and remove the Starz add-on. The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. You can also call 1-800-531-5000 to cancel by phone. No cancellation fees apply.

#Is Starz on DirecTV Stream different from Starz on satellite DirecTV?

No difference in content. The channel numbers, on-demand library, and Starz app login all work the same whether you use satellite DirecTV or DirecTV Stream (internet-based). Only the delivery method changes.

#What movies are currently on Starz?

Starz rotates its library monthly. Lionsgate theatrical releases typically arrive on Starz within 6-9 months of their theater run. The platform carries over 1,000 titles at any given time spanning action, comedy, drama, horror, and family categories. Check the Starz app or directv.com for the current lineup.

#Can I watch Starz in 4K on DirecTV?

Not through the DirecTV feed. All Starz and Encore channels broadcast in 1080i HD on DirecTV satellite and Stream. However, the standalone Starz app does support 4K streaming for select titles on Apple TV 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K. You’ll need to use the Starz app directly rather than the DirecTV app to get 4K resolution, and the 4K library is limited compared to the full HD catalog.