History of Starz in Timeline
Starz is a premium cable and satellite TV network in the US, owned by Lionsgate. Launched in 1994 as part of Starz Encore, it mainly broadcasts movies and original TV series.
May 31, 1993: Encore Acquires Universal Pictures Rights
On May 31, 1993, Encore secured a significant deal by acquiring the pay cable rights to broadcast recent and upcoming feature films from Universal Pictures.
1993: Starz Acquires Rights to Universal Studios Films
Starz acquired the pay-TV rights to broadcast films by Universal Studios released after 1993. This acquisition played a crucial role in Encore's decision to launch Starz as a competitor to HBO and Showtime.
February 1, 1994: Starz Launch
On February 1, 1994, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Starz made its debut, primarily on cable systems operated by Tele-Communications Inc. The network marked the occasion by airing "Scent of a Woman" and "The Crying Game," both 1992 dramas, as its first two movies.
February 1994: Starz Makes its Debut with a Starry Logo
Starz launched in February 1994, introducing its iconic logo featuring a stylized star and a classic movie-themed font.
September 1994: Seven-Channel Multiplex Launch
Starz's debut in February 1994 marked the first phase of a seven-channel thematic multiplex rollout by Starz (then Encore Media Group), which continued over the subsequent eight months. The remaining six channels were launched between July and September 1994, expanding the programming options for viewers.
1994: Encore Launches First Themed Multiplex Service, Including Starz
In 1994, Encore revolutionized the pay television industry by launching the first "themed" multiplex service, initially planned with six channels but expanded to seven to accommodate Starz.
1994: Encore Wam Launches with Dedicated Children's Blocks
Similar to the programming blocks introduced later on Starz Kids & Family, sister channel Encore launched Encore Wam in 1994, featuring dedicated blocks of children's programming. This early initiative demonstrated a commitment to catering to younger audiences.
1994: Starz Launch
Starz launched in 1994 as a multiplex service of Starz Encore, initially featuring a lineup of theatrically released movies.
September 1995: Starz Signs Carriage Agreement with Continental Cablevision
In a significant step for its expansion, Starz secured its first major carriage agreement outside the TCI group in September 1995, partnering with Continental Cablevision.
1996: Starz Subscriber Base
By 1996, Starz had garnered an estimated 2.8 million subscribers to pay television, demonstrating its growing presence in the market.
1996: Launch of Starz! 2 Multiplex Channel
In 1996, Starz! 2 was introduced as the first multiplex channel under the Starz brand. It featured a set lineup of four different movies scheduled at the same times each day, with the film selection changing every Friday.
1996: Encore Channels Abandon Numbering System, Adopt Tagline
In 1996, most Encore channels, including Starz, abandoned the numbering system used to identify themselves. They adopted the tagline "an encore network" to unify their branding.
January 1997: Paramount Pictures Joins the Starz Family
Starz secured a licensing agreement with Paramount Pictures in January 1997, adding a treasure trove of over 300 titles to their library, including classics like "Dear God" and "Boomerang."
June 2, 1997: TCI Transfers Ownership of Starz to Liberty Media
In a strategic move to alleviate its financial burden, TCI transferred majority ownership of Encore Media Group, the corporate entity operating Starz, to its sister company, Liberty Media, on June 2, 1997. However, TCI retained a 20% minority ownership interest in Encore Media Group.
June 1997: Comcast Agrees to Carry Starz
Following the closure of Philadelphia-based PRISM, Comcast signed an agreement in June 1997 to carry Starz on its systems in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This agreement brought Starz programming to a wider audience in those regions.
1997: Starz Acquires Disney Film Rights
In 1997, Starz gained access to a valuable library of films from Disney-owned studios, including Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, and Miramax Films, following the conclusion of Disney's output agreement with Showtime for its non-family-oriented films.
1997: Debut of BET Movies: Starz! 3 Joint Venture
In 1997, Starz partnered with BET Networks to launch BET Movies: Starz! 3, a joint venture multiplex channel.
May 1998: Starz Reaches 7.6 Million Subscribers
By May 1998, Starz had achieved a significant milestone, boasting a subscriber base of 7.6 million households with cable or satellite television subscriptions.
May 1999: Two Additional Starz Multiplex Channels Launched
May 1999 marked the launch of two new Starz multiplex channels: Starz! Family, offering family-oriented films, and Starz! Cinema, showcasing critically acclaimed independent and non-mainstream movies.
July 1999: Starz Encore Programming Expansion
While Starz initially focused on recent film releases, Starz Encore, known then as Encore, concentrated on movies from the 1960s to the 1980s. However, in July 1999, Starz Encore expanded its programming to include recent films, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.
1999: Liberty Media Assumes Full Ownership of Encore Media Group
Following TCI's merger with AT&T Corporation, Liberty Media assumed full ownership of Encore Media Group in 1999, solidifying its control over Starz and its associated networks.
January 2000: Starz Family Replaces Fox Stations During Carriage Dispute
In January 2000, a carriage dispute between Cox Communications and Fox Television Stations led to Starz! Family being temporarily aired in place of Fox owned-and-operated stations in six markets.
2000: Encore Media Group Renamed Starz Encore Media Group
In 2000, Encore Media Group was renamed Starz Encore Media Group, reflecting the growing prominence of the Starz brand in the company's portfolio.
2001: BET Withdraws from Partnership, BET Movies: Starz! Rebranded as Black Starz!
Following BET's acquisition by Viacom in 2001, BET withdrew from its partnership with Starz. Consequently, BET Movies: Starz! was rebranded as Black Starz!.
May 2002: Starz Embraces Nature-Inspired Branding
In May 2002, Starz opted for a visual refresh, replacing its movie theater-themed graphics with imagery inspired by nature, particularly water, signifying a shift in branding strategy.
2002: Starz Transitions Away from Encore Branding
Until 2002, Starz heavily incorporated the "Encore 8" moniker in its branding. However, in 2002, it transitioned into a separate channel from Encore, gradually phasing out the Encore branding elements.
December 2003: Starz HD Simulcast Feed Launches
Starz launched its high-definition simulcast feed, Starz HD, broadcasting in 1080i resolution, in December 2003. Initially, the simulcast only covered the east and west coast feeds of the main Starz channel. Although there were plans for an enhanced-definition simulcast and a separate HD channel called Sharper Movies HD, they were eventually dropped.
2003: Starz Encore Group Restructures and Reduces Workforce
As part of a corporate restructuring plan in 2003, Starz Encore Group made the difficult decision to eliminate 100 jobs across its nine regional offices and closed four of those offices entirely.
2003: Starz and RealNetworks Launch Online Broadband Streaming Service
From 2003 to 2004, Starz collaborated with RealNetworks to operate an online broadband streaming movie service, also called Starz On Demand.
2004: Launch of Starz! Kids Multiplex Channel
In 2004, Starz introduced Starz! Kids, a multiplex channel targeting children between 2 and 11 years old with a format similar to Starz! Family. Unlike other Starz multiplex channels, Starz! Kids was launched on a case-by-case basis.
2004: Starz and RealNetworks' Online Streaming Service Ends
In 2004, the online broadband streaming movie service operated by Starz and RealNetworks, known as Starz On Demand, ceased operations.
2004: Starz Launches Starz Ticket
Starz Ticket operated as a subscription video-on-demand online streaming service from 2004 to 2006.
March 2005: Starz Major Rebrand
In March 2005, Starz underwent a major rebrand, introducing a new logo, a blue liquid standardized graphics package, and an updated "InfoBar".
March 25, 2005: Starz Encore Group Renamed Starz Entertainment
On March 25, 2005, Starz Encore Group underwent a name change, becoming Starz Entertainment, marking a shift in its corporate identity.
March 27, 2005: Starz's Logo Gets a Modern Makeover
On March 27, 2005, Starz unveiled a refreshed logo, marking a departure from its original design and signaling a new era for the network.
March 28, 2005: Starz Introduces New Logo and Branding
Shortly after its name change, on March 28, 2005, Starz unveiled a new logo and rebranded itself as "starz" in all lowercase, signaling a fresh chapter for the company.
January 2006: Paramount Pictures and Starz Part Ways (Temporarily)
After a successful partnership, Paramount Pictures' first contract with Starz expired in January 2006, leading to a temporary hiatus in their collaboration.
2006: Starz Launches Vongo
In 2006, Starz launched Vongo, a separate online movie service for subscribers.
2007: HD Simulcast Feeds Expanded to More Starz Channels
Following the launch of Starz HD in 2003, high-definition simulcast feeds for Starz Kids and Family, Starz Comedy, and Starz Edge were introduced in 2007. This expansion brought more Starz content to viewers in HD.
2007: Starz Introduces Persistent On-Screen Logo Bug
In Summer 2007, Starz introduced a persistent on-screen logo bug that appeared throughout entire movies on all Starz, Encore, and Movieplex channels.
April 7, 2008: Starz Introduces New Logo Bugs
On April 7, 2008, Starz introduced new logo bugs: a white logo bug for all channels and a bright orange bug for Starz HD.
April 2008: Starz Logo Redesign
In April 2008, Starz redesigned its logo, featuring a new wordmark with a star shining between the "a" and "r".
April 2008: Starz Reverts On-Screen Logo Bug Duration
In April 2008, Starz reverted the duration of its on-screen logo bugs, returning to appearing for two minutes every half hour.
September 30, 2008: Starz Discontinues Vongo Streaming Service
On September 30, 2008, Starz discontinued its separate online movie service, Vongo.
2008: Starzplay Launches as a Netflix Service
In 2008, Starzplay was created as a service offered through Netflix. This allowed Netflix to stream movies from distributors that had output deals with Starz.
November 19, 2009: Liberty Media Spins Off Starz
On November 19, 2009, Liberty Media took a significant step by spinning off Starz into a separate public tracking stock known as Liberty Starz, providing investors with a more direct way to invest in the network's growth.
2009: Encore Wam's Programming Blocks Come to an End
After 15 years of entertaining young viewers, Encore Wam's dedicated programming blocks concluded in 2009, marking a shift in Encore's programming strategy.
January 1, 2010: Chris Albrecht Joins Starz as CEO
Chris Albrecht joined Starz as its president and chief executive officer on January 1, 2010, taking the helm of all Starz entities, including Starz Entertainment, Overture Films, Anchor Bay Entertainment, and Film Roman.
June 23, 2010: Starz Cinema and Starz In Black Launch HD Simulcast Feeds
On June 23, 2010, Starz Cinema and Starz In Black, the remaining Starz multiplex channels, launched their HD simulcast feeds. DirecTV was the first provider to offer all six Starz channels, including both coastal feeds of the primary channel, in HD.
March 2011: Starz On Demand Launches 3D VOD Service
In March 2011, Starz On Demand expanded its offerings by launching a third VOD service. This new service provided movies in 3D to Comcast and Verizon FiOS customers at no additional charge.
March 2011: Starz Kids & Family Launches "Camp Block"
March 2011 saw the launch of "Camp Block" on Starz Kids & Family, a two-hour block of programming tailored for teenagers, featuring imported series from countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This marked Starz's commitment to providing diverse content for younger audiences.
April 2011: Starz Logo Color Modification
In April 2011, Starz modified its logo, changing the coloring to an orange/gold gradient.
July 2011: Starz Kids & Family HD Simulcast Launch
In July 2011, Starz launched the HD simulcast feed for Starz Kids & Family.
September 1, 2011: Starz Announces End of Netflix Streaming Agreement
On September 1, 2011, Starz made the announcement that they would not renew their streaming agreement with Netflix.
November 18, 2011: Starz Announces Development of Streaming App
On November 18, 2011, Starz announced its plan to develop a streaming application for mobile devices, aiming to provide their subscribers access to their series and film content.
2011: Starz Ramps Up Original Programming
Starz hit its stride in 2011, debuting a record four original series, signaling their commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to viewers.
January 2012: "Camp Block" Becomes "Six Block"
In January 2012, "Camp Block" underwent a transformation, becoming "Six Block." This involved a shift in schedule, moving the block from varying afternoon slots to a fixed time of 6:00 PM Eastern Time, providing viewers with a consistent programming schedule.
February 28, 2012: End of Starz Content on Netflix
February 28, 2012, marked the end of the streaming agreement between Starz and Netflix, removing Starz content from the platform.
August 8, 2012: Liberty Media Announces Spin-off of Liberty Starz
Liberty Media announced plans on August 8, 2012, to spin off its Liberty Starz subsidiary into an independent, publicly traded company. This strategic decision aimed to unlock the full value of Starz and provide it with greater autonomy.
October 8, 2012: Starzplay Online Streaming Service Launched
Starzplay, a TV Everywhere-style online streaming service, was launched on October 8, 2012. It was available through a website and mobile app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, offering Starz original programming and feature films in standard or high definition to eligible subscribers.
October 9, 2012: Starz Streaming App Launches on Apple Devices
On October 9, 2012, Starz released its streaming application for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices.
January 11, 2013: Liberty Starz Becomes Starz
On January 11, 2013, the spin-off of Liberty Starz was finalized, resulting in the subsidiary's name change to Starz, solidifying its status as a standalone company.
February 11, 2013: Starz and Sony Extend Their Partnership
Starz and Sony Pictures solidified their bond with a nine-year renewal of their first-run film output agreement on February 11, 2013, ensuring a continued flow of Sony's cinematic offerings to Starz subscribers.
April 2013: Paramount Pictures and Starz Reunite
Starz and Paramount Pictures rekindled their partnership in April 2013, with Starz reassuming sub-run rights to Paramount Pictures' feature film releases.
May 7, 2013: Starz Streaming App Launches on Android Devices
On May 7, 2013, the Starz streaming app was released for Android devices.
October 2013: "Outlander" Begins its Journey
Starz made a bold move in October 2013, greenlighting the historical drama series "Outlander," based on the popular book series by Diana Gabaldon. The show, developed by Ronald D. Moore, began filming in Scotland, the setting of the novels, with a 16-episode order.
December 3, 2013: Starz App Launches for Xbox 360
Starz launched an app for authenticated subscribers on Xbox 360 on December 3, 2013.
2013: Starz Kids & Family Used as Replacement Channel During Carriage Dispute
During a 2013 carriage dispute between Journal Broadcast Group and Time Warner Cable, Starz Kids & Family was used to temporarily replace dropped television stations in certain markets.
2013: Starz Reverts On-Screen Logo Bug Duration Again
In 2013, Starz reverted the duration of its on-screen logo bugs back to two minutes every half hour, also applying the change to Encore channels.
August 5, 2014: Starz App Launches for Xbox One
On August 5, 2014, a Starz app was released for Xbox One.
April 2, 2015: Starzplay Arabia Launches
Starzplay Arabia, the first Starz-branded service outside of the US, launched on April 2, 2015, in 17 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
December 2015: End of an Era: Starz and Disney Part Ways
Starz's first-run film output agreement with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures ended in December 2015, marking the end of their long-standing partnership.
2015: "Outlander" Captures Critical Acclaim
"Outlander" earned five nominations for the 2015 Women's Image Network Awards, including recognition for Best Drama Series and Best Actress in a Drama Series for Caitriona Balfe, highlighting the show's impact and critical acclaim.
2015: Amazon Video Offers Starz as Add-on Subscription
Amazon Video began offering Starz as an add-on subscription for their customers in the winter of 2015.
2015: Starz Multiplex Loses Official Marketed Name
By 2015, the Starz multiplex, previously marketed under names like "Starz Encore Super Pak" and "Starz Super Pak," ceased to have an "official" marketed name.
January 2016: Netflix Enters the Magic Kingdom
Netflix swooped in and assumed pay television rights for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures' films in January 2016, taking over from Starz. However, Starz retained rights to films released by Touchstone Pictures under a separate contract.
March 28, 2016: Starz Introduces New Logo, Tagline, and Channel Revamp
On March 28, 2016, Starz underwent a significant rebranding, introducing a new logo, the tagline "Obsessable," and a revamp of its channels, effective April 5, 2016. All Encore channels were rebranded under the "Starz" name, and the main Encore channel became "Starz Encore," featuring reruns of Starz originals alongside films.
April 5, 2016: Starz Rebranding and Channel Expansion
On April 5, 2016, Starz underwent a significant rebranding, introducing a new logo with its name stylized as "STARZ" in all uppercase letters. As part of the rebranding, Starz incorporated all Encore channels under its moniker, expanding the Starz channel lineup to 14 premium channels and renaming its main channel to Starz Encore, which features reruns of Starz Originals in addition to its movie selection.
June 30, 2016: Lionsgate Agrees to Acquire Starz Inc.
On June 30, 2016, Lionsgate entered into a significant agreement to acquire Starz Inc. for $4.4 billion in cash and stock, marking a major consolidation in the entertainment industry.
September 2016: Starz Channel Reintroduces Children's Programming Block
In September 2016, the Starz channel brought back a weekday morning block of children's programming. The block featured shows from Nelvana, WildBrain, and The Jim Henson Company.
2016: Netflix Acquires Rights to Most Disney Films from Starz
By 2016, Netflix directly acquired rights to most film releases by Walt Disney Studios from Starz.
2016: Starz Logo Redesign
In 2016, Starz redesigned its logo again, introducing an uppercase "STARZ" wordmark in black, appearing in white against a black background on-screen.
2016: Lionsgate Acquires Starz
Lions Gate Entertainment acquired Starz in 2016.
September 2018: Starz Subscriber Count
As of September 2018, Starz boasted an impressive subscriber base of approximately 28.517 million American households, reflecting its growing popularity.
2018: Starzplay Arabia Launches in Pakistan
Starzplay Arabia expanded its services to Pakistan in 2018 through a joint venture with Cinepax.
April 2019: Starz Criticized for DMCA Complaints
In April 2019, Starz faced widespread criticism from the tech press and the Electronic Frontier Foundation for issuing legal demands to Twitter, seeking the removal of links to a news article that discussed piracy. The article itself did not contain any pirated material or links to such content. While Starz initially responded by issuing further DMCA complaints against those criticizing them, they later apologized. They clarified that the invalid DMCA claims were sent on their behalf by a third-party contractor called The Social Element and committed to "working with our vendors to reinstate any such content that was inappropriately targeted for removal."
2019: Lionsgate's Output Deal with Epix Ends
Lionsgate's output deal with Epix concluded in 2019.
December 2020: Children's Programming Block on Starz Replaced with Reruns
The children's programming block on Starz, introduced in September 2016, was replaced with reruns of "Pit Pony" in December 2020. However, reruns of "Little Charmers" continued to air.
January 2021: Starzplay Arabia Partners with Abu Dhabi Media
Starzplay Arabia signed a deal with Abu Dhabi Media in January 2021, granting subscribers access to live UFC fights and events.
March 2, 2021: Lionsgate Announces First-Run Rights for Lionsgate Films on Starz Starting in 2022
On March 2, 2021, Lionsgate announced that films from Lionsgate Films would premiere on Starz starting in 2022.
April 8, 2021: Sony Makes a Move to Netflix
In a move that shook the entertainment world, Sony announced on April 8, 2021, that they would not be renewing their agreement with Starz, opting instead for a new first-run agreement with streaming giant Netflix. This marked the end of an era for Starz and Sony.
July 15, 2021: Starz Secures Licensing Deal with Universal Pictures for First-Run Movies
Starz reached a licensing agreement with Universal Pictures on July 15, 2021, for the rights to show first-run movies 18 months after their availability on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
2021: Lionsgate's Output Deal with Hulu Ends
Lionsgate's output deal with Hulu concluded in 2021.
March 2022: E& and ADQ Acquire Majority Stake in Starzplay Arabia
In March 2022, a consortium led by e& and ADQ acquired a 57% majority stake in Starzplay Arabia for $420 million.
September 28, 2022: Starzplay Rebrands to Lionsgate+
On September 28, 2022, Lionsgate announced that the international Starzplay service would be renamed Lionsgate+ in most countries starting the next day.
December 2022: End of "Little Charmers" Reruns on Starz
In December 2022, reruns of "Little Charmers" were removed from Starz, marking the complete removal of the children's programming block that was introduced in September 2016.
2022: Lionsgate Films Begin Airing on Starz After Output Deal Expires
Despite the acquisition, Lionsgate films didn't air on Starz until 2022 after an output deal with Epix ended in 2019 and Hulu in 2021.
2022: Lionsgate Films Begin Airing on Starz
Films produced by Lionsgate Films began airing on Starz in 2022 as part of their first-run rights agreement.
2022: Starz Logo Redesign and Rebranding
In 2022, following the renaming of StarzPlay to Lionsgate+, Starz got a new logo with a bolder teal wordmark, appearing in a yellow-sky blue gradient on-screen.
2022: Start of First-Run Rights for Lionsgate Films and Universal Pictures on Starz
Starz began airing films from Lionsgate Films under first-run rights in 2022, with Summit Entertainment films being included in 2023. Additionally, Starz secured a deal with Universal Pictures in 2021 for first-run movie rights 18 months after their release on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
August 2023: Lionsgate Announces Lionsgate+ Exit from Latin America
In August 2023, Lionsgate made the decision to withdraw Lionsgate+ from Latin America.
November 4, 2023: Lionsgate Announces Lionsgate+ to Cease Operations in the UK
On November 4, 2023, Lionsgate announced that Lionsgate+ would be shutting down in the UK in early 2024.
December 11, 2023: Updated Date for Lionsgate+ to Leave Latin America
The shutdown date for Lionsgate+ in Latin America was later changed to December 11, 2023.
2023: Starz Secures First-Run Film Licensing Agreements with Lionsgate Films and Universal Pictures
As of 2023, Starz, Starz Encore, and MoviePlex have exclusive first-run film licensing agreements with Lionsgate Films (including Summit Entertainment) and Universal Pictures.
2023: Summit Entertainment Films Begin Airing on Starz After Output Deal Expires
Summit Entertainment films didn't appear on Starz until 2023 due to an output deal with HBO that lasted until 2022.
2023: Summit Entertainment Films Begin Airing on Starz
Summit Entertainment films were included in the first-run rights agreement with Starz and started airing in 2023.
December 31, 2023: Initial Date Announced for Lionsgate+ to Leave Latin America
Initially, Lionsgate announced in August 2023 that Lionsgate+ would exit the Latin American market on December 31, 2023.
February 9, 2024: Extended Access to Lionsgate+ for Amazon Prime Video Customers in Latin America
Customers who accessed Lionsgate+ through Amazon Prime Video in Latin America were given extended access until February 9, 2024.
February 29, 2024: Confirmed Shutdown Date for Lionsgate+ in the UK
The confirmed date for the Lionsgate+ shutdown in the UK was later set as February 29, 2024.
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