Starz is losing one of the executives most responsible for its biggest shows, and the network is moving forward with a new strategy.
Karen Bailey, the executive vice president of original programming at Starz, is leaving the company at the end of the month. Her departure comes as Starz re-aligns its originals team around an owned-IP strategy and broadens its offerings. Starz has been continuously reviewing its priorities since completing its separation from Lionsgate in May 2025.
Bailey’s Long Run at Starz
Bailey first joined Starz in 2006. She spent two decades at the network before stepping down. Ahead of her exit, Starz offered her a first-look producing deal, which she declined.
Her most notable achievement was bringing “Outlander” to the network. The show became a hit for Starz, and Bailey’s role in securing it remains central to her legacy there.
The Shows That Defined Her Tenure
Bailey brought several other major projects to Starz during her time. The list includes:
- “The White Queen”
- “The White Princess”
- The critically acclaimed documentary “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult”
- The limited series “Gaslit”
She also served as the covering executive on “Outlander: Blood of my Blood,” the prequel to “Outlander,” and on the hit series “P-Valley.”
What Starz Says About Her
Kathryn Busby, Starz’s head of original programming, praised Bailey’s contribution in a statement.
“Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Karen is aware of her passion and dedication as a creative leader,” Busby said. “She was integral to shaping ‘Outlander’ into the hit the world knows today through her strong creative instincts and her gift for forging trusted relationships with actors and producers. Her hybrid skill set across programming and production make her an impressive executive, and we are grateful for all of her work that shaped much of STARZ’s original programming over the years.”
What Bailey Said
Bailey responded to the news with gratitude and optimism about the future.
“I have cherished my time at Starz and feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of so many extraordinary series and to have worked alongside such talented writers, producers, casts, and crew,” she said. “I am enormously proud of what we created together and deeply grateful for the experience. After two remarkable decades, I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings.”
A Quiet End to a Long Career
Bailey’s exit is a quiet one. She leaves with praise from the company and a sense of closure in her own words.
The timing is notable. Two decades at Starz, through its separation from Lionsgate, and now out as the network moves forward with a new strategy.
The Separation From Lionsgate
Starz separated from Lionsgate in May 2025. Since then, the network has been continuously reviewing its priorities.
The Strategy Shift at Starz
The re-alignment of the originals team under Busby signals a shift toward owning intellectual property and expanding its offerings. Starz is now operating with a new strategy.
Key Dates in the Transition
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | Starz completes separation from Lionsgate |
| Present | Bailey exits at the end of the month |
| Ongoing | Starz continues to re-align originals team under Busby |
The network is betting on owned intellectual property and a broader range of offerings. Bailey’s exit comes as Starz moves past its Lionsgate split and reshapes its original programming operation.
Source material: “Starz Executive Vice President of Original Programming Karen Bailey to Exit (EXCLUSIVE),” Variety.
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