Verizon Fios customers who wanted to watch Outlander: Blood of My Blood and S.W.A.T. Exiles tonight have a problem. Starz is no longer available on the service, and the network has not reached a renewal agreement with Verizon.
The two episodes drop tonight. The third episode of Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2, titled “Rabbits Don’t Swim,” airs at 8:05 p.m. ET. The second episode of S.W.A.T. Exiles, titled “Clean Entry,” follows at 10:00 p.m. ET. Both episodes will also stream early on the STARZ app at midnight.
Why Starz Left Verizon
Starz and Verizon could not reach a renewal agreement, which led to the removal. That is the official reason, per a statement from Alison Hoffman, President of STARZ Networks.
“Despite extensive efforts by STARZ to reach a renewal agreement and preserve uninterrupted access for Verizon Fios customers, Verizon has chosen to remove STARZ,” Hoffman said in a statement. “Verizon has mischaracterized our position, shown an unwillingness to negotiate and has been unproductive in progressing towards a mutually beneficial outcome.”
The statement adds that the streamer stands “ready to reach a fair agreement that restores STARZ to Verizon customers as quickly as possible.” Hoffman’s remarks suggest the network believes the disagreement was not about money but about whether Verizon would actually negotiate.
What Verizon Subscribers Can Do Now
Fios customers have several options to watch Starz without Verizon. The simplest is the STARZ app itself, which costs $4.99 per month for the first three months and $11.99 per month after that. Prepaying $29.99 for 12 months drops the monthly cost to $2.50.
Amazon and Hulu both offer Starz as an add-on for $11.99 per month. Both platforms offer a seven-day free trial for eligible subscribers. Starz is also available on Sling TV and Fubo.
Philo offers Starz as an add-on for $25 per month, with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. The standalone price is higher than the other platforms, but the free trial remains available.
The Price Comparison
Here is how the subscription prices break down:
- STARZ app: $4.99 per month for three months, then $11.99 per month
- STARZ on Amazon or Hulu: $11.99 per month
- STARZ on Philo: $25 per month
The free trial is a common thread across all four platforms. New subscribers can test Starz before committing to a full subscription.
A Familiar Pattern
This is not the first time a major streamer has lost access to a cable lineup. Back in October 2025, YouTube TV dropped ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned networks. That blackout lasted a little over two weeks.
The pattern holds: when a company cannot reach a deal, the content disappears.
What Happens Next
The statement from Hoffman suggests Starz wants the issue resolved quickly. Whether Verizon agrees is unknown. The statement from Hoffman suggests Starz is willing to return to Verizon if the company agrees to negotiate fairly.
For now, the solution is straightforward. If you want to watch tonight’s episodes, you have to subscribe directly. The STARZ app is the easiest path, though Amazon, Hulu, Sling TV, and Fubo all carry the service at a slightly higher price.
Tonight’s Schedule
Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2, Episode 3 (“Rabbits Don’t Swim”) airs at 8:05 p.m. ET. S.W.A.T. Exiles Episode 2 (“Clean Entry”) airs at 10:00 p.m. ET. Both episodes will stream early on the STARZ app at midnight.
Source material: “How To Watch Starz, Including ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ and ‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood’, Without Verizon Fios,” Decider.
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