Starz vs Starz Encore: What’s the Difference?
Starz and Starz Encore are two distinct premium cable channel brands owned by the same parent company, but they offer different programming and are sold separately. Starz is the flagship service known for original series and recent theatrical films, while Starz Encore is a family of channels focused on classic movies, older titles, and genre-specific programming.
Background and History
Starz launched in 1994 as a premium movie channel, competing directly with HBO and Showtime. In the late 1990s, the company expanded with Encore, a separate brand designed to offer a lower-cost alternative with a deeper library of older films. Over time, Encore grew into a multi-channel suite—Encore Westerns, Encore Action, Encore Drama, Encore Family, and others—each with a specific genre focus. In 2016, the company rebranded the entire Encore family under the name “Starz Encore� to leverage the more recognizable Starz name, but the channels remained separate from the main Starz network.
Programming Differences
The core difference lies in the content. Starz airs:
- Original series like Outlander, Power, and P-Valley
- Recent Hollywood blockbusters, typically within a year of their theatrical release
- Some older movies and licensed shows, but the focus is on new and exclusive content
Starz Encore, by contrast, offers:
- Classic films from the 1970s through the early 2000s
- Genre-specific channels: Westerns, Action, Drama, Family, and Black Cinema
- No original series—it is purely a movie and library channel
If you want the latest Oscar contenders or a hit new series, you need Starz. If you want to watch a John Wayne western on a Saturday afternoon, Starz Encore Westerns is the place.
How to Get Them
Both are available through traditional cable and satellite TV packages, but they are usually separate add-ons. You can subscribe to Starz alone, Starz Encore alone, or both as a bundle. The pricing structure varies by provider, but Starz Encore is typically cheaper because it lacks original programming. On streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels, you can add either service individually—Starz is a single channel, while Starz Encore is offered as one package that includes all the Encore variants.
Streaming and On-Demand
Starz has a dedicated streaming app called Starz, which includes the main channel’s live feed plus a large on-demand library of originals and movies. Starz Encore also has a streaming presence, but it is more limited. Some providers offer a Starz Encore app or on-demand access, but the selection is smaller and often lacks the original series. If you subscribe to both, you can usually access both libraries through the same provider’s app, but the Starz app itself does not include Encore content unless you specifically log in with a bundled subscription that grants both.
Cost Comparison
Pricing varies widely by cable provider and streaming platform, so there is no single universal price. However, as a general rule, Starz commands a higher monthly fee because of its originals and newer movies. Starz Encore is positioned as a budget option, often priced a few dollars less per month. Bundling both may save you a small amount compared to buying them separately, but the exact discount depends on your provider. Check your current cable bill or the streaming platform’s add-on page for the precise numbers.
Common Misconception: Are They the Same?
A frequent confusion arises because Starz Encore sometimes airs Starz original series after they have been out for a few years. For example, an older season of a Starz show might appear on an Encore channel as filler programming. This leads people to think the channels are interchangeable. They are not. The flagship Starz channel always gets new episodes first, and Encore only shows reruns of older originals, if at all. The primary purpose of Encore remains movies, not series.
How to Choose
Your choice depends on what you watch:
- If you follow current shows or want to see new releases soon after theaters—choose Starz.
- If you prefer classic films and don’t care about originals—choose Starz Encore.
- If you want both—look for a bundle from your provider.
Also consider your viewing habits. Starz adds new movies every month, but they rotate out. Starz Encore has a much larger catalog that stays stable for longer periods, so it is better for revisiting favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Starz Encore on the Starz app?
Only if your subscription includes both channels and your cable provider has linked them. The Starz app is designed for the main Starz channel. If you only subscribe to Starz Encore, you will not be able to log into the Starz app. Some providers offer a separate Starz Encore app or allow access through their own streaming portal.
Are Starz and Starz Encore owned by the same company?
Yes, both are owned by Lionsgate, which acquired the original Starz network in 2016. The Starz Encore rebranding happened as part of that acquisition to unify the brands under one name.
Does Starz Encore have original shows?
No. Starz Encore does not produce or premiere any original series. It is purely a movie channel. All original programming is exclusive to the main Starz network.
Which one has better movies?
“Better� is subjective. Starz has newer, bigger-budget films. Starz Encore has a wider selection of older classics, including many that are not available elsewhere. If you value recent releases, Starz wins. If you value depth of catalog, Encore wins.
Can I get Starz Encore without Starz?
Yes. Most cable providers and streaming platforms sell Starz Encore as a standalone add-on, separate from Starz. It is often cheaper for that reason.
Is there a free trial for Starz Encore?
Many streaming platforms offer free trials for premium add-ons, but the availability changes frequently. Check the specific platform you use—Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV, or your cable provider—for current offers. Free trials are not guaranteed and are subject to change.
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