Starz issued a formal warning on September 30, 2026, stating that its premium programming could be removed from Verizon Fios if the two companies fail to reach a new distribution agreement. The potential blackout would affect all Starz linear channels, Starz On Demand, and authenticated access to the Starz app for millions of households.
The dispute places a significant volume of original content at risk for Verizon’s television audience. Starz reported that it has been negotiating in “good faith” to secure a deal that would maintain service for subscribers. However, without a signed contract, the signal could be cut imminently, leaving fans without access to several high-profile franchises.
Fan-Favorite Franchises Caught in the Middle
The timing of the negotiation breakdown is particularly impactful for viewers of the “Power” and “Outlander” universes. The potential removal would block access to upcoming premieres, including the prequel series Power: Origins and Outlander: Blood of My Blood. Other current and upcoming titles identified as being at risk include P-Valley, S.W.A.T. Exiles, and Tip Toe.
For many viewers, these shows represent a specific niche of programming that Starz argues is not easily replaced by larger media conglomerates. Starz President Alison Hoffman stated that the network serves as a vital alternative in the media landscape, specifically focusing on women and underrepresented audiences. This “independent” positioning is a central part of the network’s leverage as it seeks to maintain its footprint on traditional cable and fiber platforms.
The Shifting Landscape at Verizon
The standoff occurs as Verizon continues a broader corporate pivot away from traditional television bundles. While Verizon reported approximately 2.6 million Fios TV subscribers as of mid-2025, the company has increasingly prioritized its fiber broadband and 5G mobility sectors. As of early 2026, Verizon’s fiber broadband service reached 10.7 million users, reflecting a shift in how the company allocates resources and negotiates content costs.
An official statement regarding the Verizon Fios customers may lose Starz alert indicates that the dispute involves both the financial terms of the carriage and the breadth of services offered to customers. While Starz describes the potential removal as a pressing issue, it has warned that it could be removed from Verizon Fios if a new distribution agreement is not reached imminently.
If a blackout occurs, Fios customers may still be able to access Starz content by subscribing directly to the streamer’s standalone app, though they would lose the integration and billing convenience of their current Fios TV package. Neither company has yet confirmed a specific “drop dead” date for the signal, but Starz’s public warning suggests the current agreement is nearing its final deadline.
