May 7, 2026 1:11pm PT

Starz Ends Universal Output Deal, Citing Lower-Than-Projected Viewership

Jennifer Maas

Plus Icon

Jennifer Maas

TV Business Writer

@jmaasaronson

Latest

Starz Ends Universal Output Deal, Citing Lower-Than-Projected Viewership

2 hours ago

Layoffs Hit ‘Project Ethos’ Team as 2K Unveils New Concept Art, Details for Game

5 hours ago

‘Bridgerton’ to Launch ‘The Sims 4’ Collaboration, Including Masquerade Ball Kit

6 hours ago

See All

Getty Images for STARZ

Starz reported first-quarter 2026 earnings Thursday revealing wider losses, largely due to content-impairment charges — but the media company gave indications it’s improving its financial position one year out from its spinoff from Lionsgate.

During a call with analysts later Thursday, Starz president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch announced Stars has exited its Pay-2 film deal agreement with Universal Pictures. The move is being made to help Starz accelerate its planned path to profitability.