Premium international streaming service, StarzPlay, is no more – from today, the service will be known in the UK (and other countries) as Lionsgate+, following a major rebrand.
StarzPlay Lionsgate+ is a localised streaming-only version of the US premium channel Starz (which will keep its name in the US and Canada) – but the selection of shows, in the UK, comes from Starz as well as other international TV platforms.
The service doesn’t hold a very big library of content, when compared to some of the major streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, but it does feature several big-name titles in the UK, including Outlander (and its upcoming prequel series), Power Book, The Spanish Princess, Station Eleven and more.
The new name is derived from Lionsgate – the entertainment company that owns the service. The company was formed back in 1997, and is a producer and distributor of films and TV shows.
Lionsgate+ is available both as a standalone streaming service (on the web and on mobiles), or as an Amazon Prime Video Channel (where you can currently get a 30-days free trial of Lionsgate+).
The new name – along with the new brand look and new design elements – is starting to roll out in the UK and internationally today. Some platforms – such as apps, and certain graphics on Amazon – still show the old brand, but will be replaced eventually.
The rebrand comes along with the news that Lionsgate is looking to separate its studios and its streaming platform into two separate businesses, while also looking to potentially sell off the studios.
Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ, said:
“We recognized the potential of the global OTT market early, and over the last few years we have built an incredible global streaming service, which has become a destination for audiences seeking premium, provocative programming.
“Operating under LIONSGATE+ internationally brings a distinct and differentiated identity in an increasingly crowded international marketplace and builds on the brand equity in the Lionsgate name that our extensive research has proven is strong around the world.
“Even with the separation of STARZ and the Lionsgate studio business, the Lionsgate brand will continue to be valuable to the ongoing success of our international platform.”
How To Get Lionsgate+ In The UK
The standalone Lionsgate+ app is available for Android and iOS devices (as of this writing, the Android app still shows up as StarzPlay – it will either change soon, or possibly turn into a new app altogether).
Once you download the app, you can normally get a free trial, after which you will pay the monthly subscription price (unless there’s a special promotion going).
Once the free trial is up, Lionsgate+ costs £5.99/month.
If you subscribe via the standalone app, you will be able to watch Lionsgate+ shows and movies on:
- Android Phones/Tablets
- Android TV Devices
- iOS Phones/Tablets
- Desktop Computers (via your browser).
- On your TV, via Chromecast or Roku
If you subscribe to StarzPlay as an Amazon Prime Video channel, you will be able to watch it on every device that supports the Prime Video app (including Sky Q and Sky Glass) – but NOT via the standalone iOS/Android app – though you can still use the Prime Video mobile app.