Starz Streaming Strategy: Stay Exclusive or License Your Biggest Franchises?

Starz has a lot on its plate when it comes to deciding the fate of its beloved franchises like “Outlander” and “Power.” These shows bring in big bucks for the streaming service, but how they bring in that cash poses a bit of a content conundrum.

“Power,” the brainchild of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has been a hit, raking in $130 million in streaming revenue from new subscribers and keeping existing ones hooked. On the other hand, “Outlander” may not bring in as much direct revenue for Starz, but a sweet licensing deal with Netflix has added an extra $450 million to the pot.

So, what’s a streamer to do? Keep their prized shows all to themselves like “Power” or let them roam free on platforms like Netflix for a bigger boost? It’s a tough call for Starz, especially as they navigate their new independence after parting ways with Lionsgate Studio.

Starz seems to be leaning towards holding onto its intellectual property, according to CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. The strategy is all about exclusivity, with no plans to share the upcoming show “Blood of my Blood” with Netflix. This ownership approach aims to hit a 20% margin by 2028, and Starz is confident it’s the way to go.

Meanwhile, the popular “Outlander” franchise is gearing up for its final season and a prequel spinoff called “Blood of My Blood.” Fans have shown up, making it the third most-watched premiere in Starz history – a sure sign there’s still plenty of love for time-traveling romance.

Starz isn’t stopping there though. Another “Power” spinoff is in the works, along with a revival of the “Spartacus” franchise. These moves signal a shift towards creating more exclusive content to grow their library, keep costs down, and bring in new revenue streams.

With “House of Ashur,” the new “Spartacus” spinoff, likely staying on as an exclusive, it looks like Starz has big plans to keep viewers hooked for years to come. As they open up writers’ rooms for new series, the aim is clear: more original content, more control, and more success.