Starz Q3 Earnings Beat Wall Street Estimates as Net Loss Narrows to $35 Million, Streaming Subscribers Grow

Starz reported third-quarter 2026 earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, with a net loss narrowing to $35 million for the period ended Sept. 30. The premium network, owned by Lionsgate, saw linear TV revenue dip, but its streaming business showed resilience. Key to the quarter was the debut of Lionsgate's 'Michael' on Starz, which since its Aug. 10 release has become the best-performing Pay 1 title in the network's history. The film's strong viewership helped drive subscriber growth and engagement. Starz's ability to beat Wall Street forecasts despite cord-cutting pressures highlights the value of exclusive, high-demand content in the streaming wars. As the company continues to pivot toward direct-to-consumer offerings, the success of 'Michael' underscores the importance of blockbuster films in attracting and retaining subscribers. Looking ahead, Starz is poised to leverage its Lionsgate pipeline to sustain momentum, though linear declines remain a challenge.