Outlander showrunners, cast and fans rally together to #KeepSTARZ

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room /
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Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room /

Optimum has dropped Starz from its cable package in the New York and New Jersey areas

Outlander fans were greeted to devastating news about Starz if they were Optimum customers. The cable provider has dropped the Starz channel in the New York and New Jersey areas. Some fans had no idea until it happened, as it was kept relatively quiet. However the showrunners and cast knew and spent the days running up to the New Year to encourage the company to keep it.

So far, it isn’t good news. Optimum dropped the channel, which means no Outlander, American Gods and more. Fans are encouraged to join the #KeepSTARZ campaign, making it clear that this is a channel the customers want.

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Watch Outlander with a FREE 7-day trial of Amazon Channels! /

There are worries that this means fans have nowhere to go to get their Outlander fix. It is possible to go direct to the source with the Starz App. You can get access to Starz as an add-on in your Amazon Video membership. However, not everyone wants a subscription when they could have got access through a cable company, right?

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Right now, Optimum and Starz are discussing a new contract. Starz wanted to charge the cable company more and Optimum decided to say “no.” Optimum members are encouraged to email and call their company to let them know about the disappointment. Some have even managed to secure discounts to their service since their favorite channel has been removed.

Optimum has reportedly increased prices for some customers. There are some new channels in place of Starz, but clearly not going to give you your Outlander fix. The best thing you can do is vote with your feet (or hands, by calling the provider or cancelling the service).

There isn’t much Optimum will likely do just yet. Starz doesn’t have much in the way of original programming just yet and Droughtlander is going to continue for a few more months. However, if more people start signing up to Starz directly and drop their cable provider (or switch to another cable provider that offers the channel) then Optimum will start feeling the pinch and come to some sort of quicker agreement with Starz.

https://twitter.com/Star54iwas/status/947801508531396609

Next: 9 best Voyager changes in Outlander season 3

Are you one of the affected Optimum customers? What are you doing to encourage the provider to #KeepSTARZ? Share in the comments below.

Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for all the latest Optimum updates and how it will affect your Outlander viewing.