The 16 best shows on Starz to stream now

Staff Author, Kevin Jacobsen, Stephanie Kaloi

July 31, 2024 at 9:55 AM·14 min read

Here's are the series worthy of your watchlist, from "Outlander" to "Mary & George" and more.

While it’s true that Entertainment Weekly once described Starz as a cable network with “a reputation for gratuitous flesh and boning,” the television service has come a long way. With shows that encompass everything from what it takes to turn a small-time drug business into a national crime syndicate (BMF) to a time-traveling romance with a tinge of trauma (Outlander) to a witty comedy about Hollywood caterers (Party Down), Starz truly has something for everyone.

Here are the 16 best shows to watch on Starz right now.

Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018)

Bruce Campbell returns to the role he was born to play in this comedy-horror series 30 years after vanquishing body-possessing demons in The Evil Dead (1981), Evil Dead II (1987), and Army of Darkness (1992). Now working as a stocker, Ash accidentally unleashes the undead ghouls after reading from the Necronomicon, forcing him to take up his chainsaw yet again to save humanity from the Deadites.

Co-developed by Sam Raimi, director of the original trilogy, Ash vs Evil Dead maintains the franchise's bloody spirit, as Campbell previewed in the lead-up to the show's premiere in 2015. "It would be silly of us to rip the fans off by doing a watered-down version of the series," he explained. "If this came out as a movie, it would be unrated." While the series was ultimately canceled after three seasons, Campbell announced in 2022 that an animated revival may be coming. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Ash vs Evil Dead: Starz

Cast: Bruce Campbell, Ray Santiago, Dana DeLorenzo, Jill Marie Jones, Michelle Hurd

Black Sails (2014–2017)

There aren’t nearly enough pirate shows on TV for our liking, but this swashbuckling adventure drama more than scratches that itch. Set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Sails operates as a prequel of sorts to Robert Louis Stevenson’s seminal classic Treasure Island, centered on familiar faces like Captain Flint (Toby Stephens), Long John Silver (Luke Arnold), and Billy Bones (Tom Hopper). The series primarily concerns Flint’s efforts to wrangle his crew and protect the lawlessness of the island New Providence, as well as quests to attain treasure across the high seas.

“Black Sails resides — and should reside — at that sweet spot between very serious and totally unpretentious,” writes EW’s critic. “It’s a fantasy, but its historical/literary roots lend it a real-world resonance that some other, grander, more purely fantastical genre series lack.” —K.J.

Where to watch Black Sails: Starz

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Tom Hopper, Zach McGowan

BMF (2021–present)

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is back at it with BMF (see also the Power entry below), which follows the life story of real Detroit brothers Demetrious "Big Meech" Flenory (played by his son, Demetrious "Lil Meech" Flenory Jr.) and Terry "Southwest T" Flenory. The Flenory brothers are known for growing their relatively small drug business into what would become one of the most notorious crime operations in the United States.

The Flenorys’ experiences include all the highs and lows you might expect, many of which are recreated in BMF, but the show also takes plenty of artistic liberty while deftly blurring the lines between reality and fiction. In the words of showrunner Randy Huggins in an interview with EW, “This is a universal tale about brotherhood, love, faith, and the pursuit of the American dream.” —Stephanie Kaloi

Where to watch BMF: Starz

Cast: Demetrius Flenory Jr., Da'Vinchi, Russell Hornsby, Michole Briana White

Gaslit (2022)

If powerhouse political dramas that have big names working through complicated real-life historical scenarios are in your wheelhouse, consider streaming Gaslit. The incredible cast includes Julia Roberts, Dan Stevens, and Sean Penn, who tackle a somewhat underreported aspect of disgraced President Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Set in 1972, the miniseries focuses on Nixon’s Attorney General John Mitchell (Penn) and his ultimately doomed relationship with his socialite wife, Martha Mitchell (Roberts). Martha had attempted to bring the Watergate scandal into the public light much earlier than journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein managed to, but ended up having her efforts halted by none other than her husband.

If that sounds mentally exhausting, that’s because it is. As director Robbie Pickering told EW in April 2022, the team contemplated calling the show The Martha Mitchell Effect after the psychological term for when a patient is told what they believe is actually false. Pickering explained, “It means basically the same thing as being gaslit. And I think [the title] Gaslit reflects the take we have on the show. We want to do this period in a way that feels fresh and new and exciting and fun, and also dark.” —S.K.

Where to watch Gaslit: Starz

Cast: Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Dan Stevens, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Darby Camp

Howards End (2017)

E.M. Forster’s novel, about three families from different socioeconomic backgrounds and how their lives converge, gets the Kenneth Lonergan treatment with this four-part miniseries. Hayley Atwell stars as Margaret Schlegel, who befriends the wealthy Wilcox matriarch and is surprised to learn she has bequeathed her country estate to Margaret following her death.

Though the Wilcoxes are upset by this revelation, Margaret develops a relationship with the patriarch, Henry (Matthew Macfadyen), while Margaret’s sister Helen (Philippa Coulthard) connects with the working-class clerk Leonard Bast (Joseph Quinn). Sprawling and sumptuous, this adaptation allows for even more of Forster’s text to come to life than the 1992 film. —K.J.

Where to watch Howards End: Starz

Cast: Hayley Atwell, Matthew Macfadyen, Philippa Coulthard, Joseph Quinn, Joe Bannister, Rosalind Eleazar, Alex Lawther, Bessie Carter, Jonah Hauer-King, Tracey Ullman, Julia Ormond

Mary & George (2024)

<p>Rory Mulvey/Starz</p> — Rory Mulvey/Starz

This salacious historical miniseries depicts Countess Mary Villiers and her efforts to propel her son George forward by any means necessary. Julianne Moore portrays the scheming Mary as she finds herself without a fortune following the death of her husband. Nicholas Galitzine is George, who explores his sexuality as he seduces King James I of England and soon becomes a “favourite.”

For fans of tawdry palace intrigue, Mary & George is a wicked delight with fully committed performances, particularly by Moore. As EW’s writer declared, “Dark and twisting, the series is a reminder that queer history rules.” —K.J.

Where to watch Mary & George: Starz

Cast: Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, Tony Curran, Laurie Davidson, Trine Dyrholm, Nicola Walker

Minx (2022–2023)

This two-season gem is a workplace comedy that just so happens to be set at the offices of an erotic magazine aimed at straight women in the 1970s. Upstart Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond) is eager to start her own feminist publication but struggles to get the financing — until a porno publisher, Doug Linetti (Jake Johnson), sees an opportunity. Out of options, Joyce pairs up with Doug to create a publication that merges their expertise, containing thought-provoking meditations on women’s rights as well as pages and pages of scantily clad men.

Backed by witty writing and winning performances, Minx is a scrappily appealing comedy that, like the magazine itself, indulges in playful fun while delivering an impactful message about the sexual politics of the time. —K.J.

Where to watch Minx: Starz

Cast: Ophelia Lovibond, Jake Johnson, Michael Angarano, Jessica Lowe, Oscar Montoya, Lennon Parham, Idara Victor

Outlander (2014–present)

Fans of time travel and romance will likely want to dive deep into Outlander. The series kicked off in 2014 and is still going strong — though it will end with its upcoming eighth season — as viewers show no signs of decreased interest in the adventures of Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a combat nurse living in the year 1945…that is, until she is suddenly pulled back to 1743 and falls for a rugged Scottish Highlander (Sam Heughan).

The show is based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series of the same name, and was celebrated as “the feminist answer to Game of Thrones” when it debuted. That tag has held true throughout Outlander’s run, even when the characters are faced with traumas that seem impossible to navigate. —S.K.

Where to watch Outlander: Starz

Cast: Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish

P-Valley (2020–present)

Hollywood doesn’t always hit the nail on the head when it comes to portraying those in the southern United States, but Starz breaks the mold with P-Valley. The series, which is based on the 2015 play P—y Valley by Katori Hall, features women who “are people first, with vivid and complicated lives.” Set against the backdrop of the fictional town Chucalissa, Miss., the show stars Elarica Johnson as Autumn Night, an out-on-towner who gets a job at the local strip club, Pynk.

Johnson is joined by a wildly talented cast including Isaiah Washingon as a schemer who plans to open a casino, J. Alphonse Nicholson as a rapper, and Harriett D. Foy as Patrice, Autumn’s mother and an aspiring preacher. But the center of P-Valley might just be Uncle Clifford, the nonbinary house mother of the Pynk brought to life by Nicco Annan, who has revolutionized LGBTQ+ representation on the small screen. —S.K.

Where to watch P-Valley: Starz

Cast: Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, Shannon Thornton, Elarica Johnson, Skyler Joy, J. Alphonse Nicholson

Party Down (2009–2010; 2023)

While this wonderfully witty sitcom got low ratings at the time, its small but passionate audience transformed it into a cult favorite — and enabled its revival season in 2023. The comedy series centers on a group of co-workers at a Los Angeles catering business, all of whom are bonded by their failed or perpetually aspirational Hollywood dreams.

Much of the tension comes from the class divide between the wannabe creatives and their clientele, though as EW’s critic writes, “the offbeat writing shone brightest in the smaller moments, when the gang was just sitting around a kitchen and bickering to pass the time.” —K.J.

Where to watch Party Down: Starz

Cast: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally

Power: Books I–IV (2014–present)

Despite the fact that Courtney A. Kemp and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson debuted Power all the way back in 2014, the show continues to be one of the Starz network’s most-watched series. Having spawned three spinoffs, the original series follows New York City drug dealer James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), who operates under the code name Ghost. He’s hoping to trade in one life for another as he opens his own nightclub; unfortunately, nearly everyone around him (and, oftentimes, himself) is working against that plan.

Each spinoff focuses on a specific character’s story, with Ghost shedding light on what happens to St. Patrick’s son, Tariq; Raising Kanan taking viewers back in time to see how 15-year-old Kanan Stark helped grow his family’s own drug dynasty; and Force centering on St. Patrick’s best friend and criminal partner, Tommy Egan. —S.K.

Where to watch Power: Starz

Cast: Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, 50 Cent, Naturi Naughton, Michael Rainey Jr.

Related content: Welcome to TV's most Power-ful Universe

Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult (2020)

This powerful four-part documentary series examines the layers of abuse within NXIVM, a purported self-help group that has since been recognized as a cult. The series focuses on India Oxenberg, a former member, as she tries to reconcile her role within the organization and reconnect with her mother, actress Catherine Oxenberg. Seduced dives into the disturbing behavior perpetrated by NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, including sex trafficking and its impact on those within the group. —K.J.

Where to watch Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult: Starz

Related content: The best true crime documentaries on Netflix

The Serpent Queen (2022–present)

“Sometimes I feel like I can make things happen, if I want them badly enough.” So says Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton), the cunning Queen of France, in this sinfully delicious historical drama. The series depicts Queen Catherine long into her reign as she recounts her perilous journey to the top. Orphaned at an early age, her wealthy family arranges for her to be set up with one of King Francis’ sons, and, despite facing opposition, survives and thrives as she gains more and more political power.

With plenty of palace intrigue and a winking Favourite-esque sense of humor, The Serpent Queen is far from a stuffy costume drama. —K.J.

Where to watch The Serpent Queen: Starz

Cast: Samantha Morton, Amrita Acharia, Barry Atsma, Enzo Cilenti, Sennia Nanua, Kiruna Stamell

Spartacus (2010–2013)

Spartacus was most famously portrayed onscreen by Kirk Douglas in the 1960 film of the same name, but Starz’s take on the legendary gladiator enjoys the freedom of showing all the bloody sword-and-sandal violence and graphic sex that Stanley Kubrick couldn’t. Enslaved by the Romans, Spartacus (Andy Whitfield; later Liam McIntyre) is forced to undergo gladiator training as the series charts his path to becoming the leader of an uprising, known as the Third Servile War.

EW’s critic calls Spartacus “A slashing look at Roman warfare that trades on Zack Snyder’s 300 but has deeper roots in the Xena and Hercules shows produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert.” —K.J.

Where to watch Spartacus: Starz

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Cast: Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, Manu Bennett, Daniel Feurriegel, Peter Mensah

Related content: 10 years later, Starz is making more Spartacus

Survivor's Remorse (2014–2017)

This underrated dramedy follows the tumultuous lives of newly signed NBA player Cam Calloway (Jessie T. Usher) and his dysfunctional family. After moving to Atlanta, the Calloways adjust to their new lifestyle in various ways, including taking advantage of Cam’s increasing fame. While Survivor’s Remorse is a comedy first, there is real emotional resonance in its portrayal of family and fame.

As EW’s writer notes, “Survivor’s Remorse is not only about pushing the boundaries of humor — which it’s been doing with aplomb since its stellar first season. It’s also a pointed commentary on the role of athlete as commodity, asking questions like, ‘How much of your personal life should you sacrifice for a paycheck in the millions range?’” —K.J.

Where to watch Survivor’s Remorse: Starz

Cast: Jessie T. Usher, RonReaco Lee, Erica Ash, Teyonah Parris, Tichina Arnold, Mike Epps

Vida (2018–2020)

Two Mexican American sisters who moved to different areas of the country in their adulthood are brought back together in this smartly written half-hour drama series. Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada star as Lyn and Emma, whose opposing personalities make things difficult as they return to Los Angeles and grieve their mother’s death and the life she left behind.

Vida sensitively delves into themes not often seen on television, particularly the effects of gentrification and the intersection of queer and Latina identities. “What's interesting here are the relationships between Lyn and Emma and the other women in their lives,” writes EW’s critic, “including their mother Vida, the woman she was in their memories, and the reality she hid from them.” —K.J.

Where to watch Vida: Starz

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda, Maria-Elena Laas, Roberta Colindrez

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.

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