The List of All the TV Shows Starz Renewed (6) and Canceled (5) in 2023

Summary

• Typically, high-profile cancellations are the prerogative of streaming services, but this year, cable network Starz also stood out.
• In 2023, Starz managed to renew six popular series and cancel five.
• Most of the decisions were dictated by the need to make up for financial losses following the writer and actor strikes.

While cable TV is nothing like streaming services in terms of scandals, these TV networks often make both very successful choices due to the popularity of certain series, as well as very controversial ones that generate no small amount of buzz. One of the most popular premium TV networks is Starz, which has produced many great series, some of which we saw premiere in 2023, despite the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

In addition to highly anticipated releases, Starz renewed a number of top-rated series this year to critical and audience acclaim. However, there was also no shortage of disappointing, high-profile cancellations, all of which occurred in the fall. Let’s take a look at the shows that got the axe, and those whose follow-ups we might see in 2024 or beyond.

Six Shows That Have Been Renewed:

6. Hightown — Renewed for Season 3

Release Date: January 26, 2024

5. BMF — Renewed for Season 3

Release Date: March 1, 2024

4. Outlander — Renewed for Season 8

Release Date: Winter/Spring 2025

3. Power Book II: Ghost — Renewed for Season 4

Release Date: Spring/Summer 2024

2. Power Book III: Raising Kanan — Renewed for Season 4

Release Date: Late 2024/Early 2025

1. Power Book IV: Force — Renewed for Season 3

Release Date: Late 2024/Early 2025

Meanwhile, These Five Shows Have Been Axed:

5. Blindspotting — Cancelled after 2 Seasons

Cancellation Date: September 25, 2023

4. Heels — Cancelled after 2 Seasons

Cancellation Date: September 25, 2023

3. Run the World — Cancelled after 2 Seasons

Cancellation Date: September 25, 2023

2. The Venery of Samantha Bird — Canceled Ahead of Premiere

Cancellation Date: September 25, 2023

1. Ava DuVernay's Untitled Drama with Joshua Jackson and Lauren Ridloff — Canceled Ahead of Premiere

Cancellation Date: November 2, 2023

A Little Bit About the Renewed Shows

As you can see from the list, Starz gave the green light to renew several great shows throughout the year that were literally waiting to be picked up or even ended.

At the same time, some of the shows on the list were renewed before their upcoming seasons had even aired. For example, we will have to wait for the second half of Outlander Season 7, which is expected to air in the spring of 2024. Before we see the final Season 8, Jamie and Claire will have to face many more terrible hardships and losses in both the Old and New Worlds. Also, the third season of Power Book IV: The Force has yet to air, ending on February 9, 2024.

In addition, the announced seasons of some shows will be the final seasons, not just in the case of the aforementioned Outlander. For both Hightown and Power Book IV: Force, the third seasons will conclude the stories. It seems that Starz intends to move forward with an emphasis on new projects that wrap up popular old ones.

Why Were the Others Cancelled?

But despite the good news about their favorite shows, Starz viewers also faced some very unfortunate decisions. Perhaps the most high-profile cancellation was that of Heels, a drama about professional wrestlers navigating their personal lives and identities while balancing their desires and on-stage personas. The show was lauded by critics for its compelling cast and writing, and the fact that the second season ended on an agonizing cliffhanger left fans enraged. There is some good news, however, as executive producer Mike O'Malley intends to find a new network for the show.

An equally high-profile cancellation was Blindspotting, the sequel spinoff to the critically acclaimed 2018 comedy-drama film of the same name. Both seasons have a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, based on audience sentiment, the distinct directing and storytelling style may not be everyone's cup of tea. Unfortunately, despite its cultural value, the show was rather niche, forcing Starz to cancel it.

Run the World, starring Amber Stevens West, Andrea Bordeaux, Bresha Webb and Corbin Reid, was also well received. Despite a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season, however, the show was canceled after two seasons.

Of course, the main reason for these questionable decisions by Starz was the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. In an attempt to revamp its schedule and recoup significant losses, the network had to spend more wisely, which can only be done on series with large and established fan bases that are guaranteed to bring in revenue.