Yahoo News When is Lionsgate+ UK shutting down and can I still watch Outlander?
Fans are left "up in arms" about where to find their favourite shows
Lionsgate+ UK has announced that it’s shutting up shop, leaving frustrated fans of hits like Outlander “up in arms” about where they’ll be able to continue watching their favourite shows.
The news was first unveiled in late December 2023, with the service announcing that it would be officially ending its service in both the UK and Australia in late February 2024 as the competition for viewer eyeballs (and their money) continues to intensify.
The decision was the end result of Lionsgate purchasing the channel Starz back in 2016 before revealing that they would be de-merging just a few years later. That’s the behind-the-scenes thinking - but where does Lionsgate+ UK’s impending closure leave viewers who are hooked on shows like Outlander, The Great and Station Eleven?
With Lionsgate+ UK’s end drawing near, here’s all the key information you need.
When will Lionsgate+ end its service?
Lionsgate+ UK will end its service on Thursday, 29 February. The news was once again brought to the forefront of viewers’ attention via an Instagram post issued by the streamer in mid February.
In the caption accompanying the post, the streamer explained that viewers can “enjoy your favourite series and movies on our platform until 29 February, or through Prime Video for a bit longer.” However, they didn’t confirm exactly how much longer “a bit longer” is.
They ended the post by saying, “thank you for bearing with us!”
For those who already have a monthly subscription to Lionsgate+ UK, your membership will automatically be cancelled on 29 February. For those who have paid in advance, the platform explained that "You will receive a prorated refund of your current subscription fee and you will not be charged anything else.”
Users were told that they did not need to take any action and that they can continue to enjoy the platform’s programmes right up until it closes on 29 February 2024.
Where can you watch Outlander after Lionsgate+ UK closes?
The decision to end the service has left many users frustrated that their favourite shows will soon be unavailable to watch. Historical drama Outlander is one such programme and to add insult to injury, the second part of the show’s seventh series was due to arrive at some point in 2024.
With its new home uncertain, Outlander fanatics have taken to social media to vent their frustrations. “Fans of Outlander, in the UK are up in arms, about the closing down of Lionsgate+uk" said one fan on X, "How will we watch Outlander!!! Best show on the screen"
The top comment on Lionsgate+ UK's closure reminder post on Instagram also concerned Outlander. "where will be able to watch Outlander in the future?" asked one user, with another adding a clearly distressed, "Ummmmmm OUTLANDER?????"
Outlander has been renewed for an eighth and final series - but fans have been left scratching their heads about where they should head to see these new episodes.
While nothing has been 100% confirmed by Lionsgate+ UK, it’s a safe bet that Outlander fans will be able to continue watching the show on Prime Video, the streamer that held the programme before it made its way to Lionsgate+ UK.
That said, it’s worth taking this news with a pinch of salt. Neither party has publically signed off on this plan and even if Outlander does head to Prime Video, the “for a bit longer” part of Lionsgate+ UK’s recent messaging leads us to believe that the platform may not be its forever home.
Lionsgate+ UK will close on Thursday, 29 February.
