TV fans are clinging to hope that they’ll still be able to watch their favourite shows as a big streaming service prepares to close.
Lionsgate+ is shutting down in the UK at the end of February.
© 2019 Starz Entertainment, LLCOutlander viewers want to know where they’ll be able to see new episodes[/caption]
Despite being a smaller player against the likes of Netflix and Disney+, the service was particularly liked by fans of Outlander.
The historical drama, starring Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, is set to air the second part of season seven later this year.
But with Lionsgate+ shutting down on February 29 many have wondered where they’ll be able to watch the show’s new episodes.
Many have hoped another site will swoop in and pick up Outlander, which has been renewed for an eighth final season.
However, the company has offered a bleak update.
The platform will live on “for a bit longer” on Amazon Prime Video but it’s still not clear where Outlander will end up.
“So what happens now??” one Outlander fans wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I get that steaming services are struggling, but once again, the UK fans are getting a raw deal.
“We support the show just as much as other countries!!!”
Lionsgate+ responded: “Once we have an update on a new home for Outlander in the UK, we’ll be sure to let you know. thank you for your patience.”
In a statement to the Express, the firm added: “We currently do not know if Starz/Lionsgate+ programming will be available through other providers in the UK after 29 February.”
What happens to my Lionsgate+ account and bill?
Lionsgate should have already been in touch via email about the closure of Lionsgate+.
Customers will receive a prorated refund for any days left on their subscription.
“We regret to inform you that we are discontinuing the LIONSGATE+ streaming service in your country,” the firm said.
“Your subscription will be automatically canceled on February 29, 2024.
“You will receive a prorated refund of your current subscription fee and you will not be charged anything else.
“There is no action you need to take.
“You can continue to access the LIONSGATE+ service until February 29, 2024.”
Sky has also said those who pay for Lionsgate+ through them will have their subscription cancelled automatically so they won’t be billed after the cut off date.
“If you already have an account you’ll be contacted with details about when your subscription will end,” the firm said.
“Anybody who subscribed but didn’t activate their Lionsgate+ account will only be contacted by Sky.”
Could more streaming sites close down?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Senior Technology and Science Reporter at The Sun
Everyone wants to launch their own streaming service – or at least, they did.
Streaming platforms have made a big dent into traditional TV’s territory for years now but today there are just so many it would be unaffordable to subscribe to them all.
And so, you’re left with the big established players like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
In many ways, it’s easier and cheaper to produce shows and sell them to platforms instead.
Sony – which doesn’t have its own major streaming service beyond niche interest Crunchyroll – made a conscious decision to steer clear of the mainstream and focus on just producing shows, which Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO described as the “right choice” given the pressures.
In the US, HBO Max and Discovery+ were fused to form a new Max app, meanwhile Disney is testing one app for it and Hulu.
Experts believe more merges are inevitable.