Walking Dead Renewal: Netflix’s $500M, 5-Year Mega Deal with AMC Shakes Up Streaming!

Netflix has announced the renewal of The Walking Dead, securing a $500 million agreement with AMC Global Media for a five-year licensing period that includes all original and spinoff series of the famed zombie saga.

This arrangement is not exclusive, allowing the series to be available on AMC+ starting from the next year.

The comprehensive package includes 371 episodes from the original series and its six extensions, which will be available on Netflix across several regions including the UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The show has been available in the U.S. both on DVD and online since 2011.

This development was revealed early Thursday morning just before the AMC Global Media’s earnings report for the second quarter.

The deal encompasses the original series along with Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, The Walking Dead: Dead City, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and Tales of The Walking Dead.

Since its Halloween premiere in 2010, the original series ran for 11 seasons, becoming a pivotal revenue source for AMC Global Media. Initially part of Cablevision as Rainbow Media, AMC became an independent entity and went public shortly before The Walking Dead debuted.

For Netflix, this renewal is significant amidst increasing observations from investors regarding user engagement. Despite a decline in viewership for several of its original series in their subsequent seasons, Netflix continues to lead with the lowest subscriber turnover and top-tier technology. The renewal is set to leverage the “Netflix effect” that rejuvenates interest in existing content, with The Walking Dead as a key example.

“Audiences have embraced The Walking Dead on Netflix for nearly 15 years, and it continues to draw new viewers,” remarked Lori Conkling, Vice President of Licensing at Netflix. “We are pleased to extend our relationship with AMC Global Media, enhancing accessibility to the complete Walking Dead Universe globally on Netflix.”

“We are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with Netflix concerning The Walking Dead,” stated Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Global Media. “This agreement not only creates a comprehensive global hub for all things Walking Dead but also introduces the original series on AMC+ early next year. Netflix has played a crucial role in the monumental success of this franchise, and this deal is excellent for our companies, fans, and the enduring legacy of the series.”