Netflix Secures $500M Global Streaming Deal for The Walking Dead Franchise
Netflix has agreed to a $500 million multi-year licensing deal with AMC Global Media for global streaming rights to The Walking Dead and its six spin-offs. Spanning 371 episodes, the five-year agreement expands Netflix's reach into international territories while establishing a non-exclusive shared streaming model with AMC+ beginning in 2027.
Key points
- AMC Global Media announced a five-year licensing agreement worth a reported $500 million with Netflix on Thursday.
- The pact covers 371 total episodes, including the original series and six spin-offs: Fear the Walking Dead, Daryl Dixon, Dead City, The Ones Who Live, World Beyond, and Tales of The Walking Dead.
- Netflix gains international streaming rights in markets such as the UK, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
- The agreement introduces a shared streaming model where both Netflix and AMC+ will host the franchise starting in 2027, ending Netflix's decade-long exclusive U.S. streaming hold.
- AMC CEO Kristin Dolan stated that the arrangement creates a global destination for the entire universe of shows.
Netflix has committed a reported $500 million in a multi-year licensing agreement with AMC Global Media to secure streaming rights for the entire The Walking Dead television franchise. Announced on Thursday, the five-year pact encompasses 371 episodes, covering the original series as well as all six spin-offs: Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Dead City, The Ones Who Live, World Beyond, and Tales of The Walking Dead.
While Netflix has maintained exclusive U.S. streaming rights to the main series since 2011, the new agreement expands availability to international markets including the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand beginning in 2027. Crucially, the arrangement departs from Netflix's typical strategy by establishing a non-exclusive shared model, allowing AMC+ to stream the core series alongside Netflix.
AMC CEO Kristin Dolan noted that the partnership consolidates the franchise into a unified global destination. Industry observers highlight the deal as one of the largest television licensing transactions in recent years, surpassing notable past agreements such as HBO Max's acquisition of Friends for $425 million in 2020. Analysts suggest the investment reflects streaming platforms' growing reliance on established, long-running franchises to maintain viewer engagement and drive continuous viewing hours.
Sources
The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.