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Netflix and AMC Strike $500 Million Co‑Exclusive Deal for The Walking Dead

The agreement creates five‑year, staggered regional licenses for all 371 episodes, with $500 million paid in installments that AMC says will boost its cash flow.

Overview

  • The companies announced the co‑exclusive five‑year licensing deal as part of AMC Global Media’s second‑quarter earnings on July 30, 2026.
  • The pact covers the original series plus six spin‑offs — a total of 371 episodes — and begins a staggered global rollout in 2027 as existing regional licenses expire.
  • AMC’s filings show Netflix will pay roughly $25 million in 2026, about $100 million a year in 2027–2030, and the remainder in 2031 under the contract.
  • AMC says the licensing revenue provides predictable multi‑year cash flow that allowed it to raise full‑year guidance amid declines in linear and ad revenue, while Netflix gains a large, proven library to drive viewing hours and reduce churn.
  • Each show’s five‑year license runs separately with rights reverting to AMC at term end, and the deal makes the original series available on AMC+ for the first time, which could change regional availability and subscriber patterns for both services.