Netflix Secures ‘The Walking Dead’ Universe for Five More Years with AMC+ Joining In
Despite ongoing discussions about zombie fatigue in entertainment, ‘The Walking Dead’ continues to defy expectations. Nearly fifteen years after its debut, the franchise remains one of Netflix’s most consistently rewatched titles.
This enduring popularity has resulted in a significant new deal. Netflix and AMC Global Media have announced an expanded partnership that not only keeps the zombie franchise on Netflix but also allows a competing platform to finally join the fray.
As per the official announcement, the two companies have entered into a five-year, $500 million co-exclusive licensing agreement. This deal covers the original series along with all six spin-offs, bringing the entire 371-episode catalog together for the first time.
The catalog features ‘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,’ which have not previously been available on Netflix alongside the main series. Starting in 2027, these titles will begin rolling out on the platform, with specific timing varying by region based on existing licensing agreements.
This agreement also broadens the show’s international reach, making ‘The Walking Dead’ available in new markets such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, where the original series has not been accessible on the platform before. This international expansion highlights the ongoing value both companies see in the franchise, even after more than a decade since its premiere.
A key aspect of this deal is its co-exclusive nature, which allows AMC+ to stream the original ‘Walking Dead’ series for the first time, ending Netflix’s long-standing exclusive hold in the United States. This is a rare move for Netflix, which typically prioritizes keeping major titles within its own platform.
Netflix’s vice president of licensing cited the franchise’s ongoing relevance as a key reason for the renewal, noting that the show continues to attract new viewers even after so many years. This sustained interest has made ‘The Walking Dead’ a prime example of what industry insiders refer to as the “Netflix effect,” where older titles gain renewed life upon joining the platform’s vast audience.
AMC Global Media CEO Kristin Dolan expressed similar excitement about the expanded partnership, describing the deal as a means to create a single global hub for fans to access every part of the franchise. In a media landscape that is increasingly fragmented, consolidating an entire franchise’s catalog under one roof, even in a co-exclusive format, is a notably fan-friendly initiative.
The timing of this announcement coincides with increased scrutiny of Netflix’s engagement metrics, as several of its original titles have seen declines in viewership in later seasons. Relying on a well-loved franchise like ‘The Walking Dead’ provides the platform with a reliable engagement tool as it navigates broader content strategy questions.
With the expanded deal set to unfold over the next year, fans will soon have a clear path to enjoy the entire ‘Walking Dead Universe’ in one location, regardless of which platform they choose.
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