The Walking Dead and Netflix just solidified their relationship.
Based on the comic by Robert Kirkman, the hit AMC zombie show premiered in 2010, following Andrew Lincoln’s Rick Grimes and a group of survivors after an apocalyptic outbreak. The Walking Dead concluded in 2022 with season 11 but continues to live on as a streaming success, as well as in the form of various spinoffs.
Per Variety, a $500 million licensing deal has now ensured that The Walking Dead will stream on both Netflix and AMC+ for five years starting in 2027. The deal encompasses the flagship series, as well as six spinoff shows, including Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, The Walking Dead: Dead City, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and Tales of the Walking Dead.
Encompassing 371 episodes in total, the new deal will see the various shows become available next year on different dates, depending on subscribers’ region. In the U.S., Netflix has been The Walking Dead‘s exclusive streaming home since 2011, meaning this deal will mark the first time the series will be available on AMC+.
The franchise’s availability on Netflix is also set to expand. The Walking Dead and its spinoffs are expected to launch on Netflix in the U.K., Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, in addition to other territories yet to be announced. Lori Conkling, Vice President of Licensing at Netflix shared an enthusiastic statement about the new deal with AMC:
“Audiences have discovered and loved The Walking Dead on Netflix for nearly 15 years and the show continues to attract new fans. We’re excited to partner with AMC Global Media to continue to expand that access to more audiences around the world and bring the entirety of The Walking Dead Universe to Netflix.”
Though the flagship series wrapped up four years ago now, several spinoffs are still going strong. The Walking Dead: Dead City season 3 is currently in the midst of airing new episodes, picking up the story of Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in New York City.
Also coming up is Daryl Dixon season 4. The upcoming season of the Norman Reedus-focused spinoff is expected to premiere next year and is confirmed to serve as the show’s final outing.
More to come…