Netflix has closed a $500 million deal with AMC and will share the rights to "The Walking Dead" beginning in 2027

Netflix has finalized a landmark $500 million deal with AMC Global Media, granting both companies shared rights to distribute The Walking Dead starting in 2027. This agreement marks a pivotal shift in how the long-running zombie franchise will reach audiences globally. Under the terms of the partnership, the entire library of the show, including its 11 seasons and six spin-offs, will be available on both Netflix and AMC+. The transition will occur gradually, beginning once existing regional distribution agreements expire in key markets such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. The deal was announced following years of strategic collaboration between the two entertainment giants. Since 2011, Netflix had held exclusive rights to The Walking Dead in the U.S., allowing it to dominate the streaming landscape with the popular series. However, this new arrangement aims to broaden access to the franchise while maintaining a structured rollout. The agreement includes a five-year co-exclusive clause, ensuring that all episodes of the main series and its spin-offs will be available exclusively on either Netflix or AMC+ worldwide. This structure is designed to prevent fragmentation of the audience and ensure consistent availability across different regions. According to Lori Conkling, Netflix’s Vice President of Licensing, the decision reflects the enduring popularity of The Walking Dead. She noted that the show has consistently drawn large audiences over the past 15 years and continues to attract new viewers. “We’re excited to work with AMC Global Media to extend this access to even more fans around the world,” she stated. The move also aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy to diversify its content portfolio and strengthen its international presence. Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Global Media, expressed similar enthusiasm. She highlighted the significance of the agreement in creating a unified global platform for the Walking Dead universe. “This partnership allows us to bring the original series to AMC+ for the first time since its debut in 2010,” she said. “It ensures that fans everywhere can experience the full breadth of the franchise, whether they prefer to watch on Netflix or AMC+.” The phased rollout of the show will begin once current licensing agreements expire. In the meantime, The Walking Dead will remain available on both Netflix and Disney+ in certain regions, including Chile and parts of Latin America. This temporary overlap underscores the complexity of managing global distribution rights, particularly when multiple platforms hold overlapping interests. The transition to a co-exclusive model is expected to take effect fully by early 2027, after which all episodes will be available only on one of the two platforms in each market. The agreement also signals a renewed commitment to expanding the Walking Dead universe. With the addition of AMC+, the franchise gains greater visibility in markets where AMC has a stronger local footprint. This could lead to increased engagement and potentially new content developments, though no official announcements have been made regarding future projects tied to the franchise. As the industry continues to evolve, the Walking Dead deal represents a major step toward consolidating streaming power and enhancing viewer accessibility. It also highlights the growing importance of cross-platform partnerships in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. For fans, the change means more options and a more cohesive viewing experience, though the exact timing and regional specifics of the rollout will depend on the expiration of existing contracts.