$500M Deal: The Walking Dead Invades Netflix & AMC+
The Walking Dead Universe Finds a New Streaming Home: What You Need to Know
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine your favorite zombie show is moving houses—but instead of picking just one new home, it’s getting two! Starting in 2027, the entire "Walking Dead" family of shows will be available on both Netflix and AMC+. This is a massive five-year deal worth $500 million.
IMPORTANT POINT
This is a co-exclusive deal. That means both streaming services get to show the same content at the same time. You don’t have to choose one over the other!
What Shows Are Included?
The deal covers the main show plus all six spinoffs—that’s 371 episodes total of zombie-slaying action.
The Complete Walking Dead Universe Lineup:
- The Walking Dead (the original series)
- 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
- Tales of The Walking Dead
Why This Deal Is a Game-Changer
For Netflix Subscribers
- Good news! Netflix has been the exclusive U.S. home for "The Walking Dead" since 2011
- Now they’re keeping the show AND getting all the spinoffs
- Availability extends to more countries: UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and others
For AMC+ Subscribers
- Huge milestone: The original "The Walking Dead" will stream on AMC+ for the first time ever
- All spinoffs come along too
- Early access begins in early 2025 (before the full 2027 global rollout)
For Fans Everywhere
- One universe, two homes — more ways to watch
- No more hunting across different platforms
- The complete franchise in one place (well, two places)
How the Rollout Works
The deal doesn’t flip a switch everywhere at once. Here’s the timeline breakdown:
| What Happens | When |
|---|---|
| Original series arrives on AMC+ (U.S.) | Early 2025 |
| Full global co-exclusive launch on Netflix & AMC+ | 2027 |
| Territory-by-territory rollout | Varies — as existing licenses expire |
IMPORTANT POINT
Different shows become available in different countries at different times. AMC says licenses kick in "following the expiration of existing streaming licenses." So patience is key!
What the Bosses Had to Say
Lori Conkling, Netflix VP of Licensing
"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."
Kristin Dolan, AMC Global Media CEO
"We are thrilled to expand our long-time partnership with Netflix around The Walking Dead. This deal creates a global destination for this universe — all shows, all episodes — making the franchise more accessible than ever to fans around the world. In addition, the co-exclusive agreement allows us to bring the original series to AMC+ for the first time early next year."
Summary: The TL;DR Version
- Deal: 5 years, $500 million, co-exclusive between Netflix and AMC+
- Content: Original series + 6 spinoffs = 371 episodes
- Start: AMC+ gets original series in early 2025; full global launch 2027
- Perks: First time original series on AMC+; Netflix keeps rights + expands globally
- Winner: Fans — more ways to watch the complete universe
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do I need both Netflix and AMC+ to watch everything?
Nope! That’s the beauty of "co-exclusive." Both services will have the full library. Pick whichever you already subscribe to (or prefer).
When can I start watching on AMC+?
If you’re in the U.S., the original series arrives on AMC+ in early 2025. The spinoffs and global rollout happen later, leading up to 2027.
Will the shows leave Netflix?
Not at all. Netflix keeps streaming rights and actually expands to more countries. This is an addition, not a replacement.
What does "co-exclusive" mean exactly?
It means two companies share exclusive rights. Usually "exclusive" means only one place has it. Here, two places have it simultaneously. Think of it like a movie playing in two theaters at once.
Why do different countries get access at different times?
Existing licensing agreements with other streamers or broadcasters in those countries have to expire first. AMC and Netflix can’t break those contracts, so they wait for them to end naturally.
Happy watching, survivors! Whether you’re Team Netflix or Team AMC+, the Walking Dead universe isn’t going anywhere — it’s just getting easier to find.
