AMC is keeping one of its most anticipated shows for its own streaming platforms.
AMC currently has a deal with Amazon to distribute a new “Walking Dead” series globally, anywhere AMC doesn’t air it. However, the new series will air on AMC Networks, as well as AMC Premiere and Shudder next spring.
By holding back rights to the third series in the “Dead” universe, AMC CEO Josh Sapan says it “will be used to fuel our own platforms, both streaming, as well as linear as we window it — and take full advantage of the opportunities that it presents to us.”
To help grow its subscriber base, AMC Networks has also teamed up with Charter to distribute its SVOD services.
Sapan said the alliance is part of a plan to transform AMC Networks into a “premiere content company” available on an “array of platforms.” He said the company’s differential was focusing on specific genres.
The deal supplies Charter’s Spectrum customers with the ability to subscribe to streamers AMC Premiere, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and UMC, the Urban Movie Channel. Shows include “Doc Martin” (Acorn), “Creepshow” (Shudder) and the Emmy-winning “State of the Union” (Sundance Now.)
“Creepshow,” in particular, has proven to be a major hit for Shudder. Since its premiere in late-September, the TV series has been viewed by 54% of Shudder’s audience.
Acorn TV, which offers British and Australian shows, recently passed the 1 million paid subscriber mark.