Netflix Lands Global Streaming Deal for ‘The Walking Dead’ Universe

Netflix is expanding its partnership with one of TV’s biggest franchises through a new licensing deal reportedly worth $500 million, bringing “The Walking Dead” and its spin-offs to viewers worldwide.

AMC Global Media said Thursday it has signed a multi-year global agreement with Netflix, giving the streamer co-exclusive rights to the original series and all six spin-offs.

In total, the deal covers 371 episodes across the “Walking Dead” universe.

Netflix has been the exclusive U.S. streaming home for the original series since 2011, helping the zombie drama reach a global audience beyond its AMC run.

Under the new agreement, the franchise will also roll out to Netflix subscribers in additional international markets, including the U.K., Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

Netflix will share streaming rights with AMC+

Unlike its previous arrangement, Netflix will not hold exclusive rights to the franchise.

Instead, it will share streaming access with AMC+, ending more than a decade of exclusivity for the original series on Netflix.

The reported $500 million price tag places the deal among the largest TV licensing agreements in recent years.

By comparison, HBO Max reportedly paid $425 million for “Friends” after it left Netflix in 2020.

The deal reflects the growing value of established franchises as streaming platforms look to retain subscribers for longer periods.

Recent data suggests many Netflix users do not return for later seasons of newer shows, while large back catalogues with hundreds of episodes offer more consistent viewing time and engagement.

Walking Dead spin-offs arrive globally in 2027

Starting in 2027, international Netflix subscribers will gain access to the wider “Walking Dead” spin-off collection.

This includes “Fear the Walking Dead,” “World Beyond,” “Tales of the Walking Dead,” “Dead City,” “Daryl Dixon” and “The Ones Who Live.”

The deal comes as “Dead City” returns for its third season, while fans await the final season of “Daryl Dixon,” set to premiere in 2027.

The expanded catalogue adds to Netflix’s growing library of established TV franchises aimed at boosting engagement and retention.

In recent years, Netflix has spent billions securing major series, including “The Office,” and earlier this year it also reached a deal to stream “Sesame Street.”

Netflix deal boosts AMC Networks outlook

For AMC Networks, the agreement provides a major new revenue stream from one of its most valuable franchises while still keeping the content available on AMC+.

The company announced the Netflix deal alongside its quarterly earnings report on Thursday.

AMC Networks also raised its financial outlook, pointing to the importance of licensing its “Walking Dead” catalogue to Netflix’s global audience.

The deal gives Netflix hundreds of episodes from a proven franchise while strengthening AMC Networks’ earnings in a competitive streaming market.