AMC to debut in UK in September

AMC Networks’ Fear the Walking Dead

AMC Networks International is launching flagship channel AMC in the UK for the first time, and will launch upcoming series Fear the Walking Dead exclusively on the network.

AMCNI has signed an exclusive carriage deal with telco BT’s service, BT TV, to debut AMC in September.

The AMC channel in the US is home to shows such as Breaking Bad, Mad Men and the original Walking Dead.

It also commissioned spin-off series Fear the Walking Dead, which was picked up for AMCNI’s global AMC channels in April. The show, set in LA, tells the story of a zombie outbreak and how this affects a family living through it. Season one launches this summer in the US.

AMC UK will also showcase other “soon to be announced drama from AMC Networks”, the channels operator revealed. It will also have acquired series and feature films from various international libraries.

The launch is a significant step forwards for the AMC brand, which has launched as a subscription channel in more than 125 territories throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East after moving beyond North America late last year.

This followed AMCNI’s acquisition of the MGM Channel as part of its US$1 billion deal for Chellomedia, and a subsequent rebrand.

“We’re excited to partner with BT to launch AMC for the first time in the UK,” said AMC Networks COO Ed Carroll. “This agreement highlights the strong demand for our channels and will enable us to continue developing a far-reaching platform for AMC’s original programming.”

For BT, capturing the channel is another coup in its heated battle for new pay TV subscribers with market leader Sky and Virgin Media. It has recently added a Netflix app, ‘Buy to Keep’ movies and box sets, Sky 1 and 2, and last week launched an ultra HD BT Sport channel that will broadcast UEFA Champions League football.

“We’re delighted to be launching AMC for the first time in the UK, enabling our viewers to watch series such as Fear the Walking Dead exclusively from BT,” said BT TV managing director Delia Bushell.