A couple months ago, AMC Networks inked a new deal which sees an expanded bundle of its titles available ad-free on Netflix (regardless of subscription tier) for 12 months from August 2024 onwards. Some of these titles include “Dark Winds” and “Fear the Walking Dead,” also including their new seasons. These are joined by eight additional titles, bringing the total to 13 – with a further two titles slated to become available in January 2025.
Ampere Analysis noted that 11 of the 13 newly added shows saw increased popularity from July to August 2024, with nine of those also experiencing further gains in September. This uptick in popularity is encouraging for AMC, which will be hoping the renewed interest will translate into increased viewership for new seasons of content debuting on its own platforms and channels. The decision to delay the Netflix release of two titles within the “Walking Dead” franchise (“Dead City” and “The Ones Who Live”) until January 2025 points towards a targeted effort to increase interest just before the premiere of “Dead City: Season 2” in spring 2025.
These licensing agreements also serve to demonstrate how older content can be revitalized by reaching new audiences. Many of the AMC shows included in this deal have concluded, but their introduction to Netflix’s audience is sparking fresh interest. This comes as Netflix has been expanding its content library through a series of strategic licensing deals, acquiring shows from rival platforms such as Max (“Band of Brothers”), Peacock (“Suits”) and most recently Hulu (“Lost”).
As the streaming landscape evolves, exclusivity is taking a back seat to profitability, with effective content monetization a primary goal. While Netflix has leaned heavily on its original programming in the era of streaming’s “walled gardens”, it is now seizing opportunities to bolster its content offer through licensing deals as the industry overall embraces more content-sharing.
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