AMC Global Media chief executive Kristin Dolan has defended the newly announced Netflix agreement for The Walking Dead, saying a co-exclusive arrangement with AMC+ was the best outcome despite interest from several major streaming companies. Her comments add detail to the $500 million deal, emphasising AMC’s aim to reach a global audience through Netflix while retaining the franchise as a draw for its own service.

From January 2027, all 371 episodes from the original series and six spin-offs will stream on both Netflix and AMC+ for five years. Netflix, which has held US rights since 2011, will add the UK, Italy, Australia and other international markets; Dolan gave no subscriber forecasts but said the full franchise should increase AMC+ engagement and cited Netflix’s past success in boosting AMC programmes including Dark Winds.