NEW YORK, NY, April 6, 2022 – As part of its 2022 upfront, AMC Networks today announced an expansion of its successful “Viewers First” strategy, through which it has developed a slate of dynamic FAST (free ad-supported streaming) channels distributed on an expanding array of platforms. AMC Networks began its development and deployment of distinct channels focused on its unique and valuable content two years ago, and has to date launched eight channels that are deployed across six leading FAST platforms.
The new channels under development and expected to launch in the coming months, which will all be live and programmed 24/7, are:
AMC en Español, which will feature favorite stories and characters from AMC’s critically acclaimed original programming. The channel will feature Spanish-language versions of shows like The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Rectify, Into the Badlands, Halt and Catch Fire, The Red Road and others.
ALLBLK Gems will feature programming from the fast-growing ALLBLK streaming service that is inclusively and unapologetically Black. This channel will spotlight favorite ALLBLK originals like Double Cross, A House Divided, Notorious Queens, My Mane Problem and many more.
HIDIVE x ANIME is a completely original FAST channel devoted to the best of anime, a rich and fast-growing content category that has captivated viewers from around the world. Anime is one of the world’s fastest growing content genres, and HIDIVE x ANIME will super-serve this fandom with high-quality original series straight from Japan.
Shorts and Cortos (the Spanish-language version of Shorts) is the world’s only FAST channel dedicated to short film, curated collections of award-winning films, more than 13,000 from around the globe including Thrillers, Drama, Comedy, Romance, Animation, Sci-Fi, Horror & Documentary.
OVERTIME, in addition to the five channels listed above, AMC has also entered into an innovative distribution partnership with Brooklyn-based Overtime. The new Overtime branded FAST channel gives sports fans the chance to follow the next generation of sports stars both on and off court. The channel’s programming mix includes more than 40 highly engaging original series curated as a FAST channel for the first time.
“Our Viewers First strategy is built around the goal of making our compelling original content available to viewers wherever and whenever they want to consume it, and that has resulted in an expanding presence on a growing array of leading platforms, with our advertising partners walking right alongside us,” said Kim Kelleher, president of commercial revenue and partnerships for AMC Networks. “FAST has become an increasingly important and growing component of our overall commercial revenue mix, and these new channels will only further accelerate our growth and success in this dynamic environment.”
AMC Networks’ existing roster of FAST and AVOD channels include Stories by AMC, AMC Thrillers, Slightly off by IFC, All Weddings by WE tv, All Reality by WE tv, The Walking Dead Universe, IFC Film Picks, and Portlandia. The channels are carried on platforms including Pluto TV, Sling TV, Samsung TV Plus, VIZIO, Plex and Comcast XUMO.
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its brands include targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, and the newest addition to its targeted streaming portfolio, the anime-focused HIDIVE streaming service, in addition to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC Films. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind some of the biggest titles and brands known to a global audience, including The Walking Dead, the Anne Rice catalog and the Agatha Christie library. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.