The Walking Dead Gets Global Launch from AMC & FIC

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES: Fox International Channels (FIC) and AMC are to release the highly anticipated new series The Walking Dead during the same week this fall, making its debut in 120 countries.

AMC will premiere the show on October 31, followed by FIC’s worldwide launch in the first week of November. The Walking Dead is based on Robert Kirkman’s best-selling graphic novel. From launch, the show will be aired in 33 languages and can be viewed in 250 million households. The show is a production from Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) and Gale Ann Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens).

“FIC has launched shows on a multi-territory basis in the past but never at this scale or at the same time with a U.S. network,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, the senior VP of original programming and development at FIC. “The Walking Dead is a groundbreaking project with clear global appeal. Considering the strong buzz and anticipation the show has already generated globally at this early stage, we wanted to make sure we launch it in the most powerful way possible. We are thrilled to be working with AMC on this worldwide ‘outbreak.’ This partnership represents FIC’s ongoing commitment to deliver high quality content on a global level.”

“The evolution of AMC with the goal of delivering ‘premium television on basic cable’ continues with this unprecedented global launch,” said Charlie Collier, the president and general manager at AMC. “A global debut of The Walking Dead with our partners at Fox International Channels will allow the characters Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd are cinematically bringing to life on AMC, to have an immediate impact around the world. Fear, drama and great storytelling are universal and we are pleased to be navigating the post-zombie apocalypse side-by-side with our great partners at FIC.”