FX signs global broadcast rights to The Walking Dead

FX Channel has signed up the rights to broadcast US series The Walking Dead in the UK and will back the show with a heavyweight marketing campaign.

The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead

The deal will see the show premiered in the UK this October, where it will headline FX’s autumn line-up.

FX’s parent company Fox International Channels (FIC) agreed the deal with American studio AMC to acquire all international television and home video rights and worldwide distribution for the life of series.

As part of the agreement, FIC will have a first-run window on all FIC outlets, outside the US and Canada.

Jason Simms, SVP of global acquisitions at FIC says: “Mixing dread and suspense with human drama, The Walking Dead creates a ’must-see’ TV experience for our viewers and we’re delighted to be showcasing the series first in the UK. The scope of such an international deal adds excellent possibilities for the series’ success and represents a new way forward for FX and FIC.”

Based on Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels of the same name, The Walking Dead follows a group of survivors led by police officer Rick Grimes in a post-apocalyptic zombie world and stays true to the first two volumes of the comic book series. The series, now in production, is written and directed by Frank Darabont and Andrew Lincoln, star of UK shows including Teachers and This Life, will play the lead role .

The Walking Dead will premiere ahead of the third season launch of Vampire hit, True Blood and will be heavily supported off-air by a marketing and PR campaign.

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