AMC Global Media Launches Sixth UK FAST Channel, Focused on Walking Dead Franchise

This expansion signals AMC's deepened commitment to FAST as a core distribution and monetization strategy for its established IP, particularly in international markets. It highlights the growing trend of content owners leveraging FAST channels to extend the lifespan and audience reach of library content. The move also reflects the broader industry shift towards diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional subscription and affiliate fees. Watch for which platforms AMC partners with in the UK, as this will indicate key players in Europe's consolidating FAST ecosystem.

The launch of AMC's "The Walking Dead" FAST channel in the UK reinforces the rising prominence of free ad-supported streaming television in the region. Recent research, as reported by Broadband TV News in June 2026, indicates that over 80% of UK viewers now consider FAST services a primary viewing method or a viable alternative to paid subscriptions. This surge in adoption is prompting media companies to view FAST as a critical complementary route alongside traditional linear TV and SVOD. For instance, in December 2025, Channel 5 added several AMC Networks International UK FAST channels, including AMC Cupid and AMC Reality, to its streaming service, diversifying its offering with genre-specific and single-series feeds (Broadband TV News, December 2025). This trend suggests that content providers are maximizing the value of their recognizable brands by introducing them to new audiences without the barrier of a subscription. The strategic move effectively allows AMC to cater to its passionate fanbase while attracting new viewers, aligning with efforts to broaden access and discovery of its content, per Advanced Television, June 2026.