AMC Global, the international AMC-branded television network, and Britain’s telcommunications giant BT have announced that AMC will launch in the UK for the first time on 28th August 2015 exclusively to BT customers – and will premiere this summer’s most anticipated new series, Fear The Walking Dead, on Monday 31st August at 9.00 pm.

Set in Los Angeles, the series, also created by Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson, follows a divorced male teacher (played by Kim Dickens), a female guidance counselor, and her two children – a drug-addicted son (Frank Dillane) and a daughter (Alycia Debnam-Carey) – in the opening stages of the zombie apocalypse as they come to terms with the impending collapse of civilisation. AMC greenlit the pilot to series back in March with a two-season commitment, the first season consisting of six episodes, and the second an extended order of fifteen episodes, which will air next year.

The series has just debuted with a 90-minute opener in the US to mixed reviews, with Variety arguing it will have room to grow – and potentially fill the gap for Walking Dead fans when the main show is off air.

The acclaimed drama Rectify will premiere for the first time in the UK on Tuesday 1st Septemberat 9.00 pm.

“We’re delighted that our viewers will be able to experience the start of the zombie apocalypse when AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead debuts exclusively to BT customers”, says Delia Bushell, Managing Director, BT TV & BT Sport.

“We’re only a few weeks away from one of television’s most compelling new dramas, and we’re looking forward to sharing AMC’s outstanding selection of series and films with our customers.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with BT for the first-ever launch of AMC in the UK,” says Bruce Tuchman, President of AMC and Sundance Channel Global.

“There is a tremendous level of excitement around the debut of Fear the Walking Dead, and we’re looking forward to showcasing the series exclusively for UK audiences on AMC from BT. The network will also feature other dramas from AMC Networks including the acclaimed series Rectify from the producers of Breaking Bad to complement its line-up of popular movies.”

AMC from BT will showcase other soon to be announced dramas from AMC Networks in addition to series from other leading producers. The channel will also feature acclaimed films from the world’s most popular film libraries.

The news follows significant expansion for AMC since the company launched the brand for the first time outside North America late last year. AMC is now seen on subscription television platforms in over 125 countries and territories throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Entertainment One (eOne) handles international distribution for Fear the Walking Dead for territories outside of the AMC Global footprint.

• The AMC from BT channel will be available for free to all BT TV customers. Customers do not need to take any action to receive the channel – it will automatically be added. More info: www.productsandservices.bt.com/products/bt-tv

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: downthetubes News, Television

Tags: AMC, AMC from BT, AMC Global, BT, BT Vision, downthetubes News, Fear The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman