ITV has just launched a new free channel dedicated to fans of the long-running zombie apocalypse show The Walking Dead.
The new 24/7 channel comes after the broadcaster last month announced a partnership deal with AMC Global Media, which has given them broadcast rights to ‘one of television’s most iconic franchises’.
The free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, which is now up and running on ITVX, promises a ‘live, continuous stream’ for fans of the Walkers (not the crisps).
The Walking Dead obsessives can now tune in at any time, without a subscription, after the channel launched on Tuesday.
It is streaming the original show as well as its Los Angeles-set spin-off Fear the Walking Dead, which starred Colman Domingo.
ITVX also has plans to expand its library of dedicated free-to-view channels with ITV fan favourites, including The Only Way Is Essex, Midsomer Murders, and The Chase – so watch this space if that’s more your bag than The Walking Dead.
Why you should binge The Walking Dead on ITVX?
Metro’s TV Editor Sabrina Barr reveals why the post-apocalyptic series is worth your time.
It’s been 16 years since The Walking Dead began – and I’ll admit it, I didn’t jump on the bandwagon right away. I hadn’t watched many zombie films and TV shows at that point (except the White Walkers in Game of Thrones), but eventually I decided to give it a go.
At the beginning of the series, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) is forced to fend for himself in a city ravaged by flesh-eating ‘Walkers’ after being in a coma during the outbreak. His wife and son believe he’s dead and are with a group of survivors, including his best friend Shane (Jon Bernthal). While Rick’s hiding in a tank, he’s found by Glenn (Steve Yeun), who helps him escape a seemingly impossible trap.
I was hooked immediately.
The Walking Dead had one of the best starts to a show ever and made me look at Love Actually’s Mark in a new light. Just like one of my favourite other shows, Lost, the strong ensemble cast is what made TWD shine and, in my opinion, turned it into the phenomenon that it is today.
I won’t go into heavy spoilers for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, but in this post-apocalyptic world, anyone can perish, including fan-favourite characters. Prepare for heartbreak that’ll make your chest feel like it’s been split in two and joy that’ll restore your faith in humanity.
I’ll admit it – with 11 seasons and several spin-offs, there are times when the series can feel like a bit of a slog. However, if you’re after a next binge-watch that’ll be a true investment of your time, TWD is a mammoth of a TV show that will have you gripped from the start.
It comes after Sky this week announced it is set to buy ITV for £1.6billion, in a deal that has been touted as one of the biggest media takeovers in British history. If only Succession were still on the air.
Pending regulatory approval, Sky will buy ITV’s TV and streaming channels after the two broadcasters entered takeover talks at the end of last year.
Will you be tuning in to ITVX’s The Walking Dead channel?
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Definitely
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No Walkers for me thanks
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I’m on the fence
The price tag might sound exorbitant, but Warner Brothers sold to Paramount earlier this year for a comparatively astronomical £82b.
It is understood that Sky hopes to use ITVX to build a UK streaming titan to rival the likes of Netflix and Disney Plus.
The big shows on the channel – Coronation Street, Love Island, Emmerdale, I’m a Celebrity – will still be available to watch for free on ITV and ITVX.
ITV is legally required to provide a free-to-air service until at least 2034, so The Walking Dead channel won’t be going behind a paywall anytime soon.
After that year, content could begin to move behind a paywall or be decommissioned to make savings. But Sky’s owner Comcast won’t have agreed to pay big bucks to scrap what ITV has going for it.
The Walking Dead Universe FAST channel is available to watch on ITVX.