One of the world’s biggest television franchises, The Walking Dead Universe (TWDU), has arrived on leading European streaming platform Rakuten TV in the UK, with the hit US series The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead currently being available to watch for free on the newly launched dedicated FAST channel, in partnership with AMC Global Media – UK.
The channel requires no subscription and is designed as a lean-back viewing experience, allowing audiences to drop in and discover the iconic The Walking Dead Universe without the need to sign up or search.
The launch comes as FAST viewing continues to accelerate in the UK. Recently released European research The FAST Advantage published by Rakuten TV shows that more than 80% of UK viewers now consider FAST a primary way to watch television or a viable alternative to paid streaming services, highlighting why free, ad-supported environments are becoming an increasingly important part of the viewing mix and a growing route for content discovery.
Marcos Milanez, Chief Content Officer at Rakuten TV, said: “The Walking Dead is one of the most iconic and enduring franchises in television, with a hugely passionate fanbase. We’re delighted to partner with AMC Global Media – UK to bring the series to a dedicated FAST channel on Rakuten TV giving audiences in the UK a completely free and accessible way to discover, revisit and immerse themselves in this incredible content.”
Lucy Halliday, VP, Business Development International at AMC Global Media – UK, said: “This launch builds on our ongoing partnership with Rakuten TV and reflects how central FAST has become to our UK distribution strategy. Bringing The Walking Dead Universe to the platform gives audiences free access to the franchise, which is exactly the kind of layered discovery route we’re focused on as we keep growing our FAST footprint across the UK.”
This launch also reflects the growing importance of FAST as a viewing destination for premium entertainment. As Rakuten TV’s FAST Advantage research shows, more than 80% of viewers now see FAST as either a primary way to watch television or a viable alternative to paid streaming services. Audiences increasingly want easy access to high-quality content without the barriers of subscriptions, and FAST is creating new opportunities for content owners to extend the reach, visibility and long-term value of some of the world’s most-loved IP.
The launch of The Walking Dead Universe channel demonstrates how FAST is helping premium content find new audiences while deepening engagement with existing fans, reinforcing its role as an increasingly important part of the modern television ecosystem.
