Fear launch spurs AMC to worldwide records

The launch of zombie drama Fear the Walking Dead on AMC Global channels internationally as spurred the pay TV channel to a number of record-breaking ratings, AMC Networks has claimed.

Fear, a companion series to The Walking Dead, delivered 10.1 million total viewers on its US launch on Sunday (August 23), making it the most-watched cable debut ever, and its international launches in around  have provided similar results.

in Spain, AMC Global was the third most-watched cable or satellite channel with a 6.3% share, which was the network’s best ever performance. During the Fear broadcast, AMC Global was the most-watched pay TV channel with an 8.9% share, which increased the time slot average by 376%.

AMCN said the show, which follows the onset of a zombie apocalypse in LA, quadrupled AMC Global’s primetime market share in Latin America, making it among the top ten most-watched entertainment channels throughout the region.

In Brazil, where AMC Global has just 30% distribution, it was the eleventh most-watched among entertainment channels, all cable and satellite platforms and the 18-49 demographic, according to AMCN.

In Hungary, Fear took a 1.8 share among 18-49s, doubling its national daily average and becoming the channel’s highest-rated debut to date. In Bosnia, where it also launched on OBN, the show took a 4.9 share among 18-49s.

“We thank our international partners for working with us to make AMC available throughout the globe and for helping us to quickly establish AMC as a leading network among their subscribers,” said AMCN COO Ed Carroll.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the passionate global response to this show, and we applaud the talented creators, producers and cast for their terrific work as we look forward to bringing more Fear to audiences worldwide.”