The Walking Dead Is On Netflix With Multi-Year Exclusive Streaming Agreement

Netflix and AMC must get along pretty well. They keep making content licensing deals that are helping both brands. And we're not talking about the lesser-known AMC shows like The Killing, or the now-canceled Rubicon. We're talking about the cream of the crop. In just the last several months, Netflix has added Mad Men and Breaking Bad--two of the most acclaimed shows on any television network (and two of my personal favorites). Now The Walking Dead is on Netflix with a new exclusive streaming agreement.

The Walking Dead is On Netflix

Season 1 of The Walking Dead, a hit with both critics and a sizable cult following, is available right now according to EW.com (though I can't seem to find it as of this writing). Some of you have probably already gone to check for yourself, because the people that I know who love The Walking Dead are huge fans... almost rabid.

This is perfect timing, also, for the start of Season 2 later this month. Fans who want to catch up or simply brush up by rewatching the first season can do so in time for the new one. And AMC might even see a boost in ratings early in Season 2, with a few new viewers who've spent the last year hearing about how great the show is deciding to jump in. It is only 6 episodes, after all, so it's not difficult to get through it pretty quickly... unless you have a queasy stomach.

The Walking Dead broke records for AMC with its premiere in 2010. And while there was some division among viewers that the show might have gotten a little slow after the first two episodes, the source material--a graphic novel--has such a large cult following, most viewers will likely stay with the show. The trailer for Season 2 does look pretty intense:

The deal is exclusive, which makes it another huge score for Netflix, who has stopped bungling their PR efforts and started adding good content. (I still say the Dreamworks Animation deal is huge). And with some analysts now saying the projected losses for Netflix were overblown, I'm starting to think they're going to be okay. The Walking Dead deal is also multi-year, so I presume upcoming seasons will appear on Netflix streaming as well, but that's not a guarantee.

Well, Walking Dead fans? Are you excited? Does adding critically-acclaimed shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead make Netflix a more attractive service?