Bet you didn't see this coming.
AMC Networks, home to The Walking Dead and Mad Men on AMC, Portlandia on IFC and countless other shows including those on Sundance, WEtv and more, has bought a 49.9% stake in BBC America to the sum of $200 million. Under the terms of the deal, AMC will manage and operate all facets of BBC America's business. AMC will bring BBCA under its umbrella of TV networks, but AMC is required to run it in line with BBC's standards and practices.
This shouldn't make much of an impact on fans and viewers of BBC America and its shows. So relax, Doctor Who and Orphan Black fans. Your faves aren't going anywhere.
If anything, the deal means that BBC America is likely to experiment with even more original programming. The network has seen success of late with new originals like Intruders, Atlantis and The Musketeers. More original series have been ordered, including Tatau and The Last Kingdom, with both expected to debut in 2015. Doctor Who remains its biggest hit, followed by clone saga Orphan Black, which is currently in production on a third season.
The exact start date for AMC's operational control over BBC America was not disclosed, but could begin immediately.
