Another Streaming Service Is Turning On Ads
Keeping up with its competitors, Variety reports that AMC Networks will now be pushing its ad-supported tier on its streaming platforms. Hoping to entice customers to make the jump from no ads to ads, the price drop is a 50 percent markdown. Right now, consumers are spending $8.99 per month for an ad-free experience, while the ad-supported version will only be $4.99 per month.
Further sweetening the pot for their loyal subscribers, AMC is also providing the opportunity to jump in for an annual subscription at $83.88. As of right now, the network says that over an hour-long show, there will be less than five minutes of commercials, with patrons getting the same amount of content that those with no ads receive. While plans for the ad-supported roll-out were initially announced in the spring, the network has just pulled the trigger on the shift.
AMC+ is pushing customers to take advantage of their ad-supported tier, which they now offer at half the price of the ad-free version.
For those subscribers who go all in with the AMC+ bundle, they’ll receive a boatload of extra services on both streaming and linear. Included in the streaming lineup are Shudder, IFC Films Unlimited, and Sundance Now, while the linear networks include IFC, BBC America, AMC, and Sundance TV.
There’s been a lot of shakeup in the streaming community as of late as multiple networks have banned together to create their own sort of union. On top of that, AMC isn’t the only platform pushing the ad-supported level as others, including Disney, Netflix, Paramount, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery are also pressing users to make the jump. While it isn’t completely clear why the studios are pushing their streaming clientele ads, it’s likely that they’ll come out with more money in the end.
By running up the cost of their non-ad options, the networks are making those ad-supported tiers look awfully appealing. But still, viewers who are used to that no-ad lifestyle will likely stay that way for as long as they can. On the other hand, saving some of that cash could push users to spend less with Disney so they can add AMC.
AMC’s Lineup
While Breaking Bad and its prequel series Better Call Saul may have come to an end, AMC still has plenty of celebrated shows on its docket. With The Walking Dead wrapping last fall after 11 seasons, the network will soon be dropping the final season of Fear the Walking Dead after an eight-season run.
And then there’s both The Walking Dead: Dead City and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, with the former premiering its first season over the summer while the latter is currently playing out. Meanwhile, audiences are waiting for the return of Rick and Michonne Grimes in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which is expected to arrive next year.
AMC isn’t the only platform pushing the ad-supported level as others including Disney, Netflix, Paramount, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery are also pressing users to make the jump.
This year also saw the kick-off of AMC’s partnership with the late Anne Rice’s estate as they made waves with two series versions of her beloved novels, Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches. Both shows will be returning for sophomore seasons, with the network planning an entire Immortal Universe based on the writings of the fan-favorite author.
With plenty of content to choose from, it’s likely that AMC will gain a slew of new subscribers with its ad-supported tier.
