ITVX, the streaming service from ITV, is launching a dedicated channel for the hit zombie series The Walking Dead. Starting July 5, viewers can watch all 11 seasons of the original show, along with spin-offs such as Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and Tales of the Walking Dead. The channel will be available for free with advertisements, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of The Walking Dead universe on a single platform.
What's Included in the Channel
The channel will feature the complete original series, which ran from 2010 to 2022, totaling 177 episodes. Additionally, fans can enjoy Fear the Walking Dead, which premiered in 2015 and is still ongoing, with eight seasons available. The Walking Dead: World Beyond, a two-season limited series that concluded in 2021, and Tales of the Walking Dead, an anthology series from 2022, will also be part of the lineup. This marks the first time all these series are available together on a UK streaming service.
Impact on Streaming Landscape
The launch of The Walking Dead channel on ITVX is a significant move for the streaming platform, which aims to attract a wider audience by offering popular, established content. ITVX has been expanding its library with both original programming and acquired titles. The addition of The Walking Dead franchise, which has a dedicated global fanbase, is expected to drive subscriptions and ad revenue. According to ITV, the channel will be updated regularly with new content as spin-offs like The Walking Dead: Dead City and Daryl Dixon become available in the future.
Availability and Accessibility
The channel will be accessible on ITVX across all devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers. Viewers can watch the content for free with ad breaks, or opt for an ad-free subscription through ITVX Premium. This approach mirrors ITV's strategy of offering both free and paid tiers to cater to different audience preferences. The Walking Dead channel is part of ITVX's broader initiative to create themed pop-up channels, which have included collections for Love Island, The Voice, and other popular shows.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans of the franchise have expressed excitement on social media, praising the convenience of having all series in one place. The Walking Dead has a strong following in the UK, where it originally aired on Fox and later on Disney+ under the Star brand. The move to ITVX could introduce the series to a new generation of viewers, especially those who prefer free ad-supported streaming services. According to a statement from ITV, the channel aims to "celebrate the legacy of The Walking Dead and provide fans with the ultimate viewing experience."
Future Plans for the Channel
ITV has indicated that the channel will not be static; it will evolve to include new episodes of upcoming spin-offs as they are released. The Walking Dead: Dead City, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, premiered in June 2023, and Daryl Dixon, starring Norman Reedus, is set to debut later this year. ITVX plans to add these series to the channel after their initial broadcast on AMC. This strategy ensures that the channel remains relevant and continues to attract viewers over time.
Conclusion
The launch of The Walking Dead channel on ITVX represents a major addition to the UK streaming market, offering a vast collection of zombie apocalypse content for free. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, the channel provides an accessible way to binge-watch one of television's most iconic series. The move also highlights ITV's commitment to expanding its content offerings and competing with other streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+.
