Top TV networks Fox International Channels and AMC are set for the launch of television series The Walking Dead, which will debut in 120 countries, air in 33 languages and viewed in 250 million households.

AMC will premiere the show on October 31, while FIC will make the worldwide launch the first week of November.

The television production from Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) and Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), is based on Robert Kirkman’s best selling graphic novel, The Walking Dead.

“FIC has launched shows on a multi-territory basis in the past but never at this scale or at the same time with a US Network,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, senior VP, Original Programming and Development.

“The Walking Dead is a groundbreaking project with clear global appeal. Considering the strong buzz and anticipation the show has already generated globally at this early stage, we wanted to make sure we launch it in the most powerful way possible.”

“We are thrilled to be working with AMC on this worldwide ‘outbreak’. This partnership represents FIC's ongoing commitment to deliver high quality content on a global level,” she added.

“The evolution of AMC with the goal of delivering 'premium television on basic cable' continues with this unprecedented global launch,” said Charlie Collier, president and general manager, AMC.

“A global debut of The Walking Dead with our partners at Fox International Channels will allow the characters Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd are cinematically bringing to life on AMC, to have an immediate impact around the world.  Fear, drama and great storytelling are universal and we are pleased to be navigating the post-zombie apocalypse side-by-side with our great partners at FIC.”

AMC and FIC are working closely on a global marketing strategy to ensure a strong impact for this world wide event, a statement said.

The Walking Dead is AMC’s first wholly-owned original series. Earlier this summer, FIC announced that it picked up all international rights for the project, which includes TV and Home Video Rights in all international markets outside of North America.

The series tells the story of the weeks and months that follow a pandemic zombie apocalypse. County Sheriff Rick Grimes travels with his family and a small group of survivors, constantly in search of a safe and secure home.

But the constant pressure of fighting off death on a daily basis takes a heavy toll, sending many to the lowest depths of human cruelty.  As Rick struggles to keep his family alive, he will discover that the overwhelming fear of the survivors can be far more dangerous than the mindless walkers roaming the earth. – TradeArabia News Service