NBC Universo Secures ‘The Walking Dead’ Rights

NBC Universo continues to be aggressive on the rights acquisition front, securing Spanish language rights to AMC’s zombie thriller The Walking Dead.

The Latino-targeted entertainment and sports channel will begin airing episodes of the popular drama beginning with seasons one through three dubbed in Spanish in early 2016, said network officials. In addition to airing on the network, The Walking Dead will also be available in Spanish on Video on Demand, as well as on nbcuniverso.com and the NBC Universo Now app by entering the subscriber’s log-in information.

"Very few series in television history have so thoroughly captivated young adult audiences like The Walking Dead. It has been a blockbuster mainstream hit, and there’s a tremendous appetite for Latinos to fully enjoy this series in Spanish for the very first time in the U.S.,” said Rubén Mendiola, President of NBC Universo in a statement. “Adding The Walking Dead to our primetime programming lineup is a clear demonstration of our commitment to bringing the most provocative and best-quality entertainment to U.S. Hispanics in Spanish.”

The Walking Dead joins other NBC Universo primetime series acqusitions including Prison Break, which will premieres tonight on the network, as well as South Park, which will debut on Oct. 26, according to network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.