TV network AMC is launching a Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channel soon.

FAST offers free, linear, ad-supported TV programming that you can stream without a subscription.

The news was announced at the SXSW London event, with the channel expected to launch this month across multiple UK FAST platforms.

AMC to launch new channel in UK airing The Walking Dead

Popular AMC shows The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead will air for free on the new channel.

The Walking Dead debuted on TV back in 2010, airing internationally on Fox International Channels.

Following the closure of the Fox channel in the UK and Ireland, the 11th and final season was released on the Star hub on Disney+.

The post-apocalyptic horror drama is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman and stars Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes.

It had a large ensemble cast as survivors of a zombie apocalypse trying to stay alive from both zombies, known as “walkers”, as well as human threats.

The Walking Dead won many awards over the years before the series ended in 2023.

Its first spin-off, Fear the Walking Dead, premiered in 2015 and also ended in 2023, after the conclusion of the eighth and final season.

Further spin-offs have since aired, such as The Walking Dead: Dead City, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Maggie and Negan, and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, with Norman Reedus returning as the titular character.

Tom Keaveney, managing director and EVP at AMC Global Media UK, said: “The Walking Dead Universe has one of the most passionate fanbases in television, and FAST lets us open that world up to everyone.

“Launching this channel reflects our broader strategy to meet viewers wherever they are with access to premium content across free, ad-supported environments.

“Widening access and discovery alongside our continued investment in broadcast television are core to our UK business.

“We are making great storytelling free to watch, and easier to find.”

Platform partners for The Walking Dead Universe FAST channel will be confirmed separately, with more updates coming soon.

Other free channels added to UK TVs

The new Walking Dead channel is not the only free channel added to millions of UK TVs recently.

Virgin TV has launched two brand-new 24/7 channels that are available free of charge for current customers.

Both are brand-new streaming channels, with the first being The first is 8 out of 10 Cats, on channel 250.

The second is a Pointless channel, showing the popular BBC gameshow, on channel 251.

The channels can be found on the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).

Millions of Samsung smart TVs have also received a free upgrade recently.

The new offerings are part of Samsung TV Plus, a free streaming service integrated into Samsung smart TVs and selected Galaxy devices.

Wrestling enthusiasts can now enjoy Wrestling Legends TV, a channel dedicated to WWE programming and behind-the-scenes content, accessible on channel 4613.

Eurovision Sport has also been launched on channel 4611, providing Olympic sports coverage, highlights, and documentaries at no extra cost.

Additionally, fans of Korean dramas can tune into new channels from Series K on channels 4254 and 4259, offering a variety of box sets and shows.

Football supporters are not left out, as a Bundesliga channel is currently showing live matches and highlights on channel 4003 during a promotional period.

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Samsung’s free streaming service is available on all Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 onwards and Samsung Galaxy Devices: Mobile & Tablet – Android 11.0 or higher.

You can watch free TV without a Samsung account, but creating one unlocks extra features.

Did you watch The Walking Dead when it aired? Let us know in the comments.

Councillor Chewe Munkonge is set to start the children’s one-mile fun run at 9.15am as part of Run Jericho, a family-friendly running event taking place on Sunday, June 7.

The race raises funds for St Barnabas C of E Primary School, with organisers aiming to reach a target of £20,000 this year.

Peter Arbuthnott, race director, said: “Run Jericho takes you through some of the most historic and beautiful parts of Oxford, including Worcester College grounds, the canal, and Port Meadow.

“It’s a route that never gets old. What makes it special is the range of people it brings together, from serious club runners chasing a PB to local kids experiencing the thrill of their first race.

“There really is something for everyone.”

More than 1,000 runners, spectators, and volunteers are expected to attend, including ice creams for every child who completes the fun run.

Funds raised will go towards air conditioning, outdoor sports equipment, and classroom screens for the school.

Beccy Harris, headteacher at St Barnabas, said: “St Barnabas is rooted in the Jericho community, and Run Jericho is one of the most wonderful expressions of that.

“It’s a chance for the school and the wider community to come together and celebrate something joyful.

“We’re proud that Run Jericho sits at the heart of JerichoFest.”

More details are available at runjericho.com.