AMC is getting ready to thank its fans (and pry more money from them) for making two of its shows — “The Walking Dead” and “Fear the Walking Dead” — two of its biggest hits.
The network announced two new programs, “The Walking Dead Fan Rewards Club” and “The Walking Dead Subscription Box,” which are set to begin in September.
Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios, announced the initiatives at TheWrap’s TheGrill Special Event on Tuesday.
The Rewards Club allows fans to trade in the things they do while watching the shows, such as sharing content or creating fan art, for points. Then they can trade in the points for real-world prizes such as exclusive digital content, collectibles, merchandise or even experiences with cast members that could include a private set tour.
The points can also be turned toward a new subscription box. The package, sent out quarterly, will cost $49.99 each time (so $199.96 per year) and will include items such as T-shirts, action figures, mugs and other merchandise.
If fans sign up in late September, they can receive their first box in time for the season 8 premiere of “The Walking Dead” on October 22.
“Much has been written about the ‘Golden Age of Television’ and yet … it has also become a ‘Golden Age of Fandom,’” Collier said. “Fans of ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ are television’s most engaged, dedicated and passionate. They have been a North Star and the Fan Rewards Club and Subscription Box are two examples of extensions beyond the screen that were created based on their feedback.”
When “Fear the Walking Dead” returned in early June, it was ranked the No. 2 drama on cable, falling behind only “The Walking Dead.”
In terms of all cable series, it only falls behind “The Walking Dead” and Chris Hardwick’s after-show “The Talking Dead.” The Season 3 “Fear” premiere brought in 2.5 million viewers in the 25-54 demographic while “The Walking Dead” Season 7 finale brought in nearly 10 million viewers in the same group.