AMC Networks Entertainment Chief Dan McDermott On Navigating End Times
AMC Networks studio and entertainment chief Dan McDermott said the company's modest scale, multiplatform distribution and ...
President of Entertainment & AMC Studios, Amc Networks
Search every verified Dan Mcdermott interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Dan McDermott, President of Entertainment and AMC Studios at AMC Networks, discussed the company’s strategy and recent transitions during a fireside chat at the company’s programming summit in September 2023. He noted that the end of long-running series such as *The Walking Dead*, *Better Call Saul*, and *Killing Eve* was inevitable, stating that “every great show, every great experience at some point comes to an end” and that developing worthy follow-ups is “simply my job.” McDermott attributed the company’s ability to compete with larger rivals to its modest scale, multiplatform distribution, and talent relationships, adding that AMC Networks is “small” and “not overburdened with bureaucracy.” McDermott highlighted the company’s shift toward streaming, including the full embrace of AMC Plus and niche outlets like Shudder and Acorn TV, which he said has focused on specific target audiences. He projected that streaming subscriber numbers would reach 20 to 25 million by 2025 and 40 to 50 million shortly thereafter, and that streaming revenue would surpass linear revenue in the coming years. He described AMC Networks in 2022 as a “tech-forward, progressive series of platforms” with growth in streaming but a maintained linear platform. McDermott also emphasized that while high-end talent values financial compensation, they also seek to produce great content and find traction for their projects, which he said can be difficult at larger companies.
“Every great show, every great experience at some point comes to an end. We're so grateful to have had these shows on our platforms; they helped define AMC as a home for premium content.”
“Developing worthy follow-ups to that potent trio is simply my job.”
“The company's decision shortly after my arrival to fully embrace streaming with AMC Plus, Shudder, Acorn TV and other niche outlets has focused on specific target audiences in streaming.”
“That narrowness is starting to accrue larger subscriber bases and will outdo linear in terms of revenue in the coming years.”
“The company has said it will have between 20 million and 25 million streaming subscribers by 2025 and the base will be 40 million to 50 million not long thereafter.”
“I would define AMC Networks of 2022 as a tech-forward, progressive series of platforms with real growth in streaming but one that is also maintaining a vibrant linear platform.”
“We swim in this one lane only, referring to premium scripted fare for adults. We're small, we're not overburdened with bureaucracy, and I'm very reachable.”
“High-end talent loves to get the big payday, but as important as anything else, they want to produce great content.”
AMC Networks studio and entertainment chief Dan McDermott said the company's modest scale, multiplatform distribution and ...
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