AMC Networks Inc. said Thursday it will pay $200 million to acquire a stake in BBC America.
The entertainment company known for shows such as "The Walking Dead" and "Mad Men" will have a 49.9 percent equity stake in the cable channel that is home of shows such as "Doctor Who" and "Orphan Black."
BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corp., will retain 50.1 percent ownership. The BBC said in a statement the partnership will help it reach new audiences in the U.S., strengthen BBC America, while creating opportunities for the U.K.'s "creative community."
New York-based AMC will have operational control of BBC America and manage it as a stand-alone channel, adding to its portfolio that also includes AMC, IFC and SundanceTV.
It is not the first agreement between the BBC and AMC, which already worked together on series such as "Top of the Lake" and "Honourable Woman."
Shares of AMC fell 29 cents to close at $58.44 before the announcement. They were unchanged in extended trading.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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