AMC now owns 49.9% of BBC America

AMC Networks and BBC Worldwide have announced a partnership that will see the American entertainment company take a 49.9% equity stake in BBC America, the British company’s Stateside cable channel. BBC America has seen its cultural stock rise thanks to buzzy original series Orphan Black and the ascending US viewership for British sci-fi touchstone Doctor Who. According to a press release, AMC Networks agreed to pay $200 million for almost-but-not-quite-but-basically half of the network, a deal which also grants AMC operational control of BBC America.

The channel will join a stable of cable networks that includes AMC, IFC, WE tv, and the suddenly hot SundanceTV. In a statement, COO of AMC Ed Caroll said, “Orphan Black and Doctor Who are just two examples of bold and original BBC America content that creates passionate viewers and fits well alongside AMC Networks shows such as Mad Men, Portlandia, and Rectify.”