AMC Networks (AMCX) 10-Q 5 Nov 21 2021 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 29, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-35106
Entity Registrant Name	AMC Networks Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	27-5403694
Entity Address, Address Line One	11 Penn Plaza,
Entity Address, City or Town	New York,
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10001
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	324-8500
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	AMCX
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001514991
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,767,784
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,484,408

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 870,967	$ 888,526
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,732 and $11,234)	771,546	813,587
Current portion of program rights, net	18,005	13,480
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	208,181	223,173
Total current assets	1,868,699	1,938,766
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $284,351 and $261,082	218,699	256,045
Program rights, net	1,700,175	1,269,131
Intangible assets, net	391,778	410,672
Goodwill	689,639	686,407
Deferred tax asset, net	12,202	25,046
Operating lease right-of-use asset	133,044	146,522
Other assets	481,229	513,749
Total assets	5,495,465	5,246,338
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	123,556	120,530
Accrued liabilities	269,079	320,005
Current portion of program rights obligations	297,118	259,449
Deferred revenue	81,848	71,048
Current portion of long-term debt	26,813	75,000
Current portion of lease obligations	37,383	32,435
Total current liabilities	835,797	878,467
Program rights obligations	226,941	182,511
Long-term debt	2,811,249	2,774,307
Lease obligations	159,998	194,324
Deferred tax liability, net	157,536	132,009
Other liabilities	123,898	125,970
Total liabilities	4,315,419	4,287,588
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	291,447	315,649
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	340,033	323,425
Accumulated earnings	2,081,008	1,847,451
Treasury stock, at cost (34,593 and 34,593 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)	(1,419,882)	(1,419,882)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(164,899)	(134,950)
Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity	837,028	616,805
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	51,571	26,296
Total stockholders' equity	888,599	643,101
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,495,465	5,246,338
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	653	646
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 115	$ 115

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 8,732	$ 11,234
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 284,351	$ 261,082
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	45,000,000	45,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	65,349,000	64,568,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,756,000	29,975,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	34,593,000	34,593,000
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	11,484,000	11,484,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	11,484,000	11,484,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 810,766	$ 654,015	$ 2,273,899	$ 2,034,681
Operating expenses:
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)	378,264	333,816	997,677	960,379
Selling, general and administrative	220,011	148,769	610,164	488,581
Depreciation and amortization	23,411	27,547	71,261	80,182
Impairment and other charges	0	0	158,973	130,411
Restructuring and other related charges	754	4,406	9,534	13,879
Total operating expenses	622,440	514,538	1,847,609	1,673,432
Operating income	188,326	139,477	426,290	361,249
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(31,413)	(33,418)	(97,674)	(105,283)
Interest income	2,264	2,994	7,614	11,276
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	(22,074)	(2,908)
Miscellaneous, net	54	11,138	19,634	(10,088)
Total other expense	(29,095)	(19,286)	(92,500)	(107,003)
Income from operations before income taxes	159,231	120,191	333,790	254,246
Income tax expense	(40,744)	(52,195)	(77,980)	(95,490)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	118,487	67,996	255,810	158,756
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,836)	(6,356)	(22,253)	(13,488)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 110,651	$ 61,640	$ 233,557	$ 145,268
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.60	$ 1.18	$ 5.52	$ 2.72
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.55	$ 1.17	$ 5.39	$ 2.69
Weighted average common shares:
Basic (in shares)	42,506	52,346	42,308	53,374
Diluted (in shares)	43,440	52,904	43,332	53,917

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 118,487	$ 67,996	$ 255,810	$ 158,756
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17,933)	21,475	(32,282)	7,383
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	620	615	1,828	(1,041)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	(17,313)	22,090	(30,454)	6,342
Income tax (expense) benefit	(146)	(144)	(430)	242
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(17,459)	21,946	(30,884)	6,584
Comprehensive income	101,028	89,942	224,926	165,340
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,109)	(6,648)	(21,318)	(12,818)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 93,919	$ 83,294	$ 203,608	$ 152,522

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Adoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Earnings	Accumulated EarningsAdoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	AMC Networks Stockholders’ Equity	AMC Networks Stockholders’ EquityAdoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses	Noncontrolling Interests	Class A Common StockCommon Stock	Class B Common StockCommon Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 691,505	$ (1,956)		$ 286,491	$ 1,609,428	$ (1,956)	$ (1,063,181)	$ (167,711)	$ 665,781	$ (1,956)	$ 25,724	$ 639	$ 115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	145,268				145,268				145,268
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	700										700
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(1,011)										(1,011)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,584							7,254	7,254		(670)
Share-based compensation expense	43,141			43,141					43,141
Treasury stock acquired	(102,938)			0			(102,938)		(102,938)
Net share issuances under employee stock plans	(8,947)			(8,951)					(8,947)			4
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	772,346			320,681	1,752,740		(1,166,119)	(160,457)	747,603		24,743	643	115
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	675,145			308,288	1,691,100		(1,166,119)	(182,111)	651,916		23,229	643	115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	61,640				61,640				61,640
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,785										1,785
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(563)										(563)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	21,946							21,654	21,654		292
Share-based compensation expense	12,393			12,393					12,393
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	772,346			320,681	1,752,740		(1,166,119)	(160,457)	747,603		24,743	643	115
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	643,101			323,425	1,847,451		(1,419,882)	(134,950)	616,805		26,296	646	115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	233,557				233,557				233,557
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	7,134										(7,134)
Transfer from redeemable noncontrolling interests	18,367										18,367
Contribution from noncontrolling member	709										709
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(30,884)							(29,949)	(29,949)		(935)
Share-based compensation expense	39,163			39,163					39,163
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	12,100			12,100					12,100
Net share issuances under employee stock plans	(34,648)		$ 7	(34,655)					(34,648)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	888,599			340,033	2,081,008		(1,419,882)	(164,899)	837,028		51,571	653	115
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	783,542			330,593	1,970,357		(1,419,882)	(148,167)	733,669		49,873	653	115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	110,651				110,651				110,651
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,856										(2,856)
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(431)										431
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(17,459)							(16,732)	(16,732)		(727)
Share-based compensation expense	9,455			9,455					9,455
Net share issuances under employee stock plans	(15)			(15)					(15)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	$ 888,599			$ 340,033	$ 2,081,008		$ (1,419,882)	$ (164,899)	$ 837,028		$ 51,571	$ 653	$ 115

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 255,810	$ 158,756
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	71,261	80,182
Impairment and other charges	16,055	130,411
Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards	39,163	43,141
Non-cash restructuring and other related charges	4,329	6,126
Amortization and write-off of program rights	601,640	622,204
Amortization of deferred carriage fees	16,138	21,088
Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	(10,025)	9,242
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness	5,820	6,039
Loss on extinguishment of debt	22,074	2,908
Bad debt expense	4,900	340
Deferred income taxes	31,765	12,403
Gain on investments	(4,554)	0
Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable	0	5,103
Other, net	(3,429)	(10,696)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net)	38,514	92,328
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(62,799)	79,098
Program rights and obligations, net	(967,172)	(565,267)
Income taxes payable	(5,235)	17,265
Deferred revenue	6,837	(2,234)
Deferred carriage fees, net	(29,207)	(15,057)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities	12,099	(49,293)
Net cash provided by operating activities	43,984	644,087
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(29,969)	(34,990)
Return of capital from investees	0	924
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired	(19,072)	0
Acquisition of investment securities	(28,397)	(4,111)
Cash paid on distribution of business	(7,052)	0
Principal payment received on loan to investee	20,000	3,750
Proceeds from sale of investments	95,370	10,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	30,880	(24,427)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	986,000	6,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	(1,015,000)	(242,500)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units	(34,648)	(8,947)
Purchase of treasury stock	0	(102,938)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	12,100	0
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	(2,866)	(2,404)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,701	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(14,906)	(13,955)
Net cash used in financing activities	(66,619)	(364,744)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	8,245	254,916
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(25,804)	774
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	888,526	816,170
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 870,967	$ 1,071,860

Description of Business and Bas

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. Segment Reporting Changes In the first quarter of 2021, the Company changed its presentation of operating segments, reflecting a reorganized operating structure focused on a multi-platform distribution approach to content monetization. The Company's streaming services and IFC Films, previously included in the International and Other segment, are now included within Domestic Operations (formerly referred to as the National Networks segment). In addition, certain corporate overhead costs will no longer be allocated to the operating segments. Operating segment information for the prior periods has been recast to reflect these changes. The new reporting structure consists of the following two operating segments: • Domestic Operations: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, our streaming services, AMC Studios operation, IFC Films and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC, and SundanceTV. Our streaming services consist of our targeted subscription streaming services (Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and ALLBLK), AMC+ and other streaming initiatives. Our AMC Studios operation produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such programming worldwide. IFC Films is our film distribution business and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks. • International and Other : Includes AMC Networks International ("AMCNI"), our international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels around the world and 25/7 Media (formerly Levity), our production services business. See Note 4 relating to the spin-off of the Levity comedy venues business. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2020 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2021. Risks and Uncertainties The Company continues to monitor the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of its business. The Company cannot reasonably predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, which will depend on, among other things, the duration and spread of the pandemic, the impact of governmental regulations that have been, and may continue to be, imposed in response to the pandemic, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, the availability, safety and efficacy of vaccines, and global economic conditions. The Company does not expect the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic impact to affect its liquidity position or its ongoing ability to meet the covenants in its debt instruments. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 - Income Taxes. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations As of September 30, 2021, other than contracts for which the Company has applied the practical expedients, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to future performance obligations was not material to our consolidated revenues. Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Balances from contracts with customers: Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) $ 1,039,981 $ 1,081,070 Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) 7,837 9,830 Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) 942 942 Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) 81,848 71,048 Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 relating to the contract liability at December 31, 2020 was $24.4 million .

Net Income per Share

Net Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income per Share	Net Income per Share The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 42,506 52,346 42,308 53,374 Effect of dilution: Stock options — — 4 — Restricted stock units 934 558 1,020 543 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 43,440 52,904 43,332 53,917 Approximately 0.5 million and 1.1 million restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively, have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since a performance condition for these awards had not been met in each of the respective periods. As of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, 0.3 million and 0.7 million, respectively, of restricted stock units and stock options have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, as their impact would have been anti-dilutive. Stock Repurchase Program The Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its Class A Common Stock. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had $135.3 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.

Impairment and Other Charges

Impairment and Other Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment and Other Charges	Impairment and Other Charges On July 16, 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Frank Darabont, Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "Plaintiffs") in actions brought in connection with Frank Darabont’s rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead . The consolidated cases were initially brought in 2013 and 2018 and the trial of the consolidated cases was scheduled to commence on April 4, 2022. The Settlement Agreement provides for a cash payment of $200 million (the “Settlement Payment”) to the Plaintiffs and future revenue sharing related to certain future streaming exhibition of The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead . With regard to the Settlement Payment, the Company recorded a charge of $143.0 million during the second quarter of 2021, included in Impairment and other charges in consideration for the extinguishment of Plaintiffs’ rights to any compensation in connection with The Walking Dead and any related programs and the dismissal of the actions with prejudice, which amount is net of $57.0 million of ordinary c ourse accrued participations. In March 2021, the Company completed a spin-off of the live comedy venue and talent management businesses ("LiveCo") of Levity Entertainment Group, LLC. In connection with the transaction, the Company effectively exchanged all of its rights and interests in LiveCo for the release of the Company's obligations, principally related to leases. As a result of this divestiture, the Company recognized a loss on the disposal of $16.1 million reflecting the net assets transferred (consisting of property and equipment, lease right-of-use assets and intangibles, partially offset by lease and other obligations), which is included in Impairment and other charges. The Company retained its interest in the production services business of Levity Entertainment Group, LLC, which was renamed 25/7 Media Holdings, LLC following the spin-off.

Restructuring and Other Related

Restructuring and Other Related Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Related Charges	Restructuring and Other Related Charges Restructuring and other related charges of $0.8 million and $9.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, consisted of (i) $0.8 million and $5.2 million at AMCNI related to severance costs and the termination of distribution in certain international territories for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and (ii) $4.3 million of severance costs associated with the restructuring plan announced in November 2020 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Restructuring and other related charges of $4.4 million and $13.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, related to restructuring costs associated with termination of distribution in certain territories as well as severance and other personnel related costs associated with previously announced restructuring activities. The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Domestic Operations $ (135) $ 4,452 $ 2,508 $ 7,138 International & Other 800 — 5,273 6,239 Corporate / Inter-segment eliminations 89 (46) 1,753 502 Total restructuring and other related charges $ 754 $ 4,406 $ 9,534 $ 13,879 The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs: (In thousands) Severance and employee-related costs Other exit costs Total December 31, 2020 $ 25,571 $ 31 $ 25,602 Charges 5,077 4,457 9,534 Cash payments (29,496) (128) (29,624) Non-cash adjustments — (4,329) (4,329) Other 64 (2) 62 Balance, September 30, 2021 $ 1,216 $ 29 $ 1,245 Accrued restructuring costs of $1.2 million are included in accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2021.

Program Rights

Program Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Entertainment [Abstract]
Program Rights	Program Rights Total capitalized produced and licensed content by predominant monetization strategy is as follows: September 30, 2021 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights, net: Completed $ 324,136 $ 31,900 $ 356,036 In-production and in-development 363,001 9,317 372,318 Total owned original program rights, net $ 687,137 $ 41,217 $ 728,354 Licensed program rights, net: Licensed film and acquired series $ 11,609 $ 603,018 $ 614,627 Licensed originals 208,867 — 208,867 Advances and content versioning costs — 166,332 166,332 Total licensed program rights, net 220,476 769,350 989,826 Program rights, net $ 907,613 $ 810,567 $ 1,718,180 Current portion of program rights, net $ 18,005 Program rights, net (long-term) 1,700,175 $ 1,718,180 Amortization, including write-offs, of owned and licensed program rights is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights $ 112,620 $ 12,912 $ 125,532 $ 197,447 $ 25,049 $ 222,496 Licensed program rights 19,579 123,181 142,760 65,464 313,680 379,144 Program rights amortization $ 132,199 $ 136,093 $ 268,292 $ 262,911 $ 338,729 $ 601,640 Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights $ 74,597 $ 11,854 $ 86,451 $ 235,868 $ 27,831 $ 263,699 Licensed program rights 20,479 100,019 120,498 61,741 296,764 358,505 Program rights amortization $ 95,076 $ 111,873 $ 206,949 $ 297,609 $ 324,595 $ 622,204 The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on several factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, the useful life is updated, which generally results in a write-off of the unamortized cost to technical and operating expense in the consolidated statemen ts of income. There were no significant program rights write-offs included in technical and operating expense f or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Program rights write-offs included in technical and operating expense were $24.8 million and $36.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The Company holds several investments in and loans to non-consolidated entities which are included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Equity method investments were $90.8 million at September 30, 2021 and $69.5 million at December 31, 2020. In February 2021, the Company invested $27.4 million for an interest in a Toronto-based production company and studio, which is accounted for as an equity method investment. In June 2021, the Company paid $23.8 million to acquire the remaining 50% interest in an equity method investment in which it previously owned a 50% interest. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded a gain of $12.3 million, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated income statement related to the step-up to fair value of its previously held interest. Marketable Equity Securities The Company classifies publicly traded investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities are recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The changes in fair value between measurement dates are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Investments in marketable equity securities were $8.2 million at September 30, 2021 and $62.4 million at December 31, 2020. In January 2021, the Company sold the remaining portion of one of its marketable securities with a carrying value of $51.0 million as of December 31, 2020, r esulting in a realized loss of $5.4 million. There were $0.8 million and $3.2 million unrealized losses on marketable equity securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, unrealized gains and losses on marketable equity securities were a loss of $3.7 million and a gain of $10.3 million, respectively, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Non-marketable Equity Securities The Company classifies investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as non-marketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires non-marketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company applies this measurement alternative to its non-marketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, the Company estimates the fair values of its non-marketable equity securities based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Investments in non-marketable equity securities were $36.9 million a t September 30, 2021 and $35.8 million at December 31, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized impairment charges of $20.0 million related to the write-down of certain non-marketable equity securities, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, in September 2020, an observable price change occurred with respect to one of the Company's non-marketable equity securities, resulting in an unrealized gain of $14.9 million, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows: (In thousands) Domestic Operations International Total December 31, 2020 $ 333,502 $ 352,905 $ 686,407 Goodwill written off related to spin-off of a business unit — (476) (476) Additions — 11,901 11,901 Amortization of "second component" goodwill (1,008) — (1,008) Foreign currency translation — (7,185) (7,185) September 30, 2021 $ 332,494 $ 357,145 $ 689,639 As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, accumulated impairment charges in the International and Other segment totaled $123.1 million . The reduction of $1.0 million in the carrying amount of goodwill for Domestic Operations is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill at SundanceTV. Second component goodwill is the amount of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the authoritative guidance at the time of the SundanceTV acquisition, the tax benefits associated with this excess are applied to first reduce the amount of goodwill, and then other intangible assets for financial reporting purposes, if and when such tax benefits are realized in the Company's tax returns. The addition of $11.9 million in the carrying amount of goodwill in International and Other relates to the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in an equity method investment in which the Company previously owned a 50% interest. The allocation of goodwill is preliminary and is based on current estimates and currently available information, and is subject to revision based final allocations of the purchase price to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Useful Lives Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 640,319 $ (348,061) $ 292,258 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (29,183) 17,099 11 years Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 103,844 (41,323) 62,521 3 to 20 years Total amortizable intangible assets 790,445 (418,567) 371,878 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 810,345 $ (418,567) $ 391,778 (In thousands) December 31, 2020 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 624,699 $ (330,350) $ 294,349 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (26,028) 20,254 Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 116,526 (40,357) 76,169 Total amortizable intangible assets 787,507 (396,735) 390,772 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 807,407 $ (396,735) $ 410,672 Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $29.1 million and $32.6 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2021 $ 39,378 2022 40,703 2023 40,618 2024 40,549 2025 38,763

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Employee related costs 98,591 $ 98,661 Participations and residuals 110,990 106,785 Interest 21,845 29,345 Other accrued expenses 37,653 85,214 Total accrued liabilities $ 269,079 $ 320,005

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt The Company's long-term debt consists of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Senior Secured Credit Facility: (a) Term Loan A Facility $ 675,000 $ 675,000 Senior Notes: 4.75% Notes due December 2022 — 400,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 400,000 1,000,000 4.75% Notes due August 2025 800,000 800,000 4.25% Notes due February 2029 1,000,000 — Other debt (b) 1,500 — Total long-term debt 2,876,500 2,875,000 Unamortized discount (24,249) (18,337) Unamortized deferred financing costs (14,189) (7,356) Long-term debt, net 2,838,062 2,849,307 Current portion of long-term debt 26,813 75,000 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 2,811,249 $ 2,774,307 (a) The Company's $500 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn at September 30, 2021. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for general corporate purposes of the Company. (b) A majority owned subsidiary of the Company has credit facilities totaling $4.5 million, which bear interest at the greater of 3.5% or the prime rate plus 1% and mature on July 21, 2022. As of September 30, 2021, there was $1.5 million of outstanding borrowings under the credit facilities. Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement On February 8, 2021, AMC Networks entered into Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”) to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2017 (as amended by Amendment No. 1, the "Credit Agreement"), among AMC Networks and its subsidiary, AMC Network Entertainment LLC, as the Initial Borrowers, certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries, as restricted subsidiaries, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and L/C Issuer, Bank of America, as an L/C Issuer, and the lenders party thereto. Amendment No. 1 extends the maturity dates of the $675 million term loan A facility and $500 million revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement to February 8, 2026, and makes certain other amendments to the covenants and other provisions of the Credit Agreement. Senior Notes

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The following table summarizes the leases included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets Operating Operating lease right-of-use asset $ 133,044 $ 146,522 Finance Property and equipment, net 12,355 13,179 Total lease assets $ 145,399 $ 159,701 Liabilities Current: Operating Current portion of lease obligations $ 33,771 $ 28,813 Finance Current portion of lease obligations 3,612 3,622 $ 37,383 $ 32,435 Noncurrent: Operating Lease obligations $ 135,381 166,452 Finance Lease obligations 24,617 27,872 159,998 $ 194,324 Total lease liabilities $ 197,381 $ 226,759
Leases	Leases The following table summarizes the leases included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets Operating Operating lease right-of-use asset $ 133,044 $ 146,522 Finance Property and equipment, net 12,355 13,179 Total lease assets $ 145,399 $ 159,701 Liabilities Current: Operating Current portion of lease obligations $ 33,771 $ 28,813 Finance Current portion of lease obligations 3,612 3,622 $ 37,383 $ 32,435 Noncurrent: Operating Lease obligations $ 135,381 166,452 Finance Lease obligations 24,617 27,872 159,998 $ 194,324 Total lease liabilities $ 197,381 $ 226,759

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels: • Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. • Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. • Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable. The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: (In thousands) Level I Level II Level III Total At September 30, 2021: Assets Marketable securities 8,190 — — 8,190 Foreign currency derivatives — 300 — 300 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 575 $ — $ 575 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,491 — 3,491 At December 31, 2020: Assets Cash equivalents $ 107,494 $ — $ — $ 107,494 Marketable securities 62,442 — — 62,442 Foreign currency derivatives — 667 — 667 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 2,403 $ — $ 2,403 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,515 — 3,515 The Company's cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The Company's interest rate swap contracts and foreign currency derivatives are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as their fair values are determined based on a market approach valuation technique that uses readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that would be considered Level III. Fair value measurements are also used in nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting and impairment testing. These nonrecurring valuations primarily include the valuation of intangible assets and property and equipment. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level III of the fair value hierarchy. Credit Facility Debt and Senior Notes The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 663,912 $ 669,938 5.00% Notes due April 2024 397,448 406,000 4.75% Notes due August 2025 791,597 820,000 4.25% Notes due February 2029 983,605 991,800 Other debt 1,500 1,500 $ 2,838,062 $ 2,889,238 (In thousands) December 31, 2020 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 669,878 $ 665,719 4.75% Notes due December 2022 398,230 400,500 5.00% Notes due April 2024 991,074 1,015,000 4.75% Notes due August 2025 790,125 826,160 $ 2,849,307 $ 2,907,379 Fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Interest Rate Risk To manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $100.0 million that are designated as hedging instruments. The Company's outstanding interest rate swap contracts mature in December 2021. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain accounts payable and trade receivables (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Accrued liabilities $ 575 $ 2,403 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Foreign currency derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 190 $ 300 Foreign currency derivatives Other assets 110 367 Liabilities: Foreign currency derivatives Accrued liabilities $ 1,335 $ 1,084 Foreign currency derivatives Other liabilities 2,157 2,431 The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ (10) $ 9 Interest expense $ 630 $ 606 (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ (27) $ (2,401) Interest expense $ 1,855 $ 1,360 The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Foreign currency derivatives Miscellaneous, net $ (1,072) $ (1,300) $ (1,167) $ (2,018)

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income TaxesFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, income tax expense was $40.7 million and $78.0 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 26% and 23%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to state and local income tax expense, tax expense related to non-deductible compensation and tax expense for an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits, partially offset by a discrete tax benefit for excess tax benefits related to stock compensation and a tax benefit from foreign operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, income tax expense was $52.2 million and $95.5 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 43% and 38%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to tax expense from an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits, tax expense from foreign operations, state and local income tax expense, tax expense related to non-deductible compensation and tax expense and tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest), respectively. The tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is primarily due to audit settlements and the filing of state income tax returns under voluntary disclosure agreements. The increase in valuation allowance is primarily due to a change in judgement about the realizability of foreign net operating losses and other deferred tax assets. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the effect in available carryback and carryforward periods), projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. At September 30, 2021, the Company had foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $35.9 million, expiring on various dates from 2022 through 2031. These carryforwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance of $35.9 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, $1.0 million relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill was realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach).

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments As of September 30, 2021, the Company's contractual obligations not reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet increased $31.1 million, as compared to December 31, 2020, to $1,043.0 million. The increase primarily relates to additional commitments for program rights. Legal Matters On December 17, 2013, Frank Darabont ("Darabont"), Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont's rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead and the agreement between the parties related thereto. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for an accounting and for declaratory relief. On January 18, 2018, Plaintiffs filed a second action in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont’s services on The Walking Dead television series and agreements between the parties related thereto. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. The two actions were consolidated for a joint trial, which was scheduled to begin on April 4, 2022. On July 16, 2021, the parties entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) to resolve the consolidated actions. The Settlement Agreement provides for a cash payment of $200 million (the “Settlement Payment”) to Plaintiffs and future revenue sharing related to certain future streaming exhibition of The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead. With regard to the Settlement Payment, the Company took a charge of approximately $143 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2021 in consideration for the extinguishment of Plaintiffs’ rights to any compensation in connection with The Walking Dead and any related programs and the dismissal of the actions with prejudice, which amount is net of approximately $57 million of ordinary course accrued participations. The Settlement Agreement also includes customary provisions included in such agreements, including providing for mutual releases, covenants not to sue, waivers, confidentiality, non-disparagement and indemnification for third party claims. On July 21, 2021, the Plaintiffs filed a stipulation to discontinue the consolidated actions, with prejudice. On August 14, 2017, Robert Kirkman, Robert Kirkman, LLC, Glen Mazzara, 44 Strong Productions, Inc., David Alpert, Circle of Confusion Productions, LLC, New Circle of Confusion Productions, Inc., Gale Anne Hurd, and Valhalla Entertainment, Inc. f/k/a Valhalla Motion Pictures, Inc. (together, the "California Plaintiffs") filed a complaint in California Superior Court in connection with California Plaintiffs’ rendering of services as writers and producers of the television series entitled The Walking Dead, as well as Fear the Walking Dead and/or Talking Dead, and the agreements between the parties related thereto (the "California Action"). The California Plaintiffs asserted that the Company has been improperly underpaying the California Plaintiffs under their contracts with the Company and they assert claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and liability for violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. The California Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and restitution. On August 8, 2019, the judge in the California Action ordered a trial to resolve certain issues of contract interpretation only. Following eight days of trial in February and March 2020, on July 22, 2020, the judge issued a Statement of Decision finding in the Company's favor on all seven matters of contract interpretation before the court in this first phase trial. On January 20, 2021, the California Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, eliminating eight named defendants and their claims under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On May 5, 2021, the California Plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint, repleading in part their claims for alleged breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and certain breach of contract claims. On June 2, 2021, the Company filed a demurrer and motion to strike seeking to dismiss the claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and certain tort and breach of contract claims asserted in the third amended complaint. On July 27, 2021 the court granted in part and denied in part the Company's motion. On June 9, 2021, the judge in the California Action set a tentative trial date of November 1, 2021 with regard to claims not addressed in the first phase trial. On September 14, 2021, the judge vacated the November 1, 2021 trial date and set a new trial date of May 9, 2022. The parties have resumed discovery in preparation for the May 9, 2022 trial. The Company believes that the remaining asserted claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including the matters described above. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and while the impact of these matters on the Company's results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period could be material, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.

Equity Plans

Equity Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Equity Plans	Equity Plans In September 2021, AMC Networks granted 102,145 restricted stock units ("RSUs") under the AMC Networks Inc. Amended and Restated 2016 Employee Stock Plan to its interim chief executive officer. The RSUs vest over a one-year period and the vesting criteria include the achievement of certain performance targets by the Company. In June 2021, AMC Networks granted 29,916 RSUs under the 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors to non-employee directors that vested on the date of grant. In March 2021, AMC Networks granted 535,278 RSUs to certain executive officers and employees under the AMC Networks Inc. Amended and Restated 2016 Employee Stock Plan. The RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period and the vesting criteria for 178,764 RSUs include the achievement of certain performance targets by the Company. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, 617,051 RSUs and 368,296 performance restricted stock units (PRSUs) of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock previously issued to employees of the Company vested. On the vesting dat e, 263,671 RSUs and 168,712 PRSUs were surrendered to the Company to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations an d 353,380 RSU and 199,584 PRS U new shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock were issued. The units surrendered to satisfy the employees' statutory minimu m tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment tax had an aggregate value of $34.6 million, which has been reflected as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense was $9.5 million and $39.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively and $12.4 million and $43.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, there was $39.1 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to outstanding unvested share-based awards. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 1.8 years.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The following table summarizes activity related to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 $ 315,649 Net earnings 15,119 Distributions (12,914) Distribution related to spin-off transaction (8,040) Transfer to noncontrolling interest (18,367) September 30, 2021 $ 291,447

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Company and its related parties routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $1.2 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $3.7 million and $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts charged to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to transactions with its related parties amounted to $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $1.5 and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Cash Flows

Cash Flows	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Flows	Cash Flows The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data are as follows: (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Finance lease additions $ — $ 14,260 Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid 1,471 2,105 Supplemental Data: Cash interest paid 99,890 91,940 Income taxes paid, net 48,941 60,355

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company classifies its operations into two operating segments: Domestic Operations and International and Other. These operating segments represent strategic business units that are managed separately. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment adjusted operating income ("AOI"), a non-GAAP measure. The Company defines AOI as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, cloud computing amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and other charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges and including the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority-owned equity method investees. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure, and other information as to the continuing operations of the Company's operating segments below. (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 199,982 $ 25,354 $ — $ 225,336 Distribution and other 482,764 104,586 (1,920) 585,430 Consolidated revenues, net $ 682,746 $ 129,940 $ (1,920) $ 810,766 Operating income (loss) $ 213,299 $ 15,564 $ (40,537) $ 188,326 Share-based compensation expense 4,174 545 4,736 9,455 Depreciation and amortization 11,589 5,200 6,622 23,411 Restructuring and other related charges (135) 800 89 754 Cloud computing amortization — — 596 596 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 2,149 — — 2,149 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 231,076 $ 22,109 $ (28,494) $ 224,691 (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 164,178 $ 18,924 $ — 183,102 Distribution and other 382,687 92,474 (4,248) 470,913 Consolidated revenues, net $ 546,865 $ 111,398 $ (4,248) $ 654,015 Operating income (loss) $ 179,259 $ 3,061 $ (42,843) 139,477 Share-based compensation expense 4,437 919 7,038 12,394 Depreciation and amortization 15,799 4,937 6,811 27,547 Restructuring and other related charges 4,452 — (46) 4,406 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 1,667 — — 1,667 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 205,614 $ 8,917 $ (29,040) $ 185,491 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 611,406 $ 72,892 $ — $ 684,298 Distribution and other 1,284,324 316,492 (11,215) 1,589,601 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,895,730 $ 389,384 $ (11,215) $ 2,273,899 Operating income (loss) $ 517,874 $ 32,365 $ (123,949) $ 426,290 Share-based compensation expense 17,105 2,689 19,369 39,163 Depreciation and amortization 36,678 14,477 20,106 71,261 Impairment and other charges 143,000 15,973 — 158,973 Restructuring and other related charges 2,508 5,273 1,753 9,534 Cloud computing amortization — — 1,502 1,502 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 6,584 — — 6,584 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 723,749 $ 70,777 $ (81,219) $ 713,307 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 564,838 $ 53,097 $ — $ 617,935 Distribution and other 1,156,852 273,811 (13,917) 1,416,746 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,721,690 $ 326,908 $ (13,917) $ 2,034,681 Operating income (loss) $ 621,446 $ (118,140) $ (142,057) $ 361,249 Share-based compensation expense 12,005 2,437 28,699 43,141 Depreciation and amortization 38,050 21,396 20,736 80,182 Restructuring and other related charges 7,138 6,239 502 13,879 Impairment charges — 130,411 — 130,411 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 4,361 — — 4,361 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 683,000 $ 42,343 $ (92,120) $ 633,223 Corporate overhead costs not allocated to the segments include such costs as executive salaries and benefits, costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as human resources, legal, finance, strategic planning and information technology). Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the Domestic Operations and International and Other segments. (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Inter-segment revenues Domestic Operations $ (1,641) $ (3,988) $ (8,567) $ (11,545) International and Other (279) (260) (2,648) (2,372) $ (1,920) $ (4,248) $ (11,215) $ (13,917) The table below summarizes revenues based on customer location: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenues United States $ 655,427 $ 497,677 $ 1,844,901 $ 1,646,065 Europe 93,869 110,448 295,460 274,763 Other 61,470 45,890 133,538 113,853 $ 810,766 $ 654,015 $ 2,273,899 $ 2,034,681 The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Property and equipment, net United States $ 203,635 $ 239,387 Europe 14,392 15,938 Other 672 720 $ 218,699 $ 256,045

Description of Business and B_2

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements	Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2020 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2021.
Use of Estimates	Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2021, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
Program Rights	The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on several factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, the useful life is updated, which generally results in a write-off of the unamortized cost to technical and operating expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Balances from contracts with customers: Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) $ 1,039,981 $ 1,081,070 Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) 7,837 9,830 Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) 942 942 Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) 81,848 71,048

Net Income per Share (Tables)

Net Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 42,506 52,346 42,308 53,374 Effect of dilution: Stock options — — 4 — Restricted stock units 934 558 1,020 543 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 43,440 52,904 43,332 53,917

Restructuring and Other Relat_2

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs	The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Domestic Operations $ (135) $ 4,452 $ 2,508 $ 7,138 International & Other 800 — 5,273 6,239 Corporate / Inter-segment eliminations 89 (46) 1,753 502 Total restructuring and other related charges $ 754 $ 4,406 $ 9,534 $ 13,879 The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs: (In thousands) Severance and employee-related costs Other exit costs Total December 31, 2020 $ 25,571 $ 31 $ 25,602 Charges 5,077 4,457 9,534 Cash payments (29,496) (128) (29,624) Non-cash adjustments — (4,329) (4,329) Other 64 (2) 62 Balance, September 30, 2021 $ 1,216 $ 29 $ 1,245

Program Rights (Tables)

Program Rights (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Entertainment [Abstract]
Schedule of Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy	Total capitalized produced and licensed content by predominant monetization strategy is as follows: September 30, 2021 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights, net: Completed $ 324,136 $ 31,900 $ 356,036 In-production and in-development 363,001 9,317 372,318 Total owned original program rights, net $ 687,137 $ 41,217 $ 728,354 Licensed program rights, net: Licensed film and acquired series $ 11,609 $ 603,018 $ 614,627 Licensed originals 208,867 — 208,867 Advances and content versioning costs — 166,332 166,332 Total licensed program rights, net 220,476 769,350 989,826 Program rights, net $ 907,613 $ 810,567 $ 1,718,180 Current portion of program rights, net $ 18,005 Program rights, net (long-term) 1,700,175 $ 1,718,180
Schedule of Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights	Amortization, including write-offs, of owned and licensed program rights is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights $ 112,620 $ 12,912 $ 125,532 $ 197,447 $ 25,049 $ 222,496 Licensed program rights 19,579 123,181 142,760 65,464 313,680 379,144 Program rights amortization $ 132,199 $ 136,093 $ 268,292 $ 262,911 $ 338,729 $ 601,640 Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights $ 74,597 $ 11,854 $ 86,451 $ 235,868 $ 27,831 $ 263,699 Licensed program rights 20,479 100,019 120,498 61,741 296,764 358,505 Program rights amortization $ 95,076 $ 111,873 $ 206,949 $ 297,609 $ 324,595 $ 622,204

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows: (In thousands) Domestic Operations International Total December 31, 2020 $ 333,502 $ 352,905 $ 686,407 Goodwill written off related to spin-off of a business unit — (476) (476) Additions — 11,901 11,901 Amortization of "second component" goodwill (1,008) — (1,008) Foreign currency translation — (7,185) (7,185) September 30, 2021 $ 332,494 $ 357,145 $ 689,639
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Useful Lives Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 640,319 $ (348,061) $ 292,258 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (29,183) 17,099 11 years Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 103,844 (41,323) 62,521 3 to 20 years Total amortizable intangible assets 790,445 (418,567) 371,878 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 810,345 $ (418,567) $ 391,778 (In thousands) December 31, 2020 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 624,699 $ (330,350) $ 294,349 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (26,028) 20,254 Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 116,526 (40,357) 76,169 Total amortizable intangible assets 787,507 (396,735) 390,772 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 807,407 $ (396,735) $ 410,672
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Useful Lives Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 640,319 $ (348,061) $ 292,258 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (29,183) 17,099 11 years Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 103,844 (41,323) 62,521 3 to 20 years Total amortizable intangible assets 790,445 (418,567) 371,878 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 810,345 $ (418,567) $ 391,778 (In thousands) December 31, 2020 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 624,699 $ (330,350) $ 294,349 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (26,028) 20,254 Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 116,526 (40,357) 76,169 Total amortizable intangible assets 787,507 (396,735) 390,772 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 807,407 $ (396,735) $ 410,672
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense	Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2021 $ 39,378 2022 40,703 2023 40,618 2024 40,549 2025 38,763

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consist of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Employee related costs 98,591 $ 98,661 Participations and residuals 110,990 106,785 Interest 21,845 29,345 Other accrued expenses 37,653 85,214 Total accrued liabilities $ 269,079 $ 320,005

Long-term Debt (Tables)

Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	The Company's long-term debt consists of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Senior Secured Credit Facility: (a) Term Loan A Facility $ 675,000 $ 675,000 Senior Notes: 4.75% Notes due December 2022 — 400,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 400,000 1,000,000 4.75% Notes due August 2025 800,000 800,000 4.25% Notes due February 2029 1,000,000 — Other debt (b) 1,500 — Total long-term debt 2,876,500 2,875,000 Unamortized discount (24,249) (18,337) Unamortized deferred financing costs (14,189) (7,356) Long-term debt, net 2,838,062 2,849,307 Current portion of long-term debt 26,813 75,000 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 2,811,249 $ 2,774,307 (a) The Company's $500 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn at September 30, 2021. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for general corporate purposes of the Company. (b) A majority owned subsidiary of the Company has credit facilities totaling $4.5 million, which bear interest at the greater of 3.5% or the prime rate plus 1% and mature on July 21, 2022. As of September 30, 2021, there was $1.5 million of outstanding borrowings under the credit facilities.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Summary of Leases Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table summarizes the leases included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets Operating Operating lease right-of-use asset $ 133,044 $ 146,522 Finance Property and equipment, net 12,355 13,179 Total lease assets $ 145,399 $ 159,701 Liabilities Current: Operating Current portion of lease obligations $ 33,771 $ 28,813 Finance Current portion of lease obligations 3,612 3,622 $ 37,383 $ 32,435 Noncurrent: Operating Lease obligations $ 135,381 166,452 Finance Lease obligations 24,617 27,872 159,998 $ 194,324 Total lease liabilities $ 197,381 $ 226,759

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: (In thousands) Level I Level II Level III Total At September 30, 2021: Assets Marketable securities 8,190 — — 8,190 Foreign currency derivatives — 300 — 300 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 575 $ — $ 575 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,491 — 3,491 At December 31, 2020: Assets Cash equivalents $ 107,494 $ — $ — $ 107,494 Marketable securities 62,442 — — 62,442 Foreign currency derivatives — 667 — 667 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 2,403 $ — $ 2,403 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,515 — 3,515
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 663,912 $ 669,938 5.00% Notes due April 2024 397,448 406,000 4.75% Notes due August 2025 791,597 820,000 4.25% Notes due February 2029 983,605 991,800 Other debt 1,500 1,500 $ 2,838,062 $ 2,889,238 (In thousands) December 31, 2020 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 669,878 $ 665,719 4.75% Notes due December 2022 398,230 400,500 5.00% Notes due April 2024 991,074 1,015,000 4.75% Notes due August 2025 790,125 826,160 $ 2,849,307 $ 2,907,379

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets	The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Accrued liabilities $ 575 $ 2,403 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Foreign currency derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 190 $ 300 Foreign currency derivatives Other assets 110 367 Liabilities: Foreign currency derivatives Accrued liabilities $ 1,335 $ 1,084 Foreign currency derivatives Other liabilities 2,157 2,431
Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments	The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ (10) $ 9 Interest expense $ 630 $ 606 (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ (27) $ (2,401) Interest expense $ 1,855 $ 1,360
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Foreign currency derivatives Miscellaneous, net $ (1,072) $ (1,300) $ (1,167) $ (2,018)

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	The following table summarizes activity related to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 $ 315,649 Net earnings 15,119 Distributions (12,914) Distribution related to spin-off transaction (8,040) Transfer to noncontrolling interest (18,367) September 30, 2021 $ 291,447

Cash Flows (Tables)

Cash Flows (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data	The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data are as follows: (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Finance lease additions $ — $ 14,260 Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid 1,471 2,105 Supplemental Data: Cash interest paid 99,890 91,940 Income taxes paid, net 48,941 60,355

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment	(In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 199,982 $ 25,354 $ — $ 225,336 Distribution and other 482,764 104,586 (1,920) 585,430 Consolidated revenues, net $ 682,746 $ 129,940 $ (1,920) $ 810,766 Operating income (loss) $ 213,299 $ 15,564 $ (40,537) $ 188,326 Share-based compensation expense 4,174 545 4,736 9,455 Depreciation and amortization 11,589 5,200 6,622 23,411 Restructuring and other related charges (135) 800 89 754 Cloud computing amortization — — 596 596 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 2,149 — — 2,149 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 231,076 $ 22,109 $ (28,494) $ 224,691 (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 164,178 $ 18,924 $ — 183,102 Distribution and other 382,687 92,474 (4,248) 470,913 Consolidated revenues, net $ 546,865 $ 111,398 $ (4,248) $ 654,015 Operating income (loss) $ 179,259 $ 3,061 $ (42,843) 139,477 Share-based compensation expense 4,437 919 7,038 12,394 Depreciation and amortization 15,799 4,937 6,811 27,547 Restructuring and other related charges 4,452 — (46) 4,406 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 1,667 — — 1,667 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 205,614 $ 8,917 $ (29,040) $ 185,491 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 611,406 $ 72,892 $ — $ 684,298 Distribution and other 1,284,324 316,492 (11,215) 1,589,601 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,895,730 $ 389,384 $ (11,215) $ 2,273,899 Operating income (loss) $ 517,874 $ 32,365 $ (123,949) $ 426,290 Share-based compensation expense 17,105 2,689 19,369 39,163 Depreciation and amortization 36,678 14,477 20,106 71,261 Impairment and other charges 143,000 15,973 — 158,973 Restructuring and other related charges 2,508 5,273 1,753 9,534 Cloud computing amortization — — 1,502 1,502 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 6,584 — — 6,584 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 723,749 $ 70,777 $ (81,219) $ 713,307 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Domestic Operations International Corporate / Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 564,838 $ 53,097 $ — $ 617,935 Distribution and other 1,156,852 273,811 (13,917) 1,416,746 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,721,690 $ 326,908 $ (13,917) $ 2,034,681 Operating income (loss) $ 621,446 $ (118,140) $ (142,057) $ 361,249 Share-based compensation expense 12,005 2,437 28,699 43,141 Depreciation and amortization 38,050 21,396 20,736 80,182 Restructuring and other related charges 7,138 6,239 502 13,879 Impairment charges — 130,411 — 130,411 Majority-owned equity investees AOI 4,361 — — 4,361 Adjusted operating income (loss) $ 683,000 $ 42,343 $ (92,120) $ 633,223
Schedule of Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations	Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the Domestic Operations and International and Other segments. (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Inter-segment revenues Domestic Operations $ (1,641) $ (3,988) $ (8,567) $ (11,545) International and Other (279) (260) (2,648) (2,372) $ (1,920) $ (4,248) $ (11,215) $ (13,917)
Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area	The table below summarizes revenues based on customer location: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenues United States $ 655,427 $ 497,677 $ 1,844,901 $ 1,646,065 Europe 93,869 110,448 295,460 274,763 Other 61,470 45,890 133,538 113,853 $ 810,766 $ 654,015 $ 2,273,899 $ 2,034,681
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets	The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location: (In thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Property and equipment, net United States $ 203,635 $ 239,387 Europe 14,392 15,938 Other 672 720 $ 218,699 $ 256,045

Description of Business and B_3

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021networksegment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	2
Number of national programming networks | network	5

Revenue Recognition (Contract w

Revenue Recognition (Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)	$ 1,039,981	$ 1,081,070
Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)	7,837	9,830
Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)	942	942
Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)	$ 81,848	$ 71,048

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue recognized	$ 24.4

Net Income per Share (Reconcili

Net Income per Share (Reconciliation Between Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	42,506	52,346	42,308	53,374
Effect of dilution:
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	43,440	52,904	43,332	53,917
Stock options
Effect of dilution:
Effect of dilution (in shares)	0	0	4	0
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilution:
Effect of dilution (in shares)	934	558	1,020	543

Net Income per Share (Narrative

Net Income per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS (in shares)	300,000	700,000
Amount authorized under stock repurchase program	$ 1,500,000,000
Available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program	$ 135,300,000
Class A Common Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)	0
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS (in shares)	500,000	1,100,000

Impairment and Other Charges (D

Impairment and Other Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 16, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss contingency	$ 200,000
Litigation settlement, charge					$ 143,000
Loss contingency accrual					57,000
Impairment and other charges				$ 0		$ 0		$ 158,973	$ 130,411
A M C N I Reporting Unit
Derivative [Line Items]
Impairment and other charges			$ 105,300
Impairment charge related to goodwill							$ 25,100
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on disposal		$ 16,100
Plaintiffs
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss contingency	200,000
Litigation settlement, charge					$ 143,000
Loss contingency accrual	$ 57,000

Restructuring and Other Relat_3

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges	$ 754	$ 4,406	$ 9,534	$ 13,879
Restructuring charges			9,534
Accrued restructuring costs	1,200		1,200
Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			5,077
Management Changes
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges	800		9,500
Management Changes | A M C N I Reporting Unit
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 800		5,200
Management Changes | Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 4,300

Restructuring and Other Relat_4

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Summary of Restructuring and Other Related Charges by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	$ 754	$ 4,406	$ 9,534	$ 13,879
Operating segments | Domestic Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	(135)	4,452	2,508	7,138
Operating segments | International & Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	800	0	5,273	6,239
Corporate / Inter-segment eliminations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	$ 89	$ (46)	$ 1,753	$ 502

Restructuring and Other Relat_5

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 25,602
Charges	9,534
Cash payments	(29,624)
Non-cash adjustments	(4,329)
Other	62
Ending Balance	1,245
Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	25,571
Charges	5,077
Cash payments	(29,496)
Non-cash adjustments	0
Other	64
Ending Balance	1,216
Other exit costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	31
Charges	4,457
Cash payments	(128)
Non-cash adjustments	(4,329)
Other	(2)
Ending Balance	$ 29

Program Rights (Program Rights

Program Rights (Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Completed	$ 324,136
In-production and in-development	363,001
Total owned original program rights, net	687,137
Licensed film and acquired series	11,609
Licensed originals	208,867
Advances and content versioning costs	0
Total licensed program rights, net	220,476
Program rights, net	907,613
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Completed	31,900
In-production and in-development	9,317
Total owned original program rights, net	41,217
Licensed film and acquired series	603,018
Licensed originals	0
Advances and content versioning costs	166,332
Total licensed program rights, net	769,350
Program rights, net	810,567
Total
Completed	356,036
In-production and in-development	372,318
Total owned original program rights, net	728,354
Licensed film and acquired series	614,627
Licensed originals	208,867
Advances and content versioning costs	166,332
Total licensed program rights, net	989,826
Program rights, net	1,718,180
Current portion of program rights, net	18,005
Program rights, net (long-term)	$ 1,700,175

Program Rights (Amortization of

Program Rights (Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Owned original program rights
Predominantly Monetized Individually	$ 112,620	$ 74,597	$ 197,447	$ 235,868
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	12,912	11,854	25,049	27,831
Total	125,532	86,451	222,496	263,699
Licensed program rights
Predominantly Monetized Individually	19,579	20,479	65,464	61,741
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	123,181	100,019	313,680	296,764
Total	142,760	120,498	379,144	358,505
Predominantly Monetized Individually	132,199	95,076	262,911	297,609
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	136,093	111,873	338,729	324,595
Total	$ 268,292	$ 206,949	$ 601,640	$ 622,204

Program Rights (Narrative) (Det

Program Rights (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Entertainment [Abstract]
Program rights write-offs	$ 0	$ 24,800,000	$ 0	$ 36,900,000

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jan. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Feb. 28, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments				$ 90.8		$ 90.8		$ 27.4	$ 69.5
Payments to acquire equity method investments	$ 23.8
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%							50.00%
Gain related to step-up fair value	$ 12.3
Investments in marketable equity securities				8.2		8.2			62.4
Sale of marketable securities		$ 51
Realized loss		$ 5.4
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities				(0.8)	$ (3.7)	(3.2)	$ 10.3
Investments in non-marketable equity securities				$ 36.9		$ 36.9			$ 35.8
Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable							$ 20
Unrealized gain			$ 14.9

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 686,407
Goodwill written off related to spin-off of a business unit	(476)
Additions	11,901
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,008)
Foreign currency translation	(7,185)
Ending balance	689,639
Domestic Operations
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	333,502
Goodwill written off related to spin-off of a business unit	0
Additions	0
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,008)
Foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	332,494
International & Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	352,905
Goodwill written off related to spin-off of a business unit	(476)
Additions	11,901
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	0
Foreign currency translation	(7,185)
Ending balance	$ 357,145

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Feb. 28, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill	$ 1,008
Additions	11,901
Equity method investment, ownership percentage			50.00%	50.00%
Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets	29,100	$ 32,600
Domestic Operations
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill	1,008
Additions	0
International & Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated impairment charges	123,100				$ 123,100
Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill	0
Additions	$ 11,901

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 790,445	$ 787,507
Accumulated Amortization	(418,567)	(396,735)
Net	371,878	390,772
Trademarks	19,900	19,900
Total intangible assets, gross	810,345	807,407
Total intangible assets, net	391,778	410,672
Affiliate and customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	640,319	624,699
Accumulated Amortization	(348,061)	(330,350)
Net	292,258	294,349
Advertiser relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	46,282	46,282
Accumulated Amortization	(29,183)	(26,028)
Net	$ 17,099	20,254
Estimated useful lives (in years)	11 years
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 103,844	116,526
Accumulated Amortization	(41,323)	(40,357)
Net	$ 62,521	$ 76,169
Minimum | Affiliate and customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	6 years
Minimum | Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	3 years
Maximum | Affiliate and customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	25 years
Maximum | Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	20 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 39,378
2022	40,703
2023	40,618
2024	40,549
2025	$ 38,763

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Employee related costs	$ 98,591	$ 98,661
Participations and residuals	110,990	106,785
Interest	21,845	29,345
Other accrued expenses	37,653	85,214
Total accrued liabilities	$ 269,079	$ 320,005

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Feb. 08, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,876,500,000			$ 2,875,000,000
Unamortized discount	(24,249,000)			(18,337,000)
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(14,189,000)			(7,356,000)
Long-term debt, net	2,838,062,000			2,849,307,000
Current portion of long-term debt	26,813,000			75,000,000
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	2,811,249,000			2,774,307,000
Senior Notes | 4.75% Notes due December 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0			400,000,000
Interest rate	4.75%		4.75%
Senior Notes | 5.00% Notes due April 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 400,000,000			1,000,000,000
Interest rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Senior Notes | 4.75% Notes due August 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 800,000,000			800,000,000
Interest rate	4.75%
Senior Notes | 4.25% Notes due February 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,000,000,000			0
Interest rate	4.25%		4.25%
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Notes | Other debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,500,000			0
Credit facilities | Subsidiary Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,500,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 4,500,000
Credit facilities | Subsidiary Credit Facilities | Prime rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, basis spread on rate	1.00%
Credit facilities | Subsidiary Credit Facilities | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.50%
Secured debt | Term Loan A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 675,000,000			$ 675,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount			675,000,000
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining undrawn capacity	$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 500,000,000

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 08, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt					$ 986,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 0		$ 0	$ 22,074,000	$ 2,908,000
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 500,000,000
Term Loan A Facility | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	675,000,000
4.25% Notes due February 2029 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate	4.25%	4.25%			4.25%
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	$ 982,300,000
4.75% Notes due December 2022 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%	4.75%			4.75%
Redemption of principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Redemption price (as a percentage)	100.00%
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 22,100,000
5.00% Notes due April 2024 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%		5.00%
Redemption of principal amount	$ 600,000,000
Redemption price (as a percentage)	102.50%

Leases (Summary of Lease Assets

Leases (Summary of Lease Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease asset	$ 133,044	$ 146,522
Finance lease asset	12,355	13,179
Total lease assets	145,399	159,701
Operating lease liability, current	33,771	28,813
Finance lease liability, current	3,612	3,622
Total lease liabilities, current	37,383	32,435
Operating lease liability, noncurrent	135,381	166,452
Finance lease liability, noncurrent	24,617	27,872
Total lease liabilities, noncurrent	159,998	194,324
Total lease liabilities	$ 197,381	$ 226,759
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $284,351 and $261,082	Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $284,351 and $261,082
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]

Fair Value Measurement (Financi

Fair Value Measurement (Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets
Cash equivalents		$ 107,494
Marketable securities	$ 8,190	62,442
Foreign currency derivatives	300	667
Interest rate swap contracts
Liabilities
Derivatives	575	2,403
Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities
Derivatives	3,491	3,515
Level I
Assets
Cash equivalents		107,494
Marketable securities	8,190	62,442
Foreign currency derivatives	0	0
Level I | Interest rate swap contracts
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Level I | Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Level II
Assets
Cash equivalents		0
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives	300	667
Level II | Interest rate swap contracts
Liabilities
Derivatives	575	2,403
Level II | Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities
Derivatives	3,491	3,515
Level III
Assets
Cash equivalents		0
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives	0	0
Level III | Interest rate swap contracts
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Level III | Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities
Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement (Carryin

Fair Value Measurement (Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Feb. 08, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
5.00% Notes due April 2024 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
4.75% Notes due August 2025 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%
4.25% Notes due February 2029 | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.25%		4.25%
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	$ 2,838,062			$ 2,849,307
Carrying Amount | Term Loan A Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	663,912			669,878
Carrying Amount | 5.00% Notes due April 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	397,448			991,074
Carrying Amount | 4.75% Notes due August 2025
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	791,597			790,125
Carrying Amount | 4.25% Notes due February 2029
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	983,605
Carrying Amount | 4.75% Notes due December 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt				398,230
Carrying Amount | Other debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	1,500
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	2,889,238			2,907,379
Estimated Fair Value | Term Loan A Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	669,938			665,719
Estimated Fair Value | 5.00% Notes due April 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	406,000			1,015,000
Estimated Fair Value | 4.75% Notes due August 2025
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	820,000			826,160
Estimated Fair Value | 4.25% Notes due February 2029
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	991,800
Estimated Fair Value | 4.75% Notes due December 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt				$ 400,500
Estimated Fair Value | Other debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	$ 1,500

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Interest rate swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts	$ 100,000,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap contracts | Accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contracts liabilities	$ 575	$ 2,403
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative assets	190	300
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Other assets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative assets	110	367
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Accrued liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative liabilities	1,335	1,084
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Other liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative liabilities	$ 2,157	$ 2,431

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives  Recognized in OCI	$ 620	$ 615	$ 1,828	$ (1,041)
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified  from Accumulated OCI  into Earnings	630	606	1,855	1,360
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest rate swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives  Recognized in OCI	$ (10)	$ 9	$ (27)	$ (2,401)

Derivative Financial Instrume_6

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Foreign currency derivatives | Miscellaneous, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	$ (1,072)	$ (1,300)	$ (1,167)	$ (2,018)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 40,744	$ 52,195	$ 77,980	$ 95,490
Effective tax rate	26.00%	43.00%	23.00%	38.00%
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	$ 35,900		$ 35,900
Valuation allowance	35,900		35,900
Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax	$ 1,000		$ 1,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 16, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 20, 2021defendant	Jul. 22, 2020legal_matter
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet			$ 31.1
Contractual obligation			$ 1,043
Loss contingency	$ 200
Settlement Payment		$ 143
Loss contingency accrual		$ 57
California Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of legal matters | legal_matter					7
Number of defendants eliminated | defendant				8

Equity Plans (Narrative) (Detai

Equity Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units						$ 34,648	$ 8,947
Share-based compensation expense				$ 9,455	$ 12,394	$ 39,163	$ 43,141
Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition						1 year 9 months 18 days
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares surrendered to the company for tax withholding (in shares)						263,671
Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs	$ 39,100			$ 39,100		$ 39,100
RSUs | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares vested in period (in shares)						617,051
New shares of company's class A common stock issued (in shares)						353,380
PRSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares surrendered to the company for tax withholding (in shares)						168,712
PRSUs | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares vested in period (in shares)						368,296
New shares of company's class A common stock issued (in shares)						199,584
2011 Stock Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)		29,916
2016 Employee Stock Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)			535,278
Vesting period (in years)			3 years
Chief Executive Officer | 2016 Employee Stock Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)	102,145,000
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One | 2016 Employee Stock Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)			178,764

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 315,649
Net earnings	15,119
Distributions	(12,914)
Distribution related to spin-off transaction	(8,040)
Transfer to noncontrolling interest	(18,367)
Ending balance	291,447
Transfer from redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 18,367

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Net revenues from related parties	$ 1.2	$ 1.2	$ 3.7	$ 3.6
Selling, general and administrative charges from related parties	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 1.5	$ 0.6

Cash Flows (Summary of Non-Cash

Cash Flows (Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Finance lease additions	$ 0	$ 14,260
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	1,471	2,105
Supplemental Data:
Cash interest paid	99,890	91,940
Income taxes paid, net	$ 48,941	$ 60,355

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment Information (Summary of

Segment Information (Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 810,766	$ 654,015	$ 2,273,899	$ 2,034,681
Operating income (loss)	188,326	139,477	426,290	361,249
Share-based compensation expense	9,455	12,394	39,163	43,141
Depreciation and amortization	23,411	27,547	71,261	80,182
Impairment and other charges	0	0	158,973	130,411
Restructuring and other related charges	754	4,406	9,534	13,879
Cloud computing amortization	596		1,502
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	2,149	1,667	6,584	4,361
Adjusted operating income (loss)	224,691	185,491	713,307	633,223
Operating segments | Domestic Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	682,746	546,865	1,895,730	1,721,690
Operating income (loss)	213,299	179,259	517,874	621,446
Share-based compensation expense	4,174	4,437	17,105	12,005
Depreciation and amortization	11,589	15,799	36,678	38,050
Impairment and other charges			143,000	0
Restructuring and other related charges	(135)	4,452	2,508	7,138
Cloud computing amortization	0		0
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	2,149	1,667	6,584	4,361
Adjusted operating income (loss)	231,076	205,614	723,749	683,000
Operating segments | International & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	129,940	111,398	389,384	326,908
Operating income (loss)	15,564	3,061	32,365	(118,140)
Share-based compensation expense	545	919	2,689	2,437
Depreciation and amortization	5,200	4,937	14,477	21,396
Impairment and other charges			15,973	130,411
Restructuring and other related charges	800	0	5,273	6,239
Cloud computing amortization	0		0
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	0	0	0	0
Adjusted operating income (loss)	22,109	8,917	70,777	42,343
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(1,920)	(4,248)	(11,215)	(13,917)
Operating income (loss)	(40,537)	(42,843)	(123,949)	(142,057)
Share-based compensation expense	4,736	7,038	19,369	28,699
Depreciation and amortization	6,622	6,811	20,106	20,736
Impairment and other charges			0	0
Restructuring and other related charges	89	(46)	1,753	502
Cloud computing amortization	596		1,502
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	0	0	0	0
Adjusted operating income (loss)	(28,494)	(29,040)	(81,219)	(92,120)
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations | Domestic Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(1,641)	(3,988)	(8,567)	(11,545)
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations | International & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(279)	(260)	(2,648)	(2,372)
Advertising
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	225,336	183,102	684,298	617,935
Advertising | Operating segments | Domestic Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	199,982	164,178	611,406	564,838
Advertising | Operating segments | International & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	25,354	18,924	72,892	53,097
Advertising | Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	0	0	0	0
Distribution and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	585,430	470,913	1,589,601	1,416,746
Distribution and other | Operating segments | Domestic Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	482,764	382,687	1,284,324	1,156,852
Distribution and other | Operating segments | International & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	104,586	92,474	316,492	273,811
Distribution and other | Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ (1,920)	$ (4,248)	$ (11,215)	$ (13,917)

Segment Information (Summary _2

Segment Information (Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 810,766	$ 654,015	$ 2,273,899	$ 2,034,681
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(1,920)	(4,248)	(11,215)	(13,917)
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations | Domestic Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(1,641)	(3,988)	(8,567)	(11,545)
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations | International and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ (279)	$ (260)	$ (2,648)	$ (2,372)

Segment Information (Revenues b

Segment Information (Revenues by geographic region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 810,766	$ 654,015	$ 2,273,899	$ 2,034,681
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	655,427	497,677	1,844,901	1,646,065
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	93,869	110,448	295,460	274,763
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 61,470	$ 45,890	$ 133,538	$ 113,853

Segment Information (Long-lived

Segment Information (Long-lived Assets by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 218,699	$ 256,045
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	203,635	239,387
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	14,392	15,938
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 672	$ 720

Uncategorized Items - amcx-2021

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]