AMC picks up exclusive 'Godfather' rights

The agreement starts in January and is to run through December 2019. It marks the longest term licensed for the mob-drama franchise.

"'The Godfather' is recognized as one of the greatest sagas ever told on film," Tom Halleen, AMC's senior vice president of programming and scheduling, said in a statement. "AMC is proud to be the exclusive long-term basic cable home to this incredible franchise, for the next decade. 'The Godfather' acquisition, as well as our ongoing commitment to quality original series, underscores AMC's promise to provide the best stories on television. The latest investment further represents AMC's commitment to continually expand its extensive movie library."

"We are very pleased to have concluded this arrangement with AMC," added Hal Richardson, president of Paramount Worldwide Television Distribution. "We believe this is a terrific programming match. AMC's motion-picture programming continues to embody the finest movies in cinema history and we are thrilled 'The Godfather' pictures, one of the most beloved series of movies ever made, have been added to their motion-picture line-up to be enjoyed by television audiences for many years to come."

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