Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 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. 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.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue RecognitionThe Company primarily earns revenue from (i) the distribution of its programming services, through distributors and directly to consumers, and licensing of its programming and other content, (ii) advertising, and (iii) other services. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when, or as, control of the promised products or services is transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to a customer.
Technical and Operating Expenses	Technical and Operating Expenses Costs of revenues, including but not limited to programming expenses, primarily consisting of amortization or write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program delivery costs, such as transmission, encryption, hosting and formatting are classified as technical and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Advertising Expenses	Advertising ExpensesAdvertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising costs were $383.0 million, $246.9 million and $180.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Share-based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award using a straight-line amortization method, except for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors which vest 100%, and are expensed, at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expenses is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of most of the Company's international subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities, including intercompany balances for which settlement is anticipated in the foreseeable future, are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency equity balances are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries' functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits. The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable, Trade	Accounts Receivable, TradeThe Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable using a forward looking expected loss model by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, and the economic and competitive environment.
Program Rights	Program Rights Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expenses on a straight-line or accelerated basis, based on the expected exploitation strategy of the rights, over a period not to exceed the respective license periods. Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs qualifying for capitalization, are recorded as program rights on the consolidated balance sheet. Program rights that are predominantly monetized individually are amortized to technical and operating expenses over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue ("ultimate revenue") under the individual-film-forecast-computation method. Program rights that are monetized as a group are amortized based on projected usage, typically resulting in an accelerated amortization pattern. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into account historical usage of similar content. Projected attributable revenue can change based upon programming market acceptance, levels of distribution and advertising revenue and decisions regarding planned program usage. These calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding revenue and planned usage. Accordingly, the Company periodically reviews revenue estimates and planned usage and revises its assumptions if necessary, which could impact the timing of amortization expense or result in a write-down to fair value. Any capitalized development costs for programs that the Company determines will not be produced are written off. 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 streaming services 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 expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The guidance impacts the Company as follows: •Allows for the classification of acquired/licensed program rights as long-term assets. Previously, the Company reported a portion of these rights in current assets. Advances for live programming rights made prior to the live event and acquired/licensed program rights with license terms of less than one year continue to be reported in current assets. •Aligns the capitalization of production costs for episodic television programs with the capitalization of production costs for theatrical content. Previously, theatrical content production costs could be fully capitalized while episodic television production costs were generally limited to the amount of contracted revenues. •Introduces the concept of “predominant monetization strategy” to classify capitalized program rights for purposes of amortization and impairment as follows: ◦Individual program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are directly attributable to the specific film or television title (e.g., theatrical revenues, significant in-show advertising on the Company’s programming networks or specific content licensing revenues). ◦Group program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are not directly attributable to a specific film or television title (e.g., library of program rights for purpose of the Company’s programming networks or subscription revenue for streaming services). The determination of the predominant monetization strategy is made at commencement of production and is based on the means by which the Company derives third-party revenues from use of the programming. The classification of program rights as individual or group only changes if there is a significant change to the title’s monetization strategy relative to its initial assessment.
Investments	Investments Investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) with readily determinable fair values are accounted for at fair value. The Company applies the measurement alternative to fair value for equity securities without readily determinable fair values, 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. All gains and losses related to equity securities are recorded in earnings as a component of miscellaneous, net, in the consolidated statements of income. Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary are equity method investments. Significant influence typically exists if the Company has a 20% to 50% ownership interest in a venture unless persuasive evidence to the contrary exists. Under this method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company applies the cumulative earnings approach for determining the cash flow presentation of cash distributions received from equity method investees. Distributions received are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as operating activities, unless the cumulative distributions exceed the Company's portion of the cumulative equity in the net earnings of the equity method investment, in which case the excess distributions are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets	Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment under finance leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under finance leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of income. Amortizable intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of affiliate and customer relationships, advertiser relationships and trade names. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property and equipment, and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The annual goodwill impairment test allows for the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity may choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units or an entity may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to step one of the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is, more likely than not, less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. See Note 9 for further discussion regarding goodwill impairment. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of trademarks. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Carriage Fees	Deferred Carriage Fees Deferred carriage fees, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, represent amounts principally paid to multichannel video programming distributors to obtain additional subscribers and/or guarantee carriage of certain programming services and are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period of the related affiliation arrangement (up to 5 years).
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial InstrumentsThe Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on their fair values. The Company's embedded derivative financial instruments which are clearly and closely related to the host contracts are not accounted for on a stand-alone basis. Changes in the fair values are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in earnings and included in interest expense, for interest rate swap contracts and miscellaneous, net, for foreign currency and other derivative contracts. For derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values related to fair value hedges as well as the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item of a fair value hedge are also recognized in earnings.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and estimates with regard to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference for its investment in partnerships and uses the deferral method to recognize the income tax benefit from investment tax credits. Global low taxed intangible income (“GILTI”) tax is treated as a period expense. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and ContingenciesLiabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Cash is invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interest with redemption features, such as put options, that are not solely within the Company's control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are reported in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholders' equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the greater of their initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for contributions, distributions and the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or redemption value.
Net Income per Share	Net Income per Share The consolidated statements of income present basic and diluted net income per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS is based upon net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effects of AMC Networks outstanding equity-based awards.
Common Stock of AMC Networks	Common Stock of AMC Networks Each holder of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock has one vote per share while holders of AMC Networks Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. AMC Networks Class B shares can be converted to AMC Networks Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one AMC Networks Class A common share for one AMC Networks Class B common share. The AMC Networks Class A stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors. AMC Networks Class B stockholders have the right to elect the remaining members of the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, AMC Networks Class B stockholders are parties to an agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these AMC Networks Class B stockholders to be cast as a block.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	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 Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740 - Income Taxes. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changed the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans, and requires entities to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that would generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $2.0 million, after taxes, for the cumulative-effect of the adoption. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The standard changed the disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The standard amended prior guidance to align the accounting for costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs must be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement and presented in the same line item in the income statement as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The standard aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the standard modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC Topic 926-20 and the impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC 920-350. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis. See Note 6 for further information.

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

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.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("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.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue RecognitionThe Company primarily earns revenue from (i) the distribution of its programming services, through distributors and directly to consumers, and licensing of its programming and other content, (ii) advertising, and (iii) other services. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when, or as, control of the promised products or services is transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to a customer.

Technical and Operating Expenses

Costs of revenues, including but not limited to programming expenses, primarily consisting of amortization or write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program delivery costs, such as transmission, encryption, hosting and formatting are classified as technical and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising ExpensesAdvertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising costs were $383.0 million, $246.9 million and $180.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Share-based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award using a straight-line amortization method, except for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors which vest 100%, and are expensed, at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expenses is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Foreign Currency

The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of most of the Company's international subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities, including intercompany balances for which settlement is anticipated in the foreseeable future, are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency equity balances are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.

Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries' functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.

The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.

Accounts Receivable, Trade

Accounts Receivable, TradeThe Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable using a forward looking expected loss model by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, and the economic and competitive environment.

Program Rights

Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expenses on a straight-line or accelerated basis, based on the expected exploitation strategy of the rights, over a period not to exceed the respective license periods.

Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs qualifying for capitalization, are recorded as program rights on the consolidated balance sheet. Program rights that are predominantly monetized individually are amortized to technical and operating expenses over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue ("ultimate revenue") under the individual-film-forecast-computation method. Program rights that are monetized as a group are amortized based on projected usage, typically resulting in an accelerated amortization pattern. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into account historical usage of similar content. Projected attributable revenue can change based upon programming market acceptance, levels of distribution and advertising revenue and decisions regarding planned program usage. These calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding revenue and planned usage. Accordingly, the Company periodically reviews revenue estimates and planned usage and revises its assumptions if necessary, which could impact the timing of amortization expense or result in a write-down to fair value. Any capitalized development costs for programs that the Company determines will not be produced are written off.

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 streaming services 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 expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The guidance impacts the Company as follows:

•Allows for the classification of acquired/licensed program rights as long-term assets. Previously, the Company reported a portion of these rights in current assets. Advances for live programming rights made prior to the live event and acquired/licensed program rights with license terms of less than one year continue to be reported in current assets.

•Aligns the capitalization of production costs for episodic television programs with the capitalization of production costs for theatrical content. Previously, theatrical content production costs could be fully capitalized while episodic television production costs were generally limited to the amount of contracted revenues.

•Introduces the concept of “predominant monetization strategy” to classify capitalized program rights for purposes of amortization and impairment as follows:

◦Individual program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are directly attributable to the specific film or television title (e.g., theatrical revenues, significant in-show advertising on the Company’s programming networks or specific content licensing revenues).

◦Group program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are not directly attributable to a specific film or television title (e.g., library of program rights for purpose of the Company’s programming networks or subscription revenue for streaming services).

The determination of the predominant monetization strategy is made at commencement of production and is based on the means by which the Company derives third-party revenues from use of the programming. The classification of program rights as individual or group only changes if there is a significant change to the title’s monetization strategy relative to its initial assessment.

Investments

Investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) with readily determinable fair values are accounted for at fair value. The Company applies the measurement alternative to fair value for equity securities without readily determinable fair values, 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. All gains and losses related to equity securities are recorded in earnings as a component of miscellaneous, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary are equity method investments. Significant influence typically exists if the Company has a 20% to 50% ownership interest in a venture unless persuasive evidence to the contrary exists. Under this method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company applies the cumulative earnings approach for determining the cash flow presentation of cash distributions received from equity method investees. Distributions received are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as operating activities, unless the cumulative distributions exceed the Company's portion of the cumulative equity in the net earnings of the equity method investment, in which case the excess distributions are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable.

Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment under finance leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under finance leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of income.

Amortizable intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of affiliate and customer relationships, advertiser relationships and trade names. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property and equipment, and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.

The annual goodwill impairment test allows for the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity may choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units or an entity may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to step one of the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is, more likely than not, less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. See Note 9 for further discussion regarding goodwill impairment.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of trademarks. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Deferred Carriage Fees

Deferred carriage fees, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, represent amounts principally paid to multichannel video programming distributors to obtain additional subscribers and/or guarantee carriage of certain programming services and are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period of the related affiliation arrangement (up to 5 years).

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial InstrumentsThe Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on their fair values. The Company's embedded derivative financial instruments which are clearly and closely related to the host contracts are not accounted for on a stand-alone basis. Changes in the fair values are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in earnings and included in interest expense, for interest rate swap contracts and miscellaneous, net, for foreign currency and other derivative contracts. For derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values related to fair value hedges as well as the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item of a fair value hedge are also recognized in earnings.

Income Taxes

The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and estimates with regard to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference for its investment in partnerships and uses the deferral method to recognize the income tax benefit from investment tax credits. Global low taxed intangible income (“GILTI”) tax is treated as a period expense. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and ContingenciesLiabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Cash is invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interest with redemption features, such as put options, that are not solely within the Company's control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are reported in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholders' equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the greater of their initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for contributions, distributions and the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or redemption value.

Net Income per Share

The consolidated statements of income present basic and diluted net income per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS is based upon net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effects of AMC Networks outstanding equity-based awards.

Common Stock of AMC Networks

Each holder of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock has one vote per share while holders of AMC Networks Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. AMC Networks Class B shares can be converted to AMC Networks Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one AMC Networks Class A common share for one AMC Networks Class B common share. The AMC Networks Class A stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors. AMC Networks Class B stockholders have the right to elect the remaining members of the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, AMC Networks Class B stockholders are parties to an agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these AMC Networks Class B stockholders to be cast as a block.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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 Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740 - Income Taxes. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changed the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans, and requires entities to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that would generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $2.0 million, after taxes, for the cumulative-effect of the adoption.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The standard changed the disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The standard amended prior guidance to align the accounting for costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs must be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement and presented in the same line item in the income statement as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The standard aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the standard modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC Topic 926-20 and the impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC 920-350. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis. See Note 6 for further information.