<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccruedLiabilities" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#AccruedLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#AccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#AccruedLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CashFlows" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CashFlowsSummaryOfNonCashActivitiesAndOtherSupplementalDataDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CashFlowsSummaryOfNonCashActivitiesAndOtherSupplementalDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CashFlowsTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CashFlowsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeParenthetical" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatements" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsCashFlowDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsCashFlowDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsIncludedInBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsIncludedInBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfGainsAndLossesRelatedToDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfGainsAndLossesRelatedToDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/EquityPlans" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#EquityPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/EquityPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#EquityPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurement" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementCarryingValuesAndFairValuesOfCompanysFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementCarryingValuesAndFairValuesOfCompanysFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/Investments" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#Investments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebtSummaryOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtSummaryOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#NetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#NetIncomePerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShareReconciliationBetweenBasicAndDilutedWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#NetIncomePerShareReconciliationBetweenBasicAndDilutedWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsActivityDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/Restructuring" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#Restructuring" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RestructuringRestructuringAndRelatedCostsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RestructuringRestructuringAndRelatedCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RestructuringScheduleOfRestructuringReserveByTypeOfCostDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RestructuringScheduleOfRestructuringReserveByTypeOfCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RestructuringTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#RestructuringTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationLongLivedAssetsByGeographicLocationDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationLongLivedAssetsByGeographicLocationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationRevenuesByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationRevenuesByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryOfContinuingOperationsByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationSummaryOfContinuingOperationsByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryOfInterSegmentEliminationsDetails" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationSummaryOfInterSegmentEliminationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccruedLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_2F51430F78342A09BDE44EFDFA98F4A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_2F51430F78342A09BDE44EFDFA98F4A6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_50861F21A020D8A8B2854EFDFA980B1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_2F51430F78342A09BDE44EFDFA98F4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_50861F21A020D8A8B2854EFDFA980B1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1D6BE77CA99D5FBDDA854EFDFA98E3C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_50861F21A020D8A8B2854EFDFA980B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1D6BE77CA99D5FBDDA854EFDFA98E3C1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1D6BE77CA99D5FBDDA854EFDFA98E3C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_50861F21A020D8A8B2854EFDFA980B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1D6BE77CA99D5FBDDA854EFDFA98E3C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_0F51A13B150BFDC5F65F4EFDFA98BA2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1D6BE77CA99D5FBDDA854EFDFA98E3C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_0F51A13B150BFDC5F65F4EFDFA98BA2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_BF85A046CC7262796DF44EFDFA9898CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1D6BE77CA99D5FBDDA854EFDFA98E3C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_BF85A046CC7262796DF44EFDFA9898CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_A84684132649B2546FE64EFDFA981C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_2F51430F78342A09BDE44EFDFA98F4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_A84684132649B2546FE64EFDFA981C36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_5BD0B167B93F719F1F6A4EFDFA981F74_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_A84684132649B2546FE64EFDFA981C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_5BD0B167B93F719F1F6A4EFDFA981F74_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_5BD0B167B93F719F1F6A4EFDFA981F74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_A84684132649B2546FE64EFDFA981C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_5BD0B167B93F719F1F6A4EFDFA981F74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_0A2E84D99F61B542885E4EFDFA980E7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_5BD0B167B93F719F1F6A4EFDFA981F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_0A2E84D99F61B542885E4EFDFA980E7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0BE1D4FD24FD8453F8964EFDFA9895D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_2F51430F78342A09BDE44EFDFA98F4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0BE1D4FD24FD8453F8964EFDFA9895D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2EA34A35D03173CBDBE84EFDFA981935_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0BE1D4FD24FD8453F8964EFDFA9895D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2EA34A35D03173CBDBE84EFDFA981935_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2EA34A35D03173CBDBE84EFDFA981935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0BE1D4FD24FD8453F8964EFDFA9895D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2EA34A35D03173CBDBE84EFDFA981935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_93D14F052DDD5D52F1664EFDFA999CE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2EA34A35D03173CBDBE84EFDFA981935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_93D14F052DDD5D52F1664EFDFA999CE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F400E8304701CB26229D4EFDFA99AA87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_2F51430F78342A09BDE44EFDFA98F4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F400E8304701CB26229D4EFDFA99AA87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_55FC37AF104C43827F5A4EFDFA99C71F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F400E8304701CB26229D4EFDFA99AA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_55FC37AF104C43827F5A4EFDFA99C71F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_55FC37AF104C43827F5A4EFDFA99C71F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F400E8304701CB26229D4EFDFA99AA87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_55FC37AF104C43827F5A4EFDFA99C71F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_6B046676FB3729D178104EFDFA9995C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_55FC37AF104C43827F5A4EFDFA99C71F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_6B046676FB3729D178104EFDFA9995C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8D0CCADC963B528DC5664EFDFA996722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8D0CCADC963B528DC5664EFDFA996722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_91A3B08FB1CC5D65A5204EFDFA9943FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_91A3B08FB1CC5D65A5204EFDFA9943FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_6A4F8C764F900E7C73B54EFDFA998D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_6A4F8C764F900E7C73B54EFDFA998D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet_7E95F9F3F94F15EF84DB4EFDFA99BC99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet_7E95F9F3F94F15EF84DB4EFDFA99BC99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_CAE6F018AE27DD6EFA214EFDFA99BBA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_CAE6F018AE27DD6EFA214EFDFA99BBA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTax_9ED4E18A97DBCC6D6EA74EFDFA9915C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentBeforeTax_9ED4E18A97DBCC6D6EA74EFDFA9915C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_C846AFDAE5FD702323DC4EFDFA9944A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_C846AFDAE5FD702323DC4EFDFA9944A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax_8C5B69077DC67EAB45F14EFDFA99ED40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax_8C5B69077DC67EAB45F14EFDFA99ED40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_2C6069B7417A545B1FB64EFDFA99D903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_2C6069B7417A545B1FB64EFDFA99D903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_BA8AF3373B3676103ED84EFDFA9A51A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_BA8AF3373B3676103ED84EFDFA9A51A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_C811EC8768BDBCFD11864EFDFA9A2C55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_C811EC8768BDBCFD11864EFDFA9A2C55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTax_2C149CB6CAD3FCB890494EFDFA9AFF31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTax_2C149CB6CAD3FCB890494EFDFA9AFF31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_C672329CCC5BBF055C934EFDFA9A4F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_C672329CCC5BBF055C934EFDFA9A4F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_DA6C43125236169DF8B84EFDFA9AD219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_B42750527F37262EAEA74EFDFA99E174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_DA6C43125236169DF8B84EFDFA9AD219" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CashFlowsSummaryOfNonCashActivitiesAndOtherSupplementalDataDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CashFlowsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A21D7CC58FB414D952C4EFDFCDDEA75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A6AD54C5F8D8ED2D6E14EFDFCDDBB0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A21D7CC58FB414D952C4EFDFCDDEA75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A6AD54C5F8D8ED2D6E14EFDFCDDBB0F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2B8A8C98585D45DC4A084EFDFCDD06ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4A6AD54C5F8D8ED2D6E14EFDFCDDBB0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2B8A8C98585D45DC4A084EFDFCDD06ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F3C2ED92B26868344314EFDFCDD0477_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2B8A8C98585D45DC4A084EFDFCDD06ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F3C2ED92B26868344314EFDFCDD0477_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F3C2ED92B26868344314EFDFCDD0477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2B8A8C98585D45DC4A084EFDFCDD06ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F3C2ED92B26868344314EFDFCDD0477" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_6EC0DD1E2F13A9B94E454EFDFCDD1EC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F3C2ED92B26868344314EFDFCDD0477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_6EC0DD1E2F13A9B94E454EFDFCDD1EC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_939DC8AD20AE3C43CC334EFDFCDDA991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3F3C2ED92B26868344314EFDFCDD0477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_939DC8AD20AE3C43CC334EFDFCDDA991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A21D7CC58FB414D952C4EFDFCDDEA75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C0F5266399D64699196D4EFDFCDEB6EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_C0F5266399D64699196D4EFDFCDEB6EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_FFF8DDDF342FA1A724334EFDFCDE82B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_FFF8DDDF342FA1A724334EFDFCDE82B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_69D37887BA8579FD298F4EFDFCDEDF07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_69D37887BA8579FD298F4EFDFCDEDF07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_ProgramRightsNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetCurrent_F0E69E2730BD9E53F2294EFDFCDE491B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:to="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetCurrent_F0E69E2730BD9E53F2294EFDFCDE491B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_88619CAB935D1D653B314EFDFCDE3866" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_88619CAB935D1D653B314EFDFCDE3866" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_F3CBF3D45356D55354D44EFDFCDE59BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_AF8B9897CE281A7BEA204EFDFCDDEB41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_F3CBF3D45356D55354D44EFDFCDE59BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_8F050D4FF1DCB27EE57D4EFDFCDEBC52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_8F050D4FF1DCB27EE57D4EFDFCDEBC52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_ProgramRightsNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetNoncurrent_86976C5D3C9D36FAE3364EFDFCDEA745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetNoncurrent_86976C5D3C9D36FAE3364EFDFCDEA745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDeferredCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDeferredCostsNet_4E0D3679DB4F1A52C13D4EFDFCDECCED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDeferredCostsNet_4E0D3679DB4F1A52C13D4EFDFCDECCED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_7F34BFB5BB04876AF46A4EFDFCDE38A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_7F34BFB5BB04876AF46A4EFDFCDE38A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_C66FC3921A904419A1294EFDFCDE596E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_C66FC3921A904419A1294EFDFCDE596E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_4F5D2AFB5BA7598F82DF4EFDFCDED35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_4F5D2AFB5BA7598F82DF4EFDFCDED35F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_4A1197AF9D09F1A27BCF4EFDFCDFA874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_4A1197AF9D09F1A27BCF4EFDFCDFA874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3C9FF0F254385D9659434EFDFCDF2B20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F01A23A9DEAA9F96A2034EFDFCDD0DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3C9FF0F254385D9659434EFDFCDF2B20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_9A21D7CC58FB414D952C4EFDFCDDEA75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_73BAD8E01D1ED3A9513C4EFDFCDF314B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_73BAD8E01D1ED3A9513C4EFDFCDF314B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_FD93E46098F75EB36DE54EFDFCDFDD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_FD93E46098F75EB36DE54EFDFCDFDD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent_00183541E0C0776E157A4EFDFCDF8890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent_00183541E0C0776E157A4EFDFCDF8890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_BC3D1B128C87AF7A85864EFDFCDF620D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_BC3D1B128C87AF7A85864EFDFCDF620D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_BF6BE3D7B2888CF3DFA94EFDFCDFFA81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_BF6BE3D7B2888CF3DFA94EFDFCDFFA81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_61C5E3065EDFA98189214EFDFCDF9EDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_61C5E3065EDFA98189214EFDFCDF9EDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_FD3BA36CC8B3B1FE05A74EFDFCE05522" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_90B7B03A1EB8CFD0021E4EFDFCDFD413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_FD3BA36CC8B3B1FE05A74EFDFCE05522" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsNoncurrent_D6A008F6AFBE81A4D4574EFDFCE0465C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsNoncurrent_D6A008F6AFBE81A4D4574EFDFCE0465C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_B9451826C2F8E3C34FE74EFDFCE06770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_B9451826C2F8E3C34FE74EFDFCE06770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_B9878AB6BF357A1315FB4EFDFCE01D18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_B9878AB6BF357A1315FB4EFDFCE01D18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_596BD2FFB184EDD165114EFDFCE07916" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_596BD2FFB184EDD165114EFDFCE07916" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_779AD98A0A8DE55826764EFDFCE0C7EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_779AD98A0A8DE55826764EFDFCE0C7EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_1B26A5EDA0A9460084494EFDFCE09130" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_1B26A5EDA0A9460084494EFDFCE09130" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_00DFA00B37C942B9D5724EFDFCE0713E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_00DFA00B37C942B9D5724EFDFCE0713E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_285515D53BB39DC5C80F4EFDFCE03506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_285515D53BB39DC5C80F4EFDFCE03506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_40614FAEE50662F9EAA54EFDFCDFB0B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_E508827648B481E25B464EFDFCE1940E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_E508827648B481E25B464EFDFCE1940E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_999EDB8C63EE2ACCC91F4EFDFCE15A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_999EDB8C63EE2ACCC91F4EFDFCE15A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_1CAEE86A868B9BC283EC4EFDFCE12852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_1CAEE86A868B9BC283EC4EFDFCE12852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_65815A6615F932DABA654EFDFCE1724C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_65815A6615F932DABA654EFDFCE1724C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_DDC4E9C9AED6C9F185234EFDFCE10ACF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_DDC4E9C9AED6C9F185234EFDFCE10ACF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8EAE07F3465CCA584A1D4EFDFCE13EA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8EAE07F3465CCA584A1D4EFDFCE13EA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6001BC86D555A8D6B6994EFDFCE16047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6001BC86D555A8D6B6994EFDFCE16047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_51091EAC0C3EFEEE24454EFDFCE19D5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_51091EAC0C3EFEEE24454EFDFCE19D5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2DA9FBD42925BE55861A4EFDFCE1B376" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2DA9FBD42925BE55861A4EFDFCE1B376" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_41970E50E709F76D0FED4EFDFCE1562A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_92EDB052A9C991A610DC4EFDFCE0AED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_41970E50E709F76D0FED4EFDFCE1562A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2C5DAFB03B06969A48C052E60B764868" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2C5DAFB03B06969A48C052E60B764868" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C347AB16682005C0C03F52E60B769B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2C5DAFB03B06969A48C052E60B764868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C347AB16682005C0C03F52E60B769B04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_41040E7ACB57A1DF142D52E60B76BAFE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C347AB16682005C0C03F52E60B769B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_41040E7ACB57A1DF142D52E60B76BAFE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_41040E7ACB57A1DF142D52E60B76BAFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C347AB16682005C0C03F52E60B769B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_41040E7ACB57A1DF142D52E60B76BAFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_285ED6DFB3984BABA31F52E60B760102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_41040E7ACB57A1DF142D52E60B76BAFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_285ED6DFB3984BABA31F52E60B760102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_71DB2D859E96FDE6D28752E60B76B67F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_41040E7ACB57A1DF142D52E60B76BAFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_71DB2D859E96FDE6D28752E60B76B67F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_9457B56A7AD9A062868A52E60B77BF5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_9457B56A7AD9A062868A52E60B77BF5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_AAF9977900BB9C8FD3FB52E60B77EA6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_AAF9977900BB9C8FD3FB52E60B77EA6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_182F215B895C08E7361F52E60B779217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_182F215B895C08E7361F52E60B779217" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_74D4B653F8315771A63152E60B77082E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_74D4B653F8315771A63152E60B77082E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_B78B8CF1BE65F7DDB08C52E60B7760D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_B78B8CF1BE65F7DDB08C52E60B7760D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_27DC7D4EA1340BF8288F52E60B77B8C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_27DC7D4EA1340BF8288F52E60B77B8C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B83F6E489CE53B2AD8C152E60B773393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B83F6E489CE53B2AD8C152E60B773393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_F13F92519D321D97C1AA52E60B779136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_F13F92519D321D97C1AA52E60B779136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_D4BE79A98CFC89239A7452E60B78FFDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_D4BE79A98CFC89239A7452E60B78FFDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_E2720140AAD85E261BBC52E60B781BB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_32F550DFBF1741DDDFFB52E60B77924C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_E2720140AAD85E261BBC52E60B781BB9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_6457ACE6BA1E56C8ECC64FDDF9A732A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_D69C54CD1E6C7E598AD44FDDF9A75A07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_6457ACE6BA1E56C8ECC64FDDF9A732A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_D69C54CD1E6C7E598AD44FDDF9A75A07" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E15881A7D23130E638514FDDF9A71964" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_D69C54CD1E6C7E598AD44FDDF9A75A07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E15881A7D23130E638514FDDF9A71964" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E15881A7D23130E638514FDDF9A71964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E15881A7D23130E638514FDDF9A71964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_2CE8184A46455221D82A4FDDF9A7DE6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_2CE8184A46455221D82A4FDDF9A7DE6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_5935B423008F3D093DB04FDDF9A770DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_5935B423008F3D093DB04FDDF9A770DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_5A8901E16732C6B2194B4FDDF9A7B574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B3C27452B2C118D98524FDDF9A7B11E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_5A8901E16732C6B2194B4FDDF9A7B574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A21BEFD7F300F08FBF3B4FDDF9A7DEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_D69C54CD1E6C7E598AD44FDDF9A75A07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A21BEFD7F300F08FBF3B4FDDF9A7DEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBAB7A8E4BDF0DD91F344FDDF9A7BD89_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A21BEFD7F300F08FBF3B4FDDF9A7DEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBAB7A8E4BDF0DD91F344FDDF9A7BD89_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBAB7A8E4BDF0DD91F344FDDF9A7BD89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A21BEFD7F300F08FBF3B4FDDF9A7DEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBAB7A8E4BDF0DD91F344FDDF9A7BD89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_D4053E0C1D63FD0394AE4FDDF9A7542F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBAB7A8E4BDF0DD91F344FDDF9A7BD89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_D4053E0C1D63FD0394AE4FDDF9A7542F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_6457ACE6BA1E56C8ECC64FDDF9A732A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_FD8175873E11E0D0E1E64FDDF9A7FA7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_FD8175873E11E0D0E1E64FDDF9A7FA7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_BCB2FFFD35E6379284654FDDF9A7266B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_BCB2FFFD35E6379284654FDDF9A7266B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_1D00F03B811A9916F8B14FDDF9A7FDD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_1D00F03B811A9916F8B14FDDF9A7FDD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_ProgramRightsNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetCurrent_620CEAC2C89B8BF016354FDDF9A7950E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:to="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetCurrent_620CEAC2C89B8BF016354FDDF9A7950E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_06BC1319F58826C76A694FDDF9A75248" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_06BC1319F58826C76A694FDDF9A75248" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_745E36D80B4C166EEC234FDDF9A7426C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_1EE1A692E411EAAF7F0B4FDDF9A76116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_745E36D80B4C166EEC234FDDF9A7426C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_630C32685C0D1588C28F4FDDF9A7049E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_630C32685C0D1588C28F4FDDF9A7049E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_InvestmentsInConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_amcx_InvestmentsInConsolidatedSubsidiaries_57114ACE1992A07A0B3C4FDDF9A79EE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_amcx_InvestmentsInConsolidatedSubsidiaries_57114ACE1992A07A0B3C4FDDF9A79EE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_ProgramRightsNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetNoncurrent_D718CB28E327C53ABAB04FDDF9A72D4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_amcx_ProgramRightsNetNoncurrent_D718CB28E327C53ABAB04FDDF9A72D4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_IntercompanyReceivableNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_amcx_IntercompanyReceivableNoncurrent_94AA0DFC5182042103DD4FDDF9A71C24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_amcx_IntercompanyReceivableNoncurrent_94AA0DFC5182042103DD4FDDF9A71C24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDeferredCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDeferredCostsNet_1CE6E780226A947F3C134FDDF9A724B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDeferredCostsNet_1CE6E780226A947F3C134FDDF9A724B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_30A227A405AB7893E0694FDDF9A7B463" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_30A227A405AB7893E0694FDDF9A7B463" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0425CD6FDC9309F6BCDB4FDDF9A7752A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_0425CD6FDC9309F6BCDB4FDDF9A7752A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_3251C052B36F554B755D4FDDF9A70E97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_3251C052B36F554B755D4FDDF9A70E97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_5B935202AFA83A3DC77A4FDDF9A77FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_5B935202AFA83A3DC77A4FDDF9A77FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_852145C5C1B7D9D942764FDDF9A72BD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_5B8E226A47DF7178798A4FDDF9A7140E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_852145C5C1B7D9D942764FDDF9A72BD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_6457ACE6BA1E56C8ECC64FDDF9A732A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_CC29DF4D5D43B1EE62EA4FDDF9A719F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_CC29DF4D5D43B1EE62EA4FDDF9A719F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_FF63EFE161537E21DE204FDDF9A72044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_FF63EFE161537E21DE204FDDF9A72044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent_F93511BF859E04D993554FDDF9A7DBD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsCurrent_F93511BF859E04D993554FDDF9A7DBD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_7DC2F8747B2DCA44F0784FDDF9A745EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_7DC2F8747B2DCA44F0784FDDF9A745EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_A821C3E924A8D4A2CBA64FDDF9A70D5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_A821C3E924A8D4A2CBA64FDDF9A70D5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_92BEAA27B936033C8FD94FDDF9A734BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_92BEAA27B936033C8FD94FDDF9A734BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_F02315D61647217C47EA4FDDF9A7BC8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0241D62EF803341364B64FDDF9A7182B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_F02315D61647217C47EA4FDDF9A7BC8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsNoncurrent_45B3264CE38C17EF79094FDDF9A7FE8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProgramRightsObligationsNoncurrent_45B3264CE38C17EF79094FDDF9A7FE8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_771D00497FF6BDB2BAAD4FDDF9A7A8C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_771D00497FF6BDB2BAAD4FDDF9A7A8C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_638B93B6095681C6145B4FDDF9A74F05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_638B93B6095681C6145B4FDDF9A74F05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E7D47A892E4FB7CD2F8A4FDDF9A7985C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E7D47A892E4FB7CD2F8A4FDDF9A7985C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_2036B9B6095A548CD1374FDDF9A76536" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_2036B9B6095A548CD1374FDDF9A76536" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_4D002E6677681490D7384FDDF9A7267B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_4D002E6677681490D7384FDDF9A7267B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_D553F9EDB68296DACDE84FDDF9A77BBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_D553F9EDB68296DACDE84FDDF9A77BBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_049B816D4862DF4D93104FDDF9A766E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_2118C9DAA67040A0B0434FDDF9A7ED16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_049B816D4862DF4D93104FDDF9A766E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_E07978B2E3BC08FD5FD24FDDF9A75AE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_6457ACE6BA1E56C8ECC64FDDF9A732A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_E07978B2E3BC08FD5FD24FDDF9A75AE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1E729315D921ED8927F44FDDF9A7A504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_E07978B2E3BC08FD5FD24FDDF9A75AE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1E729315D921ED8927F44FDDF9A7A504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_DCCECE45C53093BFA5B94FDDF9A72211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_E07978B2E3BC08FD5FD24FDDF9A75AE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_DCCECE45C53093BFA5B94FDDF9A72211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_EB59330E72BBE8E337A44FDDF9A76877" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_E07978B2E3BC08FD5FD24FDDF9A75AE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_EB59330E72BBE8E337A44FDDF9A76877" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_727ED8C2E32A5567A7084FDDF9A76173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_E07978B2E3BC08FD5FD24FDDF9A75AE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_727ED8C2E32A5567A7084FDDF9A76173" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsCashFlowDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_52568A8C1CB700446D8B7DDFFE2A033F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_52568A8C1CB700446D8B7DDFFE2A033F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_F30607D9ECE81EC0790D7DDFFE2AF94F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_52568A8C1CB700446D8B7DDFFE2A033F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_F30607D9ECE81EC0790D7DDFFE2AF94F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_F30607D9ECE81EC0790D7DDFFE2AF94F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_F30607D9ECE81EC0790D7DDFFE2AF94F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_58A74A8D50FF74F20B207DDFFE2AC832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_58A74A8D50FF74F20B207DDFFE2AC832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_308FBFC35AF059F4BB837DDFFE2BEEC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_308FBFC35AF059F4BB837DDFFE2BEEC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D2ECD4F938C9AC8F9E877DDFFE2B968B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6801F57EF04D3E5E14017DDFFE2A0748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_D2ECD4F938C9AC8F9E877DDFFE2B968B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_352A55A20E7FA51FC9A87DDFFE2B1D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_52568A8C1CB700446D8B7DDFFE2A033F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_352A55A20E7FA51FC9A87DDFFE2B1D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_813B1E593A980DD6D7A07DDFFE2B6432_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_352A55A20E7FA51FC9A87DDFFE2B1D95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_813B1E593A980DD6D7A07DDFFE2B6432_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_813B1E593A980DD6D7A07DDFFE2B6432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_352A55A20E7FA51FC9A87DDFFE2B1D95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_813B1E593A980DD6D7A07DDFFE2B6432" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_FFD2B6E9488BBFABE3DA7DDFFE2BF0C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_813B1E593A980DD6D7A07DDFFE2B6432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_FFD2B6E9488BBFABE3DA7DDFFE2BF0C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_1530127AEF6E75944DF67DDFFE2BFA91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_1530127AEF6E75944DF67DDFFE2BFA91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_A8B8D3B5B3EF6D0F17917DDFFE2B8414" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_1530127AEF6E75944DF67DDFFE2BFA91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_A8B8D3B5B3EF6D0F17917DDFFE2B8414" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_3950F86791E3C4B8A88E7DDFFE2B38B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_3950F86791E3C4B8A88E7DDFFE2B38B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments_E395D3FCD9381ED0AABE7DDFFE2B6619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments_E395D3FCD9381ED0AABE7DDFFE2B6619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_IncreaseDecreaseinConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_amcx_IncreaseDecreaseinConsolidatedSubsidiaries_12142F5FC5369D1161A67DDFFE2B81AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:to="loc_amcx_IncreaseDecreaseinConsolidatedSubsidiaries_12142F5FC5369D1161A67DDFFE2B81AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_65EA00C8C65C38A643297DDFFE2BCF60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_65EA00C8C65C38A643297DDFFE2BCF60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E2436F18A37EA8F08B207DDFFE2B231A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_DE59CB89A555074420FC7DDFFE2B98FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E2436F18A37EA8F08B207DDFFE2B231A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_A5E5A797F6ED7F329EE67DDFFE2CC883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_A5E5A797F6ED7F329EE67DDFFE2CC883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_0131CB1C674D1E6C67767DDFFE2C6E6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_0131CB1C674D1E6C67767DDFFE2C6E6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_9A16DD0F085BFF9246727DDFFE2C3916" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_9A16DD0F085BFF9246727DDFFE2C3916" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity_F15E477438CC4A80B2597DDFFE2C46BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity_F15E477438CC4A80B2597DDFFE2C46BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_08F34DC9EE70C832C7907DDFFE2CF847" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_08F34DC9EE70C832C7907DDFFE2CF847" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_11A216140BB80AA6D1DE7DDFFE2C634D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_11A216140BB80AA6D1DE7DDFFE2C634D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_EDB5E2BA6E052F8735037DDFFE2C2AA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_EDB5E2BA6E052F8735037DDFFE2C2AA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_D0CE10D0D5DEE91E353E7DDFFE2C3E99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_D0CE10D0D5DEE91E353E7DDFFE2C3E99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_B2AA088B16CD355998C17DDFFE2C5F7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised_B2AA088B16CD355998C17DDFFE2C5F7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_6E8B73C481F9BC1BA64F7DDFFE2C49FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_6E8B73C481F9BC1BA64F7DDFFE2C49FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_A51429D3141EED0BE8C57DDFFE2C689C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_6C895F658DFDC659E32B7DDFFE2C9E4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_A51429D3141EED0BE8C57DDFFE2C689C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations_CD0AD981DFC9D946A0727DDFFE2C00B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations_CD0AD981DFC9D946A0727DDFFE2C00B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_EC2337BAC0219C6B8A2E7DDFFE2C613C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_EC2337BAC0219C6B8A2E7DDFFE2C613C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_D01F56BEC9BF61C06DF47DDFFE2C415B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_7E5C3097FEE4F761595F7DDFFE2B45AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_D01F56BEC9BF61C06DF47DDFFE2C415B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_07FE4C2AE114D4D9BD644EFDFA583A5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_07FE4C2AE114D4D9BD644EFDFA583A5B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E8523B25F06294B455334EFDFA58EB14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_07FE4C2AE114D4D9BD644EFDFA583A5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E8523B25F06294B455334EFDFA58EB14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E8523B25F06294B455334EFDFA58EB14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_E8523B25F06294B455334EFDFA58EB14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_05BA763DBD9F6832D53F4EFDFA589B99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_05BA763DBD9F6832D53F4EFDFA589B99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_24BC97A7A028F8A721A94EFDFA58622E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_24BC97A7A028F8A721A94EFDFA58622E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_B8F32ADBB4B1E8D184374EFDFA59CDFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_5B07497496BFDBBB18F24EFDFA584D7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_B8F32ADBB4B1E8D184374EFDFA59CDFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FC754D1204FD4FB5E9B34EFDFA59D992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_07FE4C2AE114D4D9BD644EFDFA583A5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FC754D1204FD4FB5E9B34EFDFA59D992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_429B3439CD95D851F0974EFDFA595823_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FC754D1204FD4FB5E9B34EFDFA59D992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_429B3439CD95D851F0974EFDFA595823_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_429B3439CD95D851F0974EFDFA595823" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_FC754D1204FD4FB5E9B34EFDFA59D992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_429B3439CD95D851F0974EFDFA595823" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_5123F3A762F334AE3EC14EFDFA599ECD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_429B3439CD95D851F0974EFDFA595823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_5123F3A762F334AE3EC14EFDFA599ECD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_7A1B3BB1E30DBBC4DE714EFDFA59EE34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_7A1B3BB1E30DBBC4DE714EFDFA59EE34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_016B92881E74B88D3ACE4EFDFA59A734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_016B92881E74B88D3ACE4EFDFA59A734" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_48E67ED645E2E4B466CC4EFDFA59349F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_48E67ED645E2E4B466CC4EFDFA59349F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_862AB02F55F070B5E0744EFDFA59EDA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_862AB02F55F070B5E0744EFDFA59EDA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_420E794A197BA71ACE4E4EFDFA597AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_420E794A197BA71ACE4E4EFDFA597AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_52489197E94C3AEF919C4EFDFA59181E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_52489197E94C3AEF919C4EFDFA59181E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_8D014B2D9F21BE6BEC924EFDFA5921AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_A601E664884FA2646FC34EFDFA592FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_8D014B2D9F21BE6BEC924EFDFA5921AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4EEC11840C9F3DAB15694EFDFA5A2004" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_4EEC11840C9F3DAB15694EFDFA5A2004" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_69E319E4C0D696A30F5B4EFDFA5A5088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_69E319E4C0D696A30F5B4EFDFA5A5088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_7B3B2758AA040E213FB54EFDFA5A22BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_EC62596E05036A07A1804EFDFA59CDB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_7B3B2758AA040E213FB54EFDFA5A22BB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsIncomeStatementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_430C846061908498D75C5A1BDB5C86BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_430C846061908498D75C5A1BDB5C86BD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1F0B57E7F5F4A8A2F2D35A1BDB5C2543" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_430C846061908498D75C5A1BDB5C86BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1F0B57E7F5F4A8A2F2D35A1BDB5C2543" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1F0B57E7F5F4A8A2F2D35A1BDB5C2543" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1F0B57E7F5F4A8A2F2D35A1BDB5C2543" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_9D1C48D49A5DDDCD673B5A1BDB5D2C08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_9D1C48D49A5DDDCD673B5A1BDB5D2C08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_723DE37241AB4A2FF11E5A1BDB5DE666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember_723DE37241AB4A2FF11E5A1BDB5DE666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4FBBBFF29A98D338C58B5A1BDB5D2D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_078CE4E5EE178D8415405A1BDB5D6F99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember_4FBBBFF29A98D338C58B5A1BDB5D2D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9599B5949E73A577A1885A1BDB5D1DA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_430C846061908498D75C5A1BDB5C86BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9599B5949E73A577A1885A1BDB5D1DA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FEC501EB98AAF084CBE45A1BDB5D7CBD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9599B5949E73A577A1885A1BDB5D1DA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FEC501EB98AAF084CBE45A1BDB5D7CBD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FEC501EB98AAF084CBE45A1BDB5D7CBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9599B5949E73A577A1885A1BDB5D1DA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FEC501EB98AAF084CBE45A1BDB5D7CBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_E14B626D6A914BA657655A1BDB5D859F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FEC501EB98AAF084CBE45A1BDB5D7CBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_E14B626D6A914BA657655A1BDB5D859F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_1D70E253B4645E98BC9E5A1BDB5DA2DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_1D70E253B4645E98BC9E5A1BDB5DA2DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_AD3F0DD6B76A26152F915A1BDB5DB575" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_AD3F0DD6B76A26152F915A1BDB5DB575" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_42C1B15194D004CCEED05A1BDB5E732F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_42C1B15194D004CCEED05A1BDB5E732F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_59B3E0A991A4DA127D645A1BDB63CA66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_59B3E0A991A4DA127D645A1BDB63CA66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_E6B4A74CD4ABAFA2A64D5A21DC13D36D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_E6B4A74CD4ABAFA2A64D5A21DC13D36D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_9AC0FE46471F9A7042C45A1BDB632EEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_9AC0FE46471F9A7042C45A1BDB632EEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_546E1B9AFE55006BB1435A1BDB63FCA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_482DF41CBAFFEE40EFA95A1BDB5D57C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_546E1B9AFE55006BB1435A1BDB63FCA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_CB757359AEE61E9207CF5A1BDB630601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_CB757359AEE61E9207CF5A1BDB630601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_A53BA77E4114E4AF86585A1BDB63BDCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_A53BA77E4114E4AF86585A1BDB63BDCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_EA13202D557C3A99EA4F5A1BDB630399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_A53BA77E4114E4AF86585A1BDB63BDCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_EA13202D557C3A99EA4F5A1BDB630399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_C7F435E3E3FE13153C055A1BDB64E022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_A53BA77E4114E4AF86585A1BDB63BDCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_C7F435E3E3FE13153C055A1BDB64E022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_4189F244BBA519792C0E5A1BDB641910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_A53BA77E4114E4AF86585A1BDB63BDCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_4189F244BBA519792C0E5A1BDB641910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_5B004B70CC2497685A665A1BDB647703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_A53BA77E4114E4AF86585A1BDB63BDCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_5B004B70CC2497685A665A1BDB647703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_6B750BAECFE7517675575A1BDB64BBDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_6B750BAECFE7517675575A1BDB64BBDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_821CAD584C8E6E79D2005A1BDB64FAEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_821CAD584C8E6E79D2005A1BDB64FAEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5908D651AB9C7469EECA5A1BDB6478B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5908D651AB9C7469EECA5A1BDB6478B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_F5FC727232F45B6212495A1BDB645E4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_F5FC727232F45B6212495A1BDB645E4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_40F57ADED112F73A045D5A1BDB64E1BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_40F57ADED112F73A045D5A1BDB64E1BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_880C74AC53DF1CA627D85A1BDB646E6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_69C233DB48CDDFEFC6A45A1BDB5D7E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_880C74AC53DF1CA627D85A1BDB646E6F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F6CF7C67B7E7815C1D364FD7E0EC0C59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_53EEF37773235DF1DAEF4FD7E0EC76C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F6CF7C67B7E7815C1D364FD7E0EC0C59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_53EEF37773235DF1DAEF4FD7E0EC76C9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_40F5BE65359D9D65E7264FD7E0EC1C2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_53EEF37773235DF1DAEF4FD7E0EC76C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_40F5BE65359D9D65E7264FD7E0EC1C2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_48E6833E417D3A1E72A14FD7E0ECD497_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_40F5BE65359D9D65E7264FD7E0EC1C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_48E6833E417D3A1E72A14FD7E0ECD497_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_48E6833E417D3A1E72A14FD7E0ECD497" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_40F5BE65359D9D65E7264FD7E0EC1C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_48E6833E417D3A1E72A14FD7E0ECD497" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_5886931E7EC4445D41CE4FD7E0EC30A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_48E6833E417D3A1E72A14FD7E0ECD497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_5886931E7EC4445D41CE4FD7E0EC30A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3EF0616E657F557916124FD7E0ECA666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_53EEF37773235DF1DAEF4FD7E0EC76C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3EF0616E657F557916124FD7E0ECA666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3EF0616E657F557916124FD7E0ECA666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3EF0616E657F557916124FD7E0ECA666" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember_62A9F31C84F323812B784FD7E0ECD130" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember_62A9F31C84F323812B784FD7E0ECD130" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember_909E42883D49D11F53094FD7E0EC1F47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember_909E42883D49D11F53094FD7E0EC1F47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_39359DD4C0C30027404C4FD9477CB9D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_630DB1760665041E71E24FD7E0EC87EE" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_39359DD4C0C30027404C4FD9477CB9D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_9ED231BA57EDCB187C254FD7E0EC8A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F6CF7C67B7E7815C1D364FD7E0EC0C59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_9ED231BA57EDCB187C254FD7E0EC8A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_23227465BB93660FC0C84FD7E0EC645F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F6CF7C67B7E7815C1D364FD7E0EC0C59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_23227465BB93660FC0C84FD7E0EC645F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsIncludedInBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_DCD99B088B9DD019B2184F869924DCCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_E98E71F399E7A84150F94F869924D6EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_DCD99B088B9DD019B2184F869924DCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_E98E71F399E7A84150F94F869924D6EF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_77EA83CD7F63AA67479D4F8699245D9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_E98E71F399E7A84150F94F869924D6EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_77EA83CD7F63AA67479D4F8699245D9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_77EA83CD7F63AA67479D4F8699245D9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_77EA83CD7F63AA67479D4F8699245D9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_9CA8F37B247E56F8DEAB4F869924D6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_9CA8F37B247E56F8DEAB4F869924D6C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_405B5B17B200F39AA2354F869924BCB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_405B5B17B200F39AA2354F869924BCB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_DE69466FB14BA24732D34F869924A4E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2F4DF37CD6A7A5E019534F8699242069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_DE69466FB14BA24732D34F869924A4E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1F860C08574AC42A8CE14F8699243FD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_E98E71F399E7A84150F94F869924D6EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1F860C08574AC42A8CE14F8699243FD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1F860C08574AC42A8CE14F8699243FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_1F860C08574AC42A8CE14F8699243FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_578E8C65D5D9F12628E54F8699247098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_578E8C65D5D9F12628E54F8699247098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_D5A65CB46C89EBB600CB4F869924B0A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_D5A65CB46C89EBB600CB4F869924B0A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_791B337856E90008E32D4F8699244B4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_791B337856E90008E32D4F8699244B4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_7313200349D2F28733E84F869924BD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_8701EA04339663C531564F869924DF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_7313200349D2F28733E84F869924BD66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNetAbstract_64EFE8C8E2801227A0084F869924074A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_DCD99B088B9DD019B2184F869924DCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNetAbstract_64EFE8C8E2801227A0084F869924074A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAssetsAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAssetsAtFairValue_EBBC09EB6683DCAADF424F8699248140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAtFairValueNetAbstract_64EFE8C8E2801227A0084F869924074A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesAssetsAtFairValue_EBBC09EB6683DCAADF424F8699248140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_DCD99B088B9DD019B2184F869924DCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_B44D26F2F669D636E6054F869924CF79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_B44D26F2F669D636E6054F869924CF79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_4BA5030B76589BFDF91D4F90374F085A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_4BA5030B76589BFDF91D4F90374F085A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_6478181854B2388CFD334F930AB01B14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue_6478181854B2388CFD334F930AB01B14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue_C4A2EB4977FE21FFEE2E4F869924EC52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue_C4A2EB4977FE21FFEE2E4F869924EC52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue_FA2DF3D7F95E093CA8444F869924B40E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_C5209ACA0C3FA22396884F86992423D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue_FA2DF3D7F95E093CA8444F869924B40E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F4D8BD220A857513A87F4F869924DD75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8EBD8F8239EBF9F6FE694F869924A75E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F4D8BD220A857513A87F4F869924DD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8EBD8F8239EBF9F6FE694F869924A75E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_49420FC364D165482AEA4F86992483F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8EBD8F8239EBF9F6FE694F869924A75E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_49420FC364D165482AEA4F86992483F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_50FB558835E8E0660CAC4F869924B1D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_49420FC364D165482AEA4F86992483F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_50FB558835E8E0660CAC4F869924B1D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_50FB558835E8E0660CAC4F869924B1D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_49420FC364D165482AEA4F86992483F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_50FB558835E8E0660CAC4F869924B1D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_F5D17ECD5A0C667403B24F869924177D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_50FB558835E8E0660CAC4F869924B1D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_F5D17ECD5A0C667403B24F869924177D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_CB2343161C9621E1E1F24F8699246792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8EBD8F8239EBF9F6FE694F869924A75E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_CB2343161C9621E1E1F24F8699246792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_5E182AD1B87523EA3AEB4F869924D9DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_CB2343161C9621E1E1F24F8699246792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_5E182AD1B87523EA3AEB4F869924D9DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_5E182AD1B87523EA3AEB4F869924D9DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_CB2343161C9621E1E1F24F8699246792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_5E182AD1B87523EA3AEB4F869924D9DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_4F287C54FA9ED445CDCD4F869924B58F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_5E182AD1B87523EA3AEB4F869924D9DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_4F287C54FA9ED445CDCD4F869924B58F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_956AB5930693D46188524F8699243691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F4D8BD220A857513A87F4F869924DD75" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_956AB5930693D46188524F8699243691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_7359234986DB44C9FA934F869924716B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_F4D8BD220A857513A87F4F869924DD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_7359234986DB44C9FA934F869924716B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfGainsAndLossesRelatedToDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_C69F289E5CF84FBF90A252E60D7C99E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_66965BC5871F4F5BDA3852E60D7B39BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_C69F289E5CF84FBF90A252E60D7C99E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_66965BC5871F4F5BDA3852E60D7B39BF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_8B238FF7AA77EF8EDD4C52E60D7BF19F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_66965BC5871F4F5BDA3852E60D7B39BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_8B238FF7AA77EF8EDD4C52E60D7BF19F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_7A919657A7D96DD9C79852E60D7B960F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_8B238FF7AA77EF8EDD4C52E60D7BF19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_7A919657A7D96DD9C79852E60D7B960F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_7A919657A7D96DD9C79852E60D7B960F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_8B238FF7AA77EF8EDD4C52E60D7BF19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_7A919657A7D96DD9C79852E60D7B960F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_B616C5788BE290512F7352E60D7C35B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_7A919657A7D96DD9C79852E60D7B960F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_B616C5788BE290512F7352E60D7C35B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1C8C87BE68733C5C9B3E52E60D7C7054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_66965BC5871F4F5BDA3852E60D7B39BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1C8C87BE68733C5C9B3E52E60D7C7054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7B59850C45FBE0D8FCA652E60D7C242B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1C8C87BE68733C5C9B3E52E60D7C7054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7B59850C45FBE0D8FCA652E60D7C242B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7B59850C45FBE0D8FCA652E60D7C242B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1C8C87BE68733C5C9B3E52E60D7C7054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7B59850C45FBE0D8FCA652E60D7C242B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_9E0EA3EB861978C6F65452E60D7C617D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7B59850C45FBE0D8FCA652E60D7C242B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_9E0EA3EB861978C6F65452E60D7C617D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_29B84C872AE7C93B57E552E60D7C19AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_66965BC5871F4F5BDA3852E60D7B39BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_29B84C872AE7C93B57E552E60D7C19AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_BF96871A5CEB6162659952E60D7C62C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_29B84C872AE7C93B57E552E60D7C19AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_BF96871A5CEB6162659952E60D7C62C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_BF96871A5CEB6162659952E60D7C62C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_29B84C872AE7C93B57E552E60D7C19AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_BF96871A5CEB6162659952E60D7C62C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_0BF9BB100300262FFE7452E60D7CFCA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_BF96871A5CEB6162659952E60D7C62C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_0BF9BB100300262FFE7452E60D7CFCA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet_06A77D7CCDFEE26AF35E52E60D7C2993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_C69F289E5CF84FBF90A252E60D7C99E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet_06A77D7CCDFEE26AF35E52E60D7C2993" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_FA4738F005DFAB0A4F6252E60D7CA803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_C69F289E5CF84FBF90A252E60D7C99E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet_FA4738F005DFAB0A4F6252E60D7CA803" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_96715D2C9879CF35A5D152E60BAA1916" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_DEF7E1F29AF6194C78E652E60BA4150C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_96715D2C9879CF35A5D152E60BAA1916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_DEF7E1F29AF6194C78E652E60BA4150C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_385944999811F7F68C0952E60BA4ECB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_DEF7E1F29AF6194C78E652E60BA4150C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_385944999811F7F68C0952E60BA4ECB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_385944999811F7F68C0952E60BA4ECB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_385944999811F7F68C0952E60BA4ECB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_6504BDDE005D72C8728452E60BA55E94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_6504BDDE005D72C8728452E60BA55E94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_E12145271E376264B7DB52E60BAAE685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_E12145271E376264B7DB52E60BAAE685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_DE66DE5D28B1E523D3A552E60BAA5FD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FDD730784F332057437452E60BA5FB45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_DE66DE5D28B1E523D3A552E60BAA5FD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_800812DDBB5F87BE929452E60BAAED17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_DEF7E1F29AF6194C78E652E60BA4150C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_800812DDBB5F87BE929452E60BAAED17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_424F6B35F05FC2595A9752E60BAAE72F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_800812DDBB5F87BE929452E60BAAED17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_424F6B35F05FC2595A9752E60BAAE72F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_424F6B35F05FC2595A9752E60BAAE72F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_800812DDBB5F87BE929452E60BAAED17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_424F6B35F05FC2595A9752E60BAAE72F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_76EFFEE5A44A225B6D1752E60BAA4F92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_424F6B35F05FC2595A9752E60BAAE72F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_76EFFEE5A44A225B6D1752E60BAA4F92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_892FC55FC030EA81D3C152E60BAAA30A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_424F6B35F05FC2595A9752E60BAAE72F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_892FC55FC030EA81D3C152E60BAAA30A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_3EB5D3329F3EAB65097252E60BAB4A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_96715D2C9879CF35A5D152E60BAA1916" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_3EB5D3329F3EAB65097252E60BAB4A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_06210014A41E71AE056352E60B5EDE67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_06210014A41E71AE056352E60B5EDE67" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_242CAE39074783A0F44852E60B5E1CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_06210014A41E71AE056352E60B5EDE67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_242CAE39074783A0F44852E60B5E1CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_841042A37691A8F3D80A52E60B5EEDBE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_242CAE39074783A0F44852E60B5E1CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_841042A37691A8F3D80A52E60B5EEDBE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_841042A37691A8F3D80A52E60B5EEDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_242CAE39074783A0F44852E60B5E1CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_841042A37691A8F3D80A52E60B5EEDBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_25C799773B2AECB2E1CE52E60B5EC724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_841042A37691A8F3D80A52E60B5EEDBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_25C799773B2AECB2E1CE52E60B5EC724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_07306AD72E02C22FE67E52E60B5FC38B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_841042A37691A8F3D80A52E60B5EEDBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_07306AD72E02C22FE67E52E60B5FC38B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_75B0CC7D17923229B2E252E60B5FE014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_75B0CC7D17923229B2E252E60B5FE014" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_2612A7E4F8B52F842FA152E60B5F28FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_2612A7E4F8B52F842FA152E60B5F28FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_983F50CCB0B932D5514B52E60B64FC02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_983F50CCB0B932D5514B52E60B64FC02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_3C0F48D66EFFA827298D52E60B64FF8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_3C0F48D66EFFA827298D52E60B64FF8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_7372DA6D47473FC3B92052E60B64B6F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_7372DA6D47473FC3B92052E60B64B6F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_DDB9C511A0973D3A8B5352E60B65E2F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_DDB9C511A0973D3A8B5352E60B65E2F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_ACB7BB4E5439C2EF2F0A52E60B65E105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_ACB7BB4E5439C2EF2F0A52E60B65E105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_004A9EE8AF7A63D0909D52E60B656E51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_004A9EE8AF7A63D0909D52E60B656E51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_5F5FCAB898FB876C0EFE52E60B657F38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_5F5FCAB898FB876C0EFE52E60B657F38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F26859204BE1290BF56252E60B657CAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1C24292F44D97D4178E852E60B5F4979" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_F26859204BE1290BF56252E60B657CAB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/EquityPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/EquityPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1146488527AD369D159752E60DA38838" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1146488527AD369D159752E60DA38838" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_43F749B3C3342C04FDDE52E60DA3C7E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1146488527AD369D159752E60DA38838" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_43F749B3C3342C04FDDE52E60DA3C7E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_43F749B3C3342C04FDDE52E60DA3C7E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1146488527AD369D159752E60DA38838" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_43F749B3C3342C04FDDE52E60DA3C7E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A2011EmployeeStockPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A2011EmployeeStockPlanMember_BC7A838BC877528B405152E60DA3F150" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_43F749B3C3342C04FDDE52E60DA3C7E0" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A2011EmployeeStockPlanMember_BC7A838BC877528B405152E60DA3F150" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A2016EmployeeStockPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A2016EmployeeStockPlanMember_78311D1E2335858D9D9652E60DA38555" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_43F749B3C3342C04FDDE52E60DA3C7E0" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A2016EmployeeStockPlanMember_78311D1E2335858D9D9652E60DA38555" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7E6E4C7D2DEFDA2C0ABD52E60DA4A3C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7E6E4C7D2DEFDA2C0ABD52E60DA4A3C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_606609C8DA0919E5BA5D52E60DA4805F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7E6E4C7D2DEFDA2C0ABD52E60DA4A3C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_606609C8DA0919E5BA5D52E60DA4805F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_606609C8DA0919E5BA5D52E60DA4805F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7E6E4C7D2DEFDA2C0ABD52E60DA4A3C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_606609C8DA0919E5BA5D52E60DA4805F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_A0666E5737EE441D8FA352E60DA47C48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_606609C8DA0919E5BA5D52E60DA4805F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_A0666E5737EE441D8FA352E60DA47C48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_B3CA22AF46C43537D43052E60DA48276" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_606609C8DA0919E5BA5D52E60DA4805F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_B3CA22AF46C43537D43052E60DA48276" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_372F577353B929E6F78652E60DA4C49C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_372F577353B929E6F78652E60DA4C49C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_E83806F3788E291D510152E60DA40DAB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_372F577353B929E6F78652E60DA4C49C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_E83806F3788E291D510152E60DA40DAB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_E83806F3788E291D510152E60DA40DAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_372F577353B929E6F78652E60DA4C49C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_E83806F3788E291D510152E60DA40DAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_B8FE48B0FF64D7D9FF9B52E60DA4BFDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_E83806F3788E291D510152E60DA40DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_B8FE48B0FF64D7D9FF9B52E60DA4BFDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1818BADC2A5C66C7082952E60DA41C62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1818BADC2A5C66C7082952E60DA41C62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2696D3BA19AB9D387E5E52E60DA4345B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1818BADC2A5C66C7082952E60DA41C62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2696D3BA19AB9D387E5E52E60DA4345B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2696D3BA19AB9D387E5E52E60DA4345B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1818BADC2A5C66C7082952E60DA41C62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2696D3BA19AB9D387E5E52E60DA4345B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_3C0EB8E25A2EBDCCCD9452E60DA489FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2696D3BA19AB9D387E5E52E60DA4345B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_3C0EB8E25A2EBDCCCD9452E60DA489FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AEE287533525F713B99452E60DA413B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2696D3BA19AB9D387E5E52E60DA4345B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AEE287533525F713B99452E60DA413B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_87E2FE4EC27D1F16AB9552E60DA45CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F18866FB685689715F0552E60DA3F6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_87E2FE4EC27D1F16AB9552E60DA45CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8FC3241C48E470660EA452E60DA4F7CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_87E2FE4EC27D1F16AB9552E60DA45CCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8FC3241C48E470660EA452E60DA4F7CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8FC3241C48E470660EA452E60DA4F7CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_87E2FE4EC27D1F16AB9552E60DA45CCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8FC3241C48E470660EA452E60DA4F7CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_149365B32D80E311E61752E60DA4503B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8FC3241C48E470660EA452E60DA4F7CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_149365B32D80E311E61752E60DA4503B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_158055A717D3CD61718152E60DA5702C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_158055A717D3CD61718152E60DA5702C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_8A43A69895AAFD1C1A6652E60DA57B19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_8A43A69895AAFD1C1A6652E60DA57B19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_441C9B8756187AB1D45852E60DA54EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_441C9B8756187AB1D45852E60DA54EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_D714CB7C1C7B8FEB9FB452E60DA5B58B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_D714CB7C1C7B8FEB9FB452E60DA5B58B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_64BDB41C8888B612D12C52E60DA52090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_64BDB41C8888B612D12C52E60DA52090" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_87BE44C2D2D928CC1BCC52E60DA5CB71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_87BE44C2D2D928CC1BCC52E60DA5CB71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity_FDF427D1D6684D1DD7B852E60DA51D70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity_FDF427D1D6684D1DD7B852E60DA51D70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_1431066F1C5843A1161252E60DA5FC5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_1431066F1C5843A1161252E60DA5FC5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_41818EE1CA7CA9EB880452E60DA58F1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_41818EE1CA7CA9EB880452E60DA58F1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_1686ECD5D0C423D8105252E60DA57DC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3DB116AB93BC0CE5826452E60DA53032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_1686ECD5D0C423D8105252E60DA57DC8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurement" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementCarryingValuesAndFairValuesOfCompanysFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5DE620BF81AB2B4B23274F8699343437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9256448E98A9B7C934F44F869934A1FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5DE620BF81AB2B4B23274F8699343437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9256448E98A9B7C934F44F869934A1FA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F18AD1C58E42F18A3F774F869934207B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9256448E98A9B7C934F44F869934A1FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F18AD1C58E42F18A3F774F869934207B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F18AD1C58E42F18A3F774F869934207B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F18AD1C58E42F18A3F774F869934207B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_TermAFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_TermAFacilityMember_548A7BE28AB8F6C7F1B44F86993468F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06" xlink:to="loc_amcx_TermAFacilityMember_548A7BE28AB8F6C7F1B44F86993468F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_84088C834D3C33E8772E4F8CF8B5B5C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_84088C834D3C33E8772E4F8CF8B5B5C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember_D5467CD160E35029C0024F869934F145" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember_D5467CD160E35029C0024F869934F145" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember_C3411B3DB49EF5572F5C4F869934796D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_402688A7AE01F745F9F24F869934CC06" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember_C3411B3DB49EF5572F5C4F869934796D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_6EF299C3FC309432E5D24F8699348132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5DE620BF81AB2B4B23274F8699343437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_6EF299C3FC309432E5D24F8699348132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_C927D937B5D5DA34D7A74F869934F451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5DE620BF81AB2B4B23274F8699343437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_C927D937B5D5DA34D7A74F869934F451" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_18F415A0CC40AFC1DB895A1BDE56FBB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B9122BECC4CE8F500F335A1BDE564AA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_18F415A0CC40AFC1DB895A1BDE56FBB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B9122BECC4CE8F500F335A1BDE564AA4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC86C5073E893E9B3C495A1BDE567855" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B9122BECC4CE8F500F335A1BDE564AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC86C5073E893E9B3C495A1BDE567855" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC86C5073E893E9B3C495A1BDE567855" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_EC86C5073E893E9B3C495A1BDE567855" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_C7CD048C43B671D7FD195A1BDE5663CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_C7CD048C43B671D7FD195A1BDE5663CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_01102F50E54ADA84D6C85A1BDE564585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_01102F50E54ADA84D6C85A1BDE564585" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_497D54ABB4D992DBF5335A1BDE560255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D83BA2D12FFB952DE5835A1BDE563EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_497D54ABB4D992DBF5335A1BDE560255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_023946553423BDD9BEDF5A1BDE56DD9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B9122BECC4CE8F500F335A1BDE564AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_023946553423BDD9BEDF5A1BDE56DD9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_023946553423BDD9BEDF5A1BDE56DD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_023946553423BDD9BEDF5A1BDE56DD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_B49A43CD57A551F1B3225A1BDE56F9F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_B49A43CD57A551F1B3225A1BDE56F9F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_A585A9E2B4B9033F8BFD5A1BDE56538B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_A585A9E2B4B9033F8BFD5A1BDE56538B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_D2FF7219103E3BEA58EA5A1BDE560C1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_60A787BE1F74B0CCB5A65A1BDE5611E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_D2FF7219103E3BEA58EA5A1BDE560C1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_18F415A0CC40AFC1DB895A1BDE56FBB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_95EC1F28FDE8580EF4365A1BDE575F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_95EC1F28FDE8580EF4365A1BDE575F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_DA329C52311B9CF2ECBB5A1BDE5762C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_DA329C52311B9CF2ECBB5A1BDE5762C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_89D3BBDBBEB16E01AA725A1BDE5764CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_89D3BBDBBEB16E01AA725A1BDE5764CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_A783222B223BC67D992F5A1BDE575204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_A783222B223BC67D992F5A1BDE575204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure_F6AD5B91C41E5CB4E30C5A1BDE5C1090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractAssetFairValueDisclosure_F6AD5B91C41E5CB4E30C5A1BDE5C1090" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure_589D65DC82793938B05D5A1BDE5CFB56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4C7BA877BBB057BDDA565A1BDE5625ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure_589D65DC82793938B05D5A1BDE5CFB56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51A5B13E594E9948CF815A1BDE5C7F9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_18F415A0CC40AFC1DB895A1BDE56FBB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51A5B13E594E9948CF815A1BDE5C7F9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_8336FB82E1A6FE530D5F5A1BDE5D5A89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51A5B13E594E9948CF815A1BDE5C7F9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_8336FB82E1A6FE530D5F5A1BDE5D5A89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_7A99D87627F09283E1685A1BDE5D8F94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_51A5B13E594E9948CF815A1BDE5C7F9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_7A99D87627F09283E1685A1BDE5D8F94" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_7E302CE0C3CC7628C3177D68EEB19B41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_7C17B0199B407345676A7D68EEAD8FCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_7E302CE0C3CC7628C3177D68EEB19B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_7C17B0199B407345676A7D68EEAD8FCB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_038A41E18331933962437D68EEAE2EF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_7C17B0199B407345676A7D68EEAD8FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_038A41E18331933962437D68EEAE2EF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1ABB784DA6A94D2D60097D68EEAE7539_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_038A41E18331933962437D68EEAE2EF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1ABB784DA6A94D2D60097D68EEAE7539_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1ABB784DA6A94D2D60097D68EEAE7539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_038A41E18331933962437D68EEAE2EF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1ABB784DA6A94D2D60097D68EEAE7539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_7F4598E0B61DECD969C07D68EEAF4F91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1ABB784DA6A94D2D60097D68EEAE7539" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_7F4598E0B61DECD969C07D68EEAF4F91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_CFF70C813417B28B4E207D68EEAF6DD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_7C17B0199B407345676A7D68EEAD8FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_CFF70C813417B28B4E207D68EEAF6DD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71A119F76A89B4B3E1617D68EEAF8FFB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_CFF70C813417B28B4E207D68EEAF6DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71A119F76A89B4B3E1617D68EEAF8FFB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71A119F76A89B4B3E1617D68EEAF8FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_CFF70C813417B28B4E207D68EEAF6DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71A119F76A89B4B3E1617D68EEAF8FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_6A6A9233BB4FE44771A37D68EEAF61BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_71A119F76A89B4B3E1617D68EEAF8FFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_6A6A9233BB4FE44771A37D68EEAF61BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_B9BA60ABDBEF813DCEC67D68EEB0AD07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_7C17B0199B407345676A7D68EEAD8FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_B9BA60ABDBEF813DCEC67D68EEB0AD07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C2A9E2FDBA2CB85C6E0C7D68EEB0C81A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_B9BA60ABDBEF813DCEC67D68EEB0AD07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C2A9E2FDBA2CB85C6E0C7D68EEB0C81A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C2A9E2FDBA2CB85C6E0C7D68EEB0C81A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_B9BA60ABDBEF813DCEC67D68EEB0AD07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C2A9E2FDBA2CB85C6E0C7D68EEB0C81A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenseMember_B0848DB5C4D8F521D4287D68EEB0D600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C2A9E2FDBA2CB85C6E0C7D68EEB0C81A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenseMember_B0848DB5C4D8F521D4287D68EEB0D600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability_1C2447115D6DC86AD36E7D68EEB16604" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_7E302CE0C3CC7628C3177D68EEB19B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountForLackOfMarketability_1C2447115D6DC86AD36E7D68EEB16604" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_701E15CD1DC50BB2F7057D68EEB1D4A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_7E302CE0C3CC7628C3177D68EEB19B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_701E15CD1DC50BB2F7057D68EEB1D4A0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/FairValueMeasurementTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_5C1E449CC2FF6CD75C2252E60CEFE432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A7A0486D4788940EB30752E60CEDC08F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_5C1E449CC2FF6CD75C2252E60CEFE432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A7A0486D4788940EB30752E60CEDC08F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6200981F8823198BA00652E60CED4704" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A7A0486D4788940EB30752E60CEDC08F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6200981F8823198BA00652E60CED4704" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F010D57EA371EDBC31E52E60CEE63C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6200981F8823198BA00652E60CED4704" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F010D57EA371EDBC31E52E60CEE63C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F010D57EA371EDBC31E52E60CEE63C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6200981F8823198BA00652E60CED4704" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F010D57EA371EDBC31E52E60CEE63C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_NationalNetworksMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_7BA1C01F6D91CD0EAE4552E60CEE3E6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F010D57EA371EDBC31E52E60CEE63C7" xlink:to="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_7BA1C01F6D91CD0EAE4552E60CEE3E6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset_5BFA6C71E652CE291BE652E60CF0E840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_5C1E449CC2FF6CD75C2252E60CEFE432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset_5BFA6C71E652CE291BE652E60CF0E840" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_AD4D6CD24AEE3A05F93E52E60CF01ADD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_5C1E449CC2FF6CD75C2252E60CEFE432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_AD4D6CD24AEE3A05F93E52E60CF01ADD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4251ED0B4C73D0BE61AE52E60F6A4760" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4251ED0B4C73D0BE61AE52E60F6A4760" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1080452763BB8E992A852E60F6A8158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4251ED0B4C73D0BE61AE52E60F6A4760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1080452763BB8E992A852E60F6A8158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_DB005337E7698681DC3052E60F6BC6F4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1080452763BB8E992A852E60F6A8158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_DB005337E7698681DC3052E60F6BC6F4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_DB005337E7698681DC3052E60F6BC6F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1080452763BB8E992A852E60F6A8158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_DB005337E7698681DC3052E60F6BC6F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_98EAFFFF392526766DB052E60F6B23DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_DB005337E7698681DC3052E60F6BC6F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_98EAFFFF392526766DB052E60F6B23DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C2E058AB1A65091BDD7C52E60F6B0AE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_DB005337E7698681DC3052E60F6BC6F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C2E058AB1A65091BDD7C52E60F6B0AE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9BA2F83D388D30DE175452E60F6B0C09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4251ED0B4C73D0BE61AE52E60F6A4760" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9BA2F83D388D30DE175452E60F6B0C09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9BA2F83D388D30DE175452E60F6B0C09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_9BA2F83D388D30DE175452E60F6B0C09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_11652FFD1BC9D56C030952E60F6B1B94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_11652FFD1BC9D56C030952E60F6B1B94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_AdvertiserRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_AdvertiserRelationshipsMember_F7B6D0D5F11466B8D20C52E60F6CB23A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C" xlink:to="loc_amcx_AdvertiserRelationshipsMember_F7B6D0D5F11466B8D20C52E60F6CB23A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_7B8EA05F3463298A307F52E60F6C08AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_7B8EA05F3463298A307F52E60F6C08AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_29C6206D51021E51B29D52E60F6DB47E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB52A9C8F85BAD19478A52E60F6B236C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_29C6206D51021E51B29D52E60F6DB47E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_4DD3F0C9BB3ACFB077B352E60F6D93CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_4DD3F0C9BB3ACFB077B352E60F6D93CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_28DA5AEB342FCC69EBFE52E60F6DED21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_28DA5AEB342FCC69EBFE52E60F6DED21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_1D2FC78DE7CC96D4F0F252E60F6D1E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_1D2FC78DE7CC96D4F0F252E60F6D1E7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_6D747661445F5F0A3F2B52E60F6D03C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_6D747661445F5F0A3F2B52E60F6D03C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_6B889C1696F0E8856AA952E60F6DB6B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_6B889C1696F0E8856AA952E60F6DB6B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_25068BB626BC6E55522452E60F6D5834" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_25068BB626BC6E55522452E60F6D5834" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_0B7E6898645B5968F99052E60F6D32C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_352BE62FC5526BEF5DE952E60F6D3CE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_0B7E6898645B5968F99052E60F6D32C6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsScheduleOfGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F90059C5CBBE6CBC6A722CA9D47E80F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8ECDDD684FA06E94FFFD2CA9D47E8868" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F90059C5CBBE6CBC6A722CA9D47E80F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8ECDDD684FA06E94FFFD2CA9D47E8868" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B0001AC844174E2DE2002CA9D47E7A29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8ECDDD684FA06E94FFFD2CA9D47E8868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B0001AC844174E2DE2002CA9D47E7A29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_862A59A7B0C73E2809542CA9D47E4972_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B0001AC844174E2DE2002CA9D47E7A29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_862A59A7B0C73E2809542CA9D47E4972_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_862A59A7B0C73E2809542CA9D47E4972" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B0001AC844174E2DE2002CA9D47E7A29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_862A59A7B0C73E2809542CA9D47E4972" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_NationalNetworksMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_8641AA5506FD071645F22CA9D47E569F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_862A59A7B0C73E2809542CA9D47E4972" xlink:to="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_8641AA5506FD071645F22CA9D47E569F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_F84A5207AA633039EBB32CA9D47E4FB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_862A59A7B0C73E2809542CA9D47E4972" xlink:to="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_F84A5207AA633039EBB32CA9D47E4FB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_E5B1FCC6584886BE68BD2CA9D47E81F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_F90059C5CBBE6CBC6A722CA9D47E80F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_E5B1FCC6584886BE68BD2CA9D47E81F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_278B2EE60AC58131DA682CA9D47E2529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_E5B1FCC6584886BE68BD2CA9D47E81F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_278B2EE60AC58131DA682CA9D47E2529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset_82F22DF818B9A7AC53062CA9D47EECF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_E5B1FCC6584886BE68BD2CA9D47E81F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillSubsequentRecognitionOfDeferredTaxAsset_82F22DF818B9A7AC53062CA9D47EECF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_4342960B5460ADB79C732CA9D47F15D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_E5B1FCC6584886BE68BD2CA9D47E81F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_4342960B5460ADB79C732CA9D47F15D1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_EECAD6AD3B0F023E810126A2AED58528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_EECAD6AD3B0F023E810126A2AED58528" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_84391BA6073AF902118A26A2AED6DB24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_EECAD6AD3B0F023E810126A2AED58528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_84391BA6073AF902118A26A2AED6DB24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_07A662DC137EA2964D4926A2AED7EBA7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_84391BA6073AF902118A26A2AED6DB24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_07A662DC137EA2964D4926A2AED7EBA7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_07A662DC137EA2964D4926A2AED7EBA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_84391BA6073AF902118A26A2AED6DB24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_07A662DC137EA2964D4926A2AED7EBA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_RLJEMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_RLJEMember_BC41F65AC4503347E7CB26A2AED7D22C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_07A662DC137EA2964D4926A2AED7EBA7" xlink:to="loc_amcx_RLJEMember_BC41F65AC4503347E7CB26A2AED7D22C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5A6106DCB5C0268997626A2AED77C6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_EECAD6AD3B0F023E810126A2AED58528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5A6106DCB5C0268997626A2AED77C6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5A6106DCB5C0268997626A2AED77C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5A6106DCB5C0268997626A2AED77C6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_TrancheALoanMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_TrancheALoanMember_3200C67ACE9D3FE2345C26A2AED7FD8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB" xlink:to="loc_amcx_TrancheALoanMember_3200C67ACE9D3FE2345C26A2AED7FD8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_TrancheBLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_TrancheBLoanMember_4F5D52F445DEADADBECC26A2AED7921B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB" xlink:to="loc_amcx_TrancheBLoanMember_4F5D52F445DEADADBECC26A2AED7921B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_AmendedTrancheALoanMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_AmendedTrancheALoanMember_EE3AC2E57788C3D6930D26A2AED71B53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB" xlink:to="loc_amcx_AmendedTrancheALoanMember_EE3AC2E57788C3D6930D26A2AED71B53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_TrancheA2LoanMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_TrancheA2LoanMember_97FEE00B92E3AFC823CC26A2AED74B93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DD41A4DD5DC9956A4EE826A2AED71CCB" xlink:to="loc_amcx_TrancheA2LoanMember_97FEE00B92E3AFC823CC26A2AED74B93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_DECBE1F7B4B61130161F26A2AED70328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_EECAD6AD3B0F023E810126A2AED58528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_DECBE1F7B4B61130161F26A2AED70328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B6CDE21D69621C50604A26A2AED7A954_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_DECBE1F7B4B61130161F26A2AED70328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B6CDE21D69621C50604A26A2AED7A954_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B6CDE21D69621C50604A26A2AED7A954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_DECBE1F7B4B61130161F26A2AED70328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B6CDE21D69621C50604A26A2AED7A954" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_059AD4ABE6AD6F1AD19926A2AED867D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B6CDE21D69621C50604A26A2AED7A954" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_059AD4ABE6AD6F1AD19926A2AED867D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_2EC69F838C49C70422C126A2AED8AF29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_2EC69F838C49C70422C126A2AED8AF29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_WarrantsReceivedperRLJEInvestmentAgreement" xlink:label="loc_amcx_WarrantsReceivedperRLJEInvestmentAgreement_EB4048E1F552104E852426A2AED86B00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_amcx_WarrantsReceivedperRLJEInvestmentAgreement_EB4048E1F552104E852426A2AED86B00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice_A58338C297C54E239FEA26A2AED86262" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentWarrantsExercisePrice_A58338C297C54E239FEA26A2AED86262" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_SharesAcquiredfromExerciseofWarrants" xlink:label="loc_amcx_SharesAcquiredfromExerciseofWarrants_F97AACA184999C530C7D26A2AED83516" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_amcx_SharesAcquiredfromExerciseofWarrants_F97AACA184999C530C7D26A2AED83516" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_LoanForgiveninLieuofExercisePriceforWarrantsExercised" xlink:label="loc_amcx_LoanForgiveninLieuofExercisePriceforWarrantsExercised_611747D44CB27E51E11F26A2AED80A76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_amcx_LoanForgiveninLieuofExercisePriceforWarrantsExercised_611747D44CB27E51E11F26A2AED80A76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAociForInvestmentTransferredFromAvailableForSaleToEquityMethodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAociForInvestmentTransferredFromAvailableForSaleToEquityMethodBeforeTax_7941B7AA9A348F9712EB26A2AED86444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_10E6845E35A8124CE25726A2AED83D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAociForInvestmentTransferredFromAvailableForSaleToEquityMethodBeforeTax_7941B7AA9A348F9712EB26A2AED86444" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C5B50FCCE8471505FED45F4396CFBBE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C5B50FCCE8471505FED45F4396CFBBE7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_EF1B0ECB86A98D098D895F4396CF61B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C5B50FCCE8471505FED45F4396CFBBE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_EF1B0ECB86A98D098D895F4396CF61B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B7CAF1F1810EC5FFAFE75F4396CF6C09_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_EF1B0ECB86A98D098D895F4396CF61B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B7CAF1F1810EC5FFAFE75F4396CF6C09_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B7CAF1F1810EC5FFAFE75F4396CF6C09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_EF1B0ECB86A98D098D895F4396CF61B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B7CAF1F1810EC5FFAFE75F4396CF6C09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_E2FEB5C0AE3E004000525F4396CF725A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B7CAF1F1810EC5FFAFE75F4396CF6C09" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_E2FEB5C0AE3E004000525F4396CF725A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_TermAFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_TermAFacilityMember_CD710A5B52BEBA2C7CBB5F4396CFB4A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_B7CAF1F1810EC5FFAFE75F4396CF6C09" xlink:to="loc_amcx_TermAFacilityMember_CD710A5B52BEBA2C7CBB5F4396CFB4A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B500AD68BBF20D47C1725F4396CF383B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C5B50FCCE8471505FED45F4396CFBBE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B500AD68BBF20D47C1725F4396CF383B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19DEB733BBE986BF426A5F4396CF17BE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B500AD68BBF20D47C1725F4396CF383B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19DEB733BBE986BF426A5F4396CF17BE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19DEB733BBE986BF426A5F4396CF17BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B500AD68BBF20D47C1725F4396CF383B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19DEB733BBE986BF426A5F4396CF17BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_5667900F9B6BA1ECA9605F4396CFF2F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19DEB733BBE986BF426A5F4396CF17BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_5667900F9B6BA1ECA9605F4396CFF2F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_8CADB449F131070047CE5F4396CFD76D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19DEB733BBE986BF426A5F4396CF17BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_8CADB449F131070047CE5F4396CFD76D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_A6A50CD50D2226F883825F4396D042C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_A6A50CD50D2226F883825F4396D042C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_375A5EBEF8A5027569DD5F4396D069DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_375A5EBEF8A5027569DD5F4396D069DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet_D648B63D89C032437A105F4396D075FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet_D648B63D89C032437A105F4396D075FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_3EE474A2B4F2CC0BA5C55F4396D073C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_3EE474A2B4F2CC0BA5C55F4396D073C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_A8EA60A8EB3D460663E05F4396D0BBB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_A8EA60A8EB3D460663E05F4396D0BBB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_B3C0136E0FEE0CF83EA45F4396D0601D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_B3C0136E0FEE0CF83EA45F4396D0601D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_4FC9552489DC5851CF545F4396D0310D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_4FC9552489DC5851CF545F4396D0310D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_1DD535C9FE51AAA4A2205F4396D0562B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_1DD535C9FE51AAA4A2205F4396D0562B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_E9AD687E36948F991B425F4396D020C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_22DCD9F9B6B890438CE65F4396CF5320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_E9AD687E36948F991B425F4396D020C0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebtSummaryOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E92C8D3E500E606C3D555F4186EA2197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E92C8D3E500E606C3D555F4186EA2197" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_BE23592D9FDBA7E4A7415F4186EA8481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E92C8D3E500E606C3D555F4186EA2197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_BE23592D9FDBA7E4A7415F4186EA8481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_52BCFF91473BE7FCB8A85F4186EA8B9E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_BE23592D9FDBA7E4A7415F4186EA8481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_52BCFF91473BE7FCB8A85F4186EA8B9E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_52BCFF91473BE7FCB8A85F4186EA8B9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_BE23592D9FDBA7E4A7415F4186EA8481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_52BCFF91473BE7FCB8A85F4186EA8B9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_30B5A0CF43947FFFC8EF5F4186EAB543" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_52BCFF91473BE7FCB8A85F4186EA8B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_30B5A0CF43947FFFC8EF5F4186EAB543" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9F76BF14F290C7EF7BCF5F4186EA4036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E92C8D3E500E606C3D555F4186EA2197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9F76BF14F290C7EF7BCF5F4186EA4036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79A6E08024FDF7F7C4B55F4186EAE737_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9F76BF14F290C7EF7BCF5F4186EA4036" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79A6E08024FDF7F7C4B55F4186EAE737_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79A6E08024FDF7F7C4B55F4186EAE737" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9F76BF14F290C7EF7BCF5F4186EA4036" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79A6E08024FDF7F7C4B55F4186EAE737" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_10556579DF7A2BD4324F5F4186EAC02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79A6E08024FDF7F7C4B55F4186EAE737" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_10556579DF7A2BD4324F5F4186EAC02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F4F8F2DE314B19E499E5F4186EAA673" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E92C8D3E500E606C3D555F4186EA2197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F4F8F2DE314B19E499E5F4186EAA673" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F4F8F2DE314B19E499E5F4186EAA673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8F4F8F2DE314B19E499E5F4186EAA673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_TermAFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_TermAFacilityMember_BDCD494AF529BE7103225F4186F09FF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9" xlink:to="loc_amcx_TermAFacilityMember_BDCD494AF529BE7103225F4186F09FF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_7E88C22AE38B3E983AC25F41ADDC7F06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A4.75SeniorNotesDue2025Member_7E88C22AE38B3E983AC25F41ADDC7F06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember_C64324B709A5C28631735F4186F03D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A5.00SeniorNotesMember_C64324B709A5C28631735F4186F03D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember_BF9F8EA9DFC253709DA35F4186F0BF24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_59A79748268EEBB8B3855F4186EBE8B9" xlink:to="loc_amcx_A475SeniorNotesMember_BF9F8EA9DFC253709DA35F4186F0BF24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_CC433D7F4D9505F3E83E5F4186F18045" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_CC433D7F4D9505F3E83E5F4186F18045" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_562ED638397269FC40215F4186F15CDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_562ED638397269FC40215F4186F15CDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_BD1E64472F1B042D5A6F5F4186F480A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_BD1E64472F1B042D5A6F5F4186F480A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_A895AA0B5F0C27D036705F4186F4F4AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_A895AA0B5F0C27D036705F4186F4F4AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_318D30B60F6D10003C995F4186F42CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_318D30B60F6D10003C995F4186F42CF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_54813E661A22F71ED7B65F4186F47AFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_54813E661A22F71ED7B65F4186F47AFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_826C04EC14C7AA2A92205F4186F4FC57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F743BEB1B512C463903D5F4186F0D241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_826C04EC14C7AA2A92205F4186F4FC57" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_430A5F48AC6B9F4854734EFDFC7E51F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_430A5F48AC6B9F4854734EFDFC7E51F8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E75716A55A23684D3F164EFDFC7E32BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_430A5F48AC6B9F4854734EFDFC7E51F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E75716A55A23684D3F164EFDFC7E32BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_775F285513401E54CB834EFDFC7EB34C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E75716A55A23684D3F164EFDFC7E32BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_775F285513401E54CB834EFDFC7EB34C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_775F285513401E54CB834EFDFC7EB34C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_E75716A55A23684D3F164EFDFC7E32BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_775F285513401E54CB834EFDFC7EB34C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_30E0694728EFCFEF8C7B4EFDFC7FAD61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_775F285513401E54CB834EFDFC7EB34C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_30E0694728EFCFEF8C7B4EFDFC7FAD61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_71811A0320B126A479564EFDFC7F6F37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_775F285513401E54CB834EFDFC7EB34C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_71811A0320B126A479564EFDFC7F6F37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1BE3B951CE7C6A1849A74EFDFC7F710E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_430A5F48AC6B9F4854734EFDFC7E51F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1BE3B951CE7C6A1849A74EFDFC7F710E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FCF09016CEF9C099C4CC4EFDFC7F2661_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1BE3B951CE7C6A1849A74EFDFC7F710E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FCF09016CEF9C099C4CC4EFDFC7F2661_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FCF09016CEF9C099C4CC4EFDFC7F2661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1BE3B951CE7C6A1849A74EFDFC7F710E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FCF09016CEF9C099C4CC4EFDFC7F2661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_65529CA9C8EFAF0D1CB54EFDFC7F3DD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FCF09016CEF9C099C4CC4EFDFC7F2661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_65529CA9C8EFAF0D1CB54EFDFC7F3DD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_4A7CBCF20E21C46427784EFDFC7FAE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_4A7CBCF20E21C46427784EFDFC7FAE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_4BC714CC5EB61BB62B4A4EFDFC7F0DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_4BC714CC5EB61BB62B4A4EFDFC7F0DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_AFA689C3C0D174CEF5234EFDFC7F70E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_AFA689C3C0D174CEF5234EFDFC7F70E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_4823B87375E650E7A45A4EFDFC7F3E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_4823B87375E650E7A45A4EFDFC7F3E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_16E87F54C86E36A6D1BD4EFDFC7F692B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5EFC961D38E7AB2020514EFDFC7F399E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_16E87F54C86E36A6D1BD4EFDFC7F692B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShareReconciliationBetweenBasicAndDilutedWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_459DCD01523EFFB642A152E60DBC6358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_A94CBD8C8093251377FD52E60DBBDA4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_459DCD01523EFFB642A152E60DBC6358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_A94CBD8C8093251377FD52E60DBBDA4F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0F684B6B8EBF74394B7352E60DBBC8AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_A94CBD8C8093251377FD52E60DBBDA4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0F684B6B8EBF74394B7352E60DBBC8AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B02FE3E9510905341E252E60DBB1DA7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0F684B6B8EBF74394B7352E60DBBC8AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B02FE3E9510905341E252E60DBB1DA7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B02FE3E9510905341E252E60DBB1DA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0F684B6B8EBF74394B7352E60DBBC8AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B02FE3E9510905341E252E60DBB1DA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_DA63895A8F8EBAA9B21A52E60DBBE0C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B02FE3E9510905341E252E60DBB1DA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_DA63895A8F8EBAA9B21A52E60DBBE0C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_B7DE8EF468A9486D3F4A52E60DBCA0C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B02FE3E9510905341E252E60DBB1DA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_B7DE8EF468A9486D3F4A52E60DBCA0C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_B0D37075D6552F2E828052E60DBC0545" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_459DCD01523EFFB642A152E60DBC6358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_B0D37075D6552F2E828052E60DBC0545" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_7C01A36CD6CB11F207F552E60DBC240A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_459DCD01523EFFB642A152E60DBC6358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_7C01A36CD6CB11F207F552E60DBC240A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_3D73AE287DEA166F032052E60DBCCAAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_459DCD01523EFFB642A152E60DBC6358" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_3D73AE287DEA166F032052E60DBCCAAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_FD58FCE467F2C4269D2A52E60DBC1043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_3D73AE287DEA166F032052E60DBCCAAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_FD58FCE467F2C4269D2A52E60DBC1043" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_191895328A919D5E0A8F4F8698F5F35E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_FA9D607E7869CD96FE734F8698F5B5B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_191895328A919D5E0A8F4F8698F5F35E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_FA9D607E7869CD96FE734F8698F5B5B6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6AF3531FDB259F2FFE954F8698F51975" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_FA9D607E7869CD96FE734F8698F5B5B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6AF3531FDB259F2FFE954F8698F51975" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_F70F90437FF807FA3B764F8698F54C74_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6AF3531FDB259F2FFE954F8698F51975" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_F70F90437FF807FA3B764F8698F54C74_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_F70F90437FF807FA3B764F8698F54C74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_6AF3531FDB259F2FFE954F8698F51975" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_F70F90437FF807FA3B764F8698F54C74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_B795A3CBFB9D861600754F8698F5A823" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_F70F90437FF807FA3B764F8698F54C74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_B795A3CBFB9D861600754F8698F5A823" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_PercentageOfCommonStockOwnedByRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_amcx_PercentageOfCommonStockOwnedByRelatedParty_614F27486619C8C0A4884F8698F5F132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_191895328A919D5E0A8F4F8698F5F35E" xlink:to="loc_amcx_PercentageOfCommonStockOwnedByRelatedParty_614F27486619C8C0A4884F8698F5F132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_AggregateVotingPowerHeldByRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_amcx_AggregateVotingPowerHeldByRelatedParty_0A023A0A27239E0B22014F8698F56208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_191895328A919D5E0A8F4F8698F5F35E" xlink:to="loc_amcx_AggregateVotingPowerHeldByRelatedParty_0A023A0A27239E0B22014F8698F56208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_E64FA46CDF7A8E20B4074F8698F54A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_191895328A919D5E0A8F4F8698F5F35E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_E64FA46CDF7A8E20B4074F8698F54A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_9CD8E5D4CC7B2656B2574F8698F53C3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_191895328A919D5E0A8F4F8698F5F35E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_9CD8E5D4CC7B2656B2574F8698F53C3F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/Restructuring" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RestructuringRestructuringAndRelatedCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_3414A92A56641DFB3CC72CA9D4A9FED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B614B2B34B4BD837525F2CA9D4A66748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_3414A92A56641DFB3CC72CA9D4A9FED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B614B2B34B4BD837525F2CA9D4A66748" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1F4A658F743BEB360FE12CA9D4A7F5A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_B614B2B34B4BD837525F2CA9D4A66748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1F4A658F743BEB360FE12CA9D4A7F5A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EFBD7746BDD7FD711E32CA9D4A79575_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1F4A658F743BEB360FE12CA9D4A7F5A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EFBD7746BDD7FD711E32CA9D4A79575_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EFBD7746BDD7FD711E32CA9D4A79575" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1F4A658F743BEB360FE12CA9D4A7F5A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EFBD7746BDD7FD711E32CA9D4A79575" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_NationalNetworksMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_C54A87E0F8E996042D002CA9D4A84F94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EFBD7746BDD7FD711E32CA9D4A79575" xlink:to="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_C54A87E0F8E996042D002CA9D4A84F94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_2E74BE2E578224136F4A2CA9D4A8B307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EFBD7746BDD7FD711E32CA9D4A79575" xlink:to="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_2E74BE2E578224136F4A2CA9D4A8B307" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_30C1B64C05F86931D1052CA9D4A9F62D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_3414A92A56641DFB3CC72CA9D4A9FED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_30C1B64C05F86931D1052CA9D4A9F62D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RestructuringScheduleOfRestructuringReserveByTypeOfCostDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B80F490C0AFB5FCC1B744EFDFC3C6594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_C5E61AAE933E1DC5E09A4EFDFC3B8945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B80F490C0AFB5FCC1B744EFDFC3C6594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_C5E61AAE933E1DC5E09A4EFDFC3B8945" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_42C56B2E0A2C53C0AF9C4EFDFC3C7D56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_C5E61AAE933E1DC5E09A4EFDFC3B8945" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_42C56B2E0A2C53C0AF9C4EFDFC3C7D56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_4963A9E4AA725CBE53434EFDFC3C572D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_42C56B2E0A2C53C0AF9C4EFDFC3C7D56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_4963A9E4AA725CBE53434EFDFC3C572D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_4963A9E4AA725CBE53434EFDFC3C572D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_42C56B2E0A2C53C0AF9C4EFDFC3C7D56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_4963A9E4AA725CBE53434EFDFC3C572D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_7F427F4A548E1E2460C04EFDFC3CE385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_4963A9E4AA725CBE53434EFDFC3C572D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_7F427F4A548E1E2460C04EFDFC3CE385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_55DE3C84CA1057AF7AE64EFDFC3CD8C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_4963A9E4AA725CBE53434EFDFC3C572D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_55DE3C84CA1057AF7AE64EFDFC3CD8C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B80F490C0AFB5FCC1B744EFDFC3C6594" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_FF56F84027ED5F3657EC4EFDFC3C7850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_FF56F84027ED5F3657EC4EFDFC3C7850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_1BB4E9B5379E9DF5EE824EFDFC3C36F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_1BB4E9B5379E9DF5EE824EFDFC3C36F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_8FE1701CB465896714334EFDFC3C6020" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_8FE1701CB465896714334EFDFC3C6020" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_35060FBEF25774392E864EFDFC3C8CD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_35060FBEF25774392E864EFDFC3C8CD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveTranslationAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveTranslationAdjustment_D0B074A312FBA02010724EFDFC3C2423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_1E4855C8B33F450DA0604EFDFC3C3F3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveTranslationAdjustment_D0B074A312FBA02010724EFDFC3C2423" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/RestructuringTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationLongLivedAssetsByGeographicLocationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D32A6306644CC87A9A5C52E60D359B5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_34F514ABB9B4DA99B96452E60D3435FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D32A6306644CC87A9A5C52E60D359B5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_34F514ABB9B4DA99B96452E60D3435FD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_173050A392E6E51D835D52E60D3420A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_34F514ABB9B4DA99B96452E60D3435FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_173050A392E6E51D835D52E60D3420A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_173050A392E6E51D835D52E60D3420A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_173050A392E6E51D835D52E60D3420A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_FFDC3F9341786414712652E60D35A3A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_FFDC3F9341786414712652E60D35A3A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_D26AFB3EBE94C1B4775C52E60D3528A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_D26AFB3EBE94C1B4775C52E60D3528A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_OtherGeographicLocationsMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_OtherGeographicLocationsMember_8873B9B83B052020AC1F52E60D35305D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_D2A433BC8EEC8C9BDDFD52E60D35DE65" xlink:to="loc_amcx_OtherGeographicLocationsMember_8873B9B83B052020AC1F52E60D35305D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_C3BAF31B09BB8C94B6AB52E60D35910F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D32A6306644CC87A9A5C52E60D359B5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_C3BAF31B09BB8C94B6AB52E60D35910F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationRevenuesByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E9CB4E7CF154A631550552E60BD03186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_7F350B4374EBD8E99E8852E60BCF0EF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E9CB4E7CF154A631550552E60BD03186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_7F350B4374EBD8E99E8852E60BCF0EF9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D77712472331D1A82A4B52E60BCF2176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_7F350B4374EBD8E99E8852E60BCF0EF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D77712472331D1A82A4B52E60BCF2176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D77712472331D1A82A4B52E60BCF2176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_D77712472331D1A82A4B52E60BCF2176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_1D6061BFE7A6C396F76152E60BCF084E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NorthAmericaMember_1D6061BFE7A6C396F76152E60BCF084E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EuropeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_0DDC7A3635D20113890E52E60BD0751B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EuropeMember_0DDC7A3635D20113890E52E60BD0751B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_OtherGeographicLocationsMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_OtherGeographicLocationsMember_2F034559A3B32E46622F52E60BD0CA23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_6528D1A5497B5090D1FF52E60BCFB76E" xlink:to="loc_amcx_OtherGeographicLocationsMember_2F034559A3B32E46622F52E60BD0CA23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_F1DEEE12912B40843B3852E60BD08253" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_E9CB4E7CF154A631550552E60BD03186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_F1DEEE12912B40843B3852E60BD08253" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryOfContinuingOperationsByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D2C135CDB95F953FB4A5A1BDC3D4852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D2C135CDB95F953FB4A5A1BDC3D4852" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_815A34CE446F9E8EA17D5A1BDC3DF430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D2C135CDB95F953FB4A5A1BDC3D4852" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_815A34CE446F9E8EA17D5A1BDC3DF430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B3FD8100AEF7097F63D75A1BDC3DA296_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_815A34CE446F9E8EA17D5A1BDC3DF430" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B3FD8100AEF7097F63D75A1BDC3DA296_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B3FD8100AEF7097F63D75A1BDC3DA296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_815A34CE446F9E8EA17D5A1BDC3DF430" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B3FD8100AEF7097F63D75A1BDC3DA296" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_25454C4C825A90058C4F5A1BDC3DD2B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B3FD8100AEF7097F63D75A1BDC3DA296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_25454C4C825A90058C4F5A1BDC3DD2B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_EBA57FD1A39B478A0D7D5A1BDC3EE7DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B3FD8100AEF7097F63D75A1BDC3DA296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_EBA57FD1A39B478A0D7D5A1BDC3EE7DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D61BCD6F9EFB2EFF1FB95A1BDC3E4F07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D2C135CDB95F953FB4A5A1BDC3D4852" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D61BCD6F9EFB2EFF1FB95A1BDC3E4F07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8DF9276FEFBF120EECFF5A1BDC3E2F25_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D61BCD6F9EFB2EFF1FB95A1BDC3E4F07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8DF9276FEFBF120EECFF5A1BDC3E2F25_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8DF9276FEFBF120EECFF5A1BDC3E2F25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D61BCD6F9EFB2EFF1FB95A1BDC3E4F07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8DF9276FEFBF120EECFF5A1BDC3E2F25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_NationalNetworksMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_05C6ABC709D042964BED5A1BDC3E4DD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8DF9276FEFBF120EECFF5A1BDC3E2F25" xlink:to="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_05C6ABC709D042964BED5A1BDC3E4DD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_E78125BC1065344452D85A1BDC3EBCF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8DF9276FEFBF120EECFF5A1BDC3E2F25" xlink:to="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_E78125BC1065344452D85A1BDC3EBCF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingRevenue_00840A39091795DF6B1A5A1BDC3E13FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingRevenue_00840A39091795DF6B1A5A1BDC3E13FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet_7DBCDDDDF61ED204371E5A1BDC3E5338" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet_7DBCDDDDF61ED204371E5A1BDC3E5338" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_3A05759E13392CD82DBE5A1BDC3EFA41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_3A05759E13392CD82DBE5A1BDC3EFA41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_F045C1F98063562169CF5A1BDC3F8CEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_F045C1F98063562169CF5A1BDC3F8CEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_A9F12C420E83DE4076625A1BDC3F8265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_A9F12C420E83DE4076625A1BDC3F8265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_11B94CC70D4C713BD62F5A1BDC3F5A46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_11B94CC70D4C713BD62F5A1BDC3F5A46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_38DD74BF30E50F5493F45A1EFEF2BB11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_38DD74BF30E50F5493F45A1EFEF2BB11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_1C0C96DC96DB6DEF39E45A1BDC44DC83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_1C0C96DC96DB6DEF39E45A1BDC44DC83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_SegmentReportingInformationAdjustedOperatingIncome" xlink:label="loc_amcx_SegmentReportingInformationAdjustedOperatingIncome_9EF2688DDA53FF19F1545A1BDC44D90D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_amcx_SegmentReportingInformationAdjustedOperatingIncome_9EF2688DDA53FF19F1545A1BDC44D90D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_29EC7DDC52CDC0EA8C145A1BDC44585F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BEBC446E163878AFD4365A1BDC3EDB2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_29EC7DDC52CDC0EA8C145A1BDC44585F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryOfInterSegmentEliminationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_11F1FAC598B215D6F67752E60F0E2F55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_74E3E4C96BF39C8A6E4452E60F0E712A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_11F1FAC598B215D6F67752E60F0E2F55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_74E3E4C96BF39C8A6E4452E60F0E712A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_93E9E35BD52196DA2B0A52E60F0E8B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_74E3E4C96BF39C8A6E4452E60F0E712A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_93E9E35BD52196DA2B0A52E60F0E8B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_94124CBE05761D38FE1352E60F0EBC0F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_93E9E35BD52196DA2B0A52E60F0E8B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_94124CBE05761D38FE1352E60F0EBC0F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_94124CBE05761D38FE1352E60F0EBC0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_93E9E35BD52196DA2B0A52E60F0E8B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_94124CBE05761D38FE1352E60F0EBC0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_FB50BB73CC3429F2F15152E60F0EF0BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_94124CBE05761D38FE1352E60F0EBC0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_FB50BB73CC3429F2F15152E60F0EF0BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A2BCAA1AEE4D19C9FE2952E60F0E3FC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_74E3E4C96BF39C8A6E4452E60F0E712A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A2BCAA1AEE4D19C9FE2952E60F0E3FC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F12628C2706EDF9428652E60F0E86E8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A2BCAA1AEE4D19C9FE2952E60F0E3FC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F12628C2706EDF9428652E60F0E86E8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F12628C2706EDF9428652E60F0E86E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A2BCAA1AEE4D19C9FE2952E60F0E3FC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F12628C2706EDF9428652E60F0E86E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_NationalNetworksMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_05170B8536A5480AB58552E60F0EB810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F12628C2706EDF9428652E60F0E86E8" xlink:to="loc_amcx_NationalNetworksMember_05170B8536A5480AB58552E60F0EB810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amcx-20170930.xsd#amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_0B70DBA8E465D906015752E60F0ED0AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7F12628C2706EDF9428652E60F0E86E8" xlink:to="loc_amcx_InternationalAndOtherMember_0B70DBA8E465D906015752E60F0ED0AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_55D11407A4681F4BE97F52E60F0FFBBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_11F1FAC598B215D6F67752E60F0E2F55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_55D11407A4681F4BE97F52E60F0FFBBC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.amcnetworks.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
