“The Walking Dead” has been setting ratings records for AMC, attracting more Adults 18-49 than any series in the history of cable television. So it’s hardly surprising that AMC has already picked it up for a second season of 13 episodes.
The announcement Monday also includes Fox International Channels’ (FIC) global renewal for a second season, following record-breaking premiere ratings in 120 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and The Middle East. The news Corporation unit notes that The Walking Dead was the highest-rated original series premiere ever to air on FIC simultaneously worldwide.
“The ‘Dead’ has spread!” said Charlie Collier, President, AMC. “No other cable series has ever attracted as many Adults 18-49 as The Walking Dead. This reaffirms viewers’ hunger for premium television on basic cable. We are so proud to be bringing back The Walking Dead.”
“I wish all programming decisions were no brainers like this one. The Walking Dead is a TV masterpiece on so many levels. We want at least 10 seasons, if not more. Kudos to AMC!” said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP Scripted Programming.
AMC noted the ratings highlights for the first two outings by the new series:
Ratings Highlights for The Walking Dead – Episode 2, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 11/7:
10pm airing – 3.1 HH rating with over 4.7 million viewers;
Adults 18-49 – 3.3 million viewers;
Adults 25-54 – 2.8 million viewers;
Men 18-49 – 2.1 million viewers.
Ratings Highlights for the The Walking Dead – Episode 1, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 10/31:
10pm airing – 3.7 HH rating with over 5.3 million total viewers;
Adults 18-49 – 3.6 million viewers;
Adults 25-54 – 3.1 million viewers;
Men 18-49 – 2.0 million viewers.
The Walking Dead tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.
Shot on location in Atlanta, “The Walking Dead” is led by a cast that includes Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh, Sarah Wayne Callies as Lori Grimes, Laurie Holden as Andrea, Jeffrey DeMunn as Dale, Steven Yeun as Glen, Emma Bell as Amy and Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes.
AMC’s The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Kirkman serves as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont serves as writer, director and executive producer. Gale Anne Hurd, chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as Executive Producer. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion and Charles “Chic” Eglee serve as Executive Producers.
