The Walking Dead’s second season premiere breaks – then eats – records!

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

Last year, we were all fairly shocked by just how well “The Walking Dead” did in its freshman season, seemingly breaking records every week as word of mouth spread and the population went wild about zombies. There was no doubt that the second season was going to continue the trend, but there may have been doubters out there wondering if the dead would walk the earth with as much success…

Put those doubts in your pockets, friends: “The Walking Dead” has slayed them once again. A hell-raising 7.3 Million total viewers tuned in for the premiere; up about 1.3 million viewers from last season’s finale. Including the encore showings, 11 Million total viewers sat down to watch the further adventures of Rick Grimes and co. as they navigate the hellish wasteland that was once U.S.A.

From the official press release celebrating the ratings: Last night’s season two premiere of AMC’s original series, “The Walking Dead” delivered the strongest telecast for any drama in basic cable history. The season two premiere delivered 4.8 million Adults 18-49 and 4.2 million Adults 25-54 shattering a basic cable record set nearly 10 years ago for a single drama telecast. The program delivered a 4.8 HH rating netting 7.3 million total viewers. These results represent a 36% and 38% increase respectively over season one’s series average on AMC. Season one’s series average delivered the most 18-49 viewers for a drama in basic cable history.

“‘The Walking Dead’ is one of those rare television programs that reaches both a core genre fan as well as broad audiences simply looking for a great, character-based story. We’re so proud of and grateful for the amazing team on both sides of the camera who works so hard and is so committed to making this a unique programming event,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president. “That ‘The Walking Dead’ is now the most watched drama in the history of basic cable is staggering, just like our zombies.”

Can an announcement about a third season pickup be far behind?