THE WALKING DEAD Season Two Premiere is Most Watched Drama in Basic Cable History

AMC's zombie apocalypse drama based on Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard's comic series shattered basic cable records by attracting a horde of 7.3 million viewers as rabid fans tuned in Sunday evening to welcome the Emmy-winning series back for it's sophomore season.

The Walking Dead tells the story of the weeks and months that follow a pandemic zombie apocalypse. County Sheriff Rick Grimes travels with his family and a small group of survivors, constantly in search of a safe and secure home. But the constant pressure of fighting off death on a daily basis takes a heavy toll, sending many to the lowest depths of human cruelty. As Rick struggles to keep his family alive, he will discover that the overwhelming fear of the survivors can be far more dangerous than the mindless walkers roaming the earth.

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 A18-49 viewers for a drama in basic cable history.

Key Nielsen Highlights for the season two premiere of The Walking Dead:

● 9pm airing – 4.8 HH rating with 7.3 million viewers a 36%/38% increase respectively over last year’s season average
● 9pm airing – Adults 18-49 delivered 4.8 million viewers; a 36% increase over last year’s season average
● 9pm airing – Adults 25-54 delivered 4.2 million viewers; a 35% increase over last year’s average.
● 9 pm, 10:30pm and 12:30am airings – cumed to 11 million viewers

AMC’s season one of “The Walking Dead” had a series average of 3.5 million Adults 18-49 making it then the most watched drama series in basic cable history for the demo. The season averaged 5.2 million total viewers.

“‘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.”

The Walking Dead stars Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs and Norman Reedus. AMC's Emmy Award-winning horror drama, which is based on the acclaimed comic book series by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, airs every Sunday.

Executive producers are Glen Mazzara, Gale Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, and Charles "Chic" Eglee. Jack LoGiudice serves as co-executive producer with Denise Huth as producer. Written by Eglee, LoGiudice, Kirkman, Glen Mazzara, Adam E. Fierro and Frank Darabont.