Amc's hit zombie drama The Walking Dead appears to be going from strength-to-strength after breaking ratings records for cable dramas. The show's season two premiere pulled in 7.3 million viewers with its first airing, and 11 million overall (inc re-reuns), according to a statement issued by the network.
The news comes despite a recent budget cut and the departure of creator Frank Darabont - a move that many fans assumed would affect the overall quality of the hit show. According to the network, the season two premiere delivered "the strongest telecast for any drama in basic cable history against key demos". The return of the post-apocalyptic drama, featuring British actor Andrew Lincoln, pulled in 4.8 million viewers in the 18-49 demographic, with 4.2 million in the 25-54 demographic. The ratings shattered the basic-cable record, set nearly 10 years ago. The figures also show a 38 per cent increase over season one' series average, which at the time delivered the most 18-49 viewers for a drama in basic-cable history. In his review of the season two premiere, Scott Wampling writing for Collider.com said, "My immediate reaction upon seeing the second season premiere was one of almost pure happiness".
The show is based on the on-going comic book series of the same name, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard.