The Walking Dead Returns To US Screens With Record Viewing Figures

The Walking Dead success story shows no signs of letting up, as the series returned to US screens after its mid-season break with its highest viewing figures ever.

“The Suicide King” – The Walking Dead episode 3.09 ( reviewed here ) – delivered AMC a massive audience of 12.3 million viewers, the kind of figures the big four US networks would kill for these days. The previous record was 10.9 million viewers from the season three premiere last October.

And that 12.3 million was the figure for the first 9pm showing only. Add in the “encore” screenings later in the evening and the total goes up to 16.6 million viewers.

"When you look at numbers like this, the first thing that comes to mind is how grateful we are to the fans of this show. They embrace The Walking Dead in a way that we wanted to believe was possible but we never take for granted," said AMC president Charlie Collier. "The cast and crew put everything they have into making this show. They're a phenomenally talented group who truly give their all. We congratulate everyone involved."

Does that include the showrunners who get repeatedly sacked?

The Walking Dead airs on Fox in the UK, Fridays at 10pm

David Morrissey Teases Surprises In Store For The Walking Dead

Dave Golder
Freelance Writer

Dave is a TV and film journalist who specializes in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He's written books about film posters and post-apocalypses, alongside writing for SFX Magazine for many years.