'Walking Dead' Season 2 finale sets series highs

Zombie drama draws 9 million viewers

By Daniel Fienberg Monday, Mar 19, 2012 3:58 PM

Zombies!

Credit: AMC

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Another week, another set of series high ratings for "The Walking Dead," as the AMC zombie drama wrapped it its second season on Sunday (March 18) night.

The Sunday finale was the highest rated episode in "Walking Dead" history with a 5.8 household rating and 9 million viewers, that was a bump of 51 percent in total viewers over last year's finale. Between its two Sunday airings, "The Walking Dead" drew 10.5 million viewers.

Among adults 18-49, the "Walking Dead" finale drew a whopping 6 million viewers, up by 50 percent over last season's finale. The 25-54 audience also went up by 50 percent to 5.3 million.

For the season, "The Walking Dead" averaged 6.9 million viewers, including 4.6 million in the 18-49 demographic.

"The Walking Dead" remains the top drama series in basic cable history in a variety of demos including adults 18-49 and adults 18-34 and men in those two age ranges, plus 25-54.

AMC President Charlie Collier blurbs, "Congratulations to everyone associated with AMC's 'The Walking Dead' and thank you to the fans for creating, literally, record-setting television."

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Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.

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tjw

Dear Mr. Collier,

Congratulations, you have a hit on your hands. Now maybe you can give it back some of its budget. I know keeping Matthew Weiner comfortable in hookers and blow is costly, but come on and pay the shows that rake in the viewers. After all, THAT'S WHAT THE MONEY IS FOR!
March 19, 2012 at 4:04PM EST Reply to Comment
- TJW - The episode-by-episode budget was not lowered or not in any way that you would EVER notice on the screen.
  
  As for whether AMC will RAISE the budget for S.3? Dunno... Doubtful.
  
  -Daniel
  March 19, 2012 at 4:46PM EST
- tjw I know. It just seems that every other comment on the show has been about AMC gutting the budget to pay for Mad Men. My attempt at snarky sarcasm clearly didn't pan out.
  
  March 19, 2012 at 4:55PM EST
- Ah, tone. So hard to convey in so many different places online. Good times!
  
  -Daniel
  March 19, 2012 at 5:03PM EST
- Dave I "The episode-by-episode budget was not lowered or not in any way that you would EVER notice on the screen."
  
  Unless, y'know, it contributed to Frank Darabont leaving and the mid-season's change of one of the show's primary frontrunners, lack of direction, too much time at the farm, unevenness, or any of the other problems people have with the show. Yeah, as long as played no part in that, then sure.
  
  I love Mad Man, yet it seems feasible there could be some effect to the budget cuts of other shows to help pay for Mad Men.
  
  -Cheers
  March 19, 2012 at 5:42PM EST
- Dave - It didn't. At all.
  
  -Daniel
  March 19, 2012 at 6:07PM EST
- Dave I Fair enough. Forgive me for being skeptical, however I will take your word on it.
  
  In that case, they probably have no motivation to increase budget. The special effects were fine and they (Kirkman & co.) seem aware of the problems, which are likely at least somewhat influenced by change of showrunner, and hopefully address those concerns. That honestly makes me more optimistic about the show going on to be honest.
  
  -Cheers
  March 19, 2012 at 6:13PM EST
Drew Melbourne

And yet they still cannot capture the elusive 4-7 demographic! I demand more dinosaur zombies.
March 19, 2012 at 4:05PM EST Reply to Comment

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'Walking Dead' Season 2 finale sets series highs