Last night's much talked-about midseason finale of “The Walking Dead” scored another ratings milestone for the show. Are you surprised? Of course not!
Which won't keep the network from crowing that the episode was the highest-rated mid-season finale in series history, with 14.8 million total viewers and 9.6 million viewers in Adults 18-49 (up 23 and 24 percent, respectively). Additionally, they'd like you to know that the first half of Season 5 represents a ratings gain of 12 percent among all viewers and 13 percent among Adults 18-49 over last year. Yes, it's still the #1 TV show among the much-coveted 18-49 demographic.
Want more good news? Followup chat fest “Talking Dead” also scored the highest-rated mid-season finale in its history, with 6.6 million total viewers and 4.2 million in Adults 18-49. Last night's episode featured “Walking Dead” creator and executive-producer Robert Kirkman, cast member Emily Kinney and comedian Keegan-Michael Key.
“The audience-driven success of ‘The Walking Dead” and ‘Talking Dead” (even before time-shifting) is remarkable, and something we never take for granted,” said AMC president Charlie Collier in a statement. “We hold in such high regard Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple and all of our exceptional executive producers, cast and crew for their passionate efforts that led to television history for ‘The Walking Dead” once again last night. Congratulations and ‘non-creepy hugs” to Chris Hardwick and everyone associated with making ‘Talking Dead” not only the #1 talk show on television, but one of the top 18-49 shows in all of television, period. Huge thanks to all of our great partners and, of course, to the fans who make it possible.”
Check out Alan Sepinwall's review of the midseason finale here (or just watch the video review embedded above). What did you think?
“The Walking Dead” Season 5 picks up again on February 8.