'The Walking Dead' Surges Again, Hits Record 16.1 Million Viewers

[charlie and algernon]

The Walking Dead kicked off its fourth season on Sunday night -- continuing the AMC series' record-setting trend with more highs and blowing all nonsports competition out of the water.

Averaging 16.1 million viewers during its inaugural 9 p.m. broadcast, the series was up more than 5 million from last October's 10.9 million opener. Among adults 18-49, The Walking Dead averaged 10.4 million viewers. That's an 8.3 rating in the key demo, making it bigger than any broadcast series this fall and even stronger than last night's competition from Sunday Night Football. With adults 25-54, The Walking Dead saw another high with 8.8 million viewers.

Compared to previous records set by the season-three finale, The Walking Dead was up 3.7 million viewers and 2.3 million adults 18-49.

The Walking Dead ratings timeline:
• Season 3 finale, March 31: 12.4 million total viewers*, 8.1 million in 18-49*, 7 million in 25-54*
• Season 3 midseason premiere, Feb. 10: 12.3 million total viewers*, 6.8 million in 18-49, 6.7 million in 25-54*
• Season 3 midseason finale, Dec. 2: 10.5 million total viewers, 6.9 million in 18-49, 6 million in 25-54
• Season 3 premiere, Oct. 14: 10.9 million total viewers, 7.3 million in 18-49, 6.1 million in 25-54*
• Season 2 finale, March 18, 2012: 9 million total viewers, 6 million in 18-49, 5.3 million in 25-54*
• Season 2 midseason premiere, Feb. 12, 2012: 8.1 million total, 5.4 million* in 18-49, 4.4 million* in 25-54
• Season 2 premiere, Oct. 16, 2011: 7.3 million total, 4.8 million* in 18-49, 4.2 million* in 25-54
• Season 2 midseason finale, Nov. 27, 2011: 6.6 million total, 4.5 million in 18-49, 3.9 million in 25-54
• Season 1 finale, Dec. 5 2010: 6 million total, 4 million in 18-49, 3.5 million in 25-54
• Season 1 premiere, Oct. 31, 2010: 5.4 million total viewers, 2.7 million in 18-49

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-walking-dead-surges-648190

So the Walking Dead went from 5.4 million for the Series premiere to an astounding 16.1 million for the Season 4 premiere. I would think that nearly EVERY show would see their ratings FALL or at least plateau as the seasons roll on. The Walking Dead, meanwhile, has GAINED an insane 10.7 million viewers in four seasons. The Walking Dead is a beast!

[dr.strangelove]

1. Good shows build audience

The Sopranos peaked at season 4, with the season averaging an 11 share and the premier just under a 13.5, which was record breaking for a cable show. Still is for a pay cable show. Mad Men peaked at season 5. Shows that drop get canned. Shows that build or at the least stay high and steady, stick around.

Still, this number is mind blowing. Its a number that networks would kill for. It beat football for the young males. It destroyed the networks.

[Brigid]

2. Zombies make for great TV.

[Phentex]

3. 16.1 million viewers are not boycotting the south...

interesting. Should somebody let the folks in GD know this?

[charlie and algernon]

4. GD has a problem with the Walking Dead?

Or are you just talking about their general dislike of all things "South?"

[Phentex]

5. anything from, about, related to, etc.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

6. Maybe they are rooting for the zombies.