AMC Renews 'Walking Dead' For Season 2

No surprise here: AMC just announced it is renewing breakout hit The Walking Dead for a second season with a 13-episode order. The pickup comes on the heels of Walking Dead‘s record-breaking premiere on October 31, that drew 5.3 million viewers, 3.6 million of them in the 18-49 demographic. In addition to AMC, Fox International Channels also have renewed  the series for as second season, following record-breaking premiere ratings in 120 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. “The Dead has spread!” said Charlie Collier, President of AMC. “No other cable series has ever attracted as many adults 18-49 as ‘The Walking Dead.’ This reaffirms viewers’ hunger for premium television on basic cable.” Even more impressive than its big debut was how well Walking Dead held up in its second airing last night. It drew 4.7 million viewers, only 11% down from the debut which was supported by a massive promotional campaign. In adults 18-49, it averaged 3.3 million viewers, down 8%. Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic book series, The Walking Dead was written and directed by Frank Darabont who is executive producing with Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert. Also joining the series as an executive producer is Charles “Chic” Eglee (Dexter).