“Walking Dead” Season 2 premiere scores record ratings for basic cable

Last night’s Season 2 premiere of The Walking Dead pulled in record ratings for basic cable in two key demographics, besting last year’s season average by more than 35%.

Here’s how it breaks down:

4.8 MILLION VIEWERS ADULTS 18-49
4.2 MILLION VIEWERS ADULTS 25-54
7.3 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS
11 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS FOR THE NIGHT

A very happy Charlie Collier, AMC president, says in a release, “The Walking Dead is one of those rare television programs that reaches both a core genre fan as well as broad audiences simply looking for a great, character-based story. We’re so proud of and grateful for the amazing team on both sides of the camera who works so hard and is so committed to making this a unique programming event. That The Walking Dead is now the most watched drama in the history of basic cable is staggering, just like our zombies.”