The Walking Dead Makes Strong U.S. Debut

NEW YORK: The Halloween premiere of AMC’s zombie-themed original The Walking Dead brought in 5.3 million total viewers, marking the largest audience for any original series on the network.

The premiere episode. at 10 p.m., scored a 3.7 household rating. The 10 p.m., 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. airings had a combined household rating of 6.0 with 8.1 million viewers. Demographically, the show scored 3.1 million viewers 25 to 54, 3.6 million viewers 18 to 49 and 2.1 million from the 18-to-34 demo.

The Walking Dead continues to rollout in 120 countries around the world through Fox International Channels.

"It’s a good day to be dead. We are so proud of this series, its depth of storytelling and the remarkable talent attached," said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president. "As the network dedicated to bringing viewers the best stories on television, we are so pleased to have the opportunity with The Walking Dead to raise the bar within this popular genre and continue our commitment to being the home of premium television on basic cable."

"The Walking Dead is that rare piece of programming that works on so many levels," added Joel Stillerman, AMC’s senior VP of original programming, production and digital content. "It is legitimately great storytelling that is not only highly entertaining, but incredibly thought provoking as well. People who are familiar with the comic books know what’s coming, but suffice it to say, this is only the beginning of a long, intense, and powerful ride. Long live The Walking Dead."