In news that will surprise absolutely no one, but will nonetheless make this a great day for fans, AMC has already decided to give a third season order to their hit horror drama series The Walking Dead. This comes only two episodes into the series second season, including a premiere that shattered a ten year old cable ratings record previously held by The Dead Zone. So far the second season has been off to a pretty solid start with quite a surprise tragedy striking at the end of the season premiere (we wont't spoil it just in case some viewers are a little behind already). Check out our most recent episode recap right here, and check back every Sunday night after new episodes for more. For more details on the season's ratings so far and the standard publicity fluff on the third season order, you can see the full press release after the jump.Here's the press release:
New York â October 25, 2011 - AMC announced today the renewal of âThe Walking Deadâ for a third season. Â Season two continues to deliver the strongest telecasts for any drama in basic cable history against Adults 18-49 shattering a basic cable record set nearly 10 years ago for a single drama telecast (âThe Dead Zoneâ). âThe Walking Deadâ is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Â Glen Mazzara serves as seriesâ showrunner. Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert and Frank Darabont are executive producers. Greg Nicotero is a co-executive producer.
"Today we are pleased to announce that the âdeadâ shall live as we proudly renew âThe Walking Deadâ for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels," said Charlie Collier, AMCâs President. âWe are thankful for everyoneâs contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make âThe Walking Deadâ a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world.â
FOX International Channels rolled-out its global launch for âThe Walking Deadâ this weekend, with premieres on FICâs cable networks in Europe, Asia, Latin American, Africa and the Middle East. The seriesâ international premieres delivered equally impressive results in all major international TV markets, and broke pay-TV ratingsâ records across the world. Over 10 million viewers in 122 countries tuned in live to watch the second season premiere of this highly anticipated returning drama. And, FIC will once again be the international broadcasting partner for the series with Entertainment One continuing to distribute in non-FIC markets.
âPartnering with AMC on âThe Walking Deadâ took some guts", said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP of Scripted Programming at FIC. âBut at the same time was the easiest programming decision we ever made. It's rare to come across a groundbreaking TV project that is also attached to some of the best talent in town. âThe Walking Deadâ was treated as a global event since day one and not only changed the traditional TV model but also changed our viewers' TV experience. It is now officially a global addiction with millions of fans around the globe wanting more. We are delighted to give it to them.â
âThe Walking Deadâ secured a 2010 Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series - Drama and won the 2011 Emmy Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup. The series tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home.
âThe Walking Deadâ received rave reviews from countless critics, both domestic and international, who heralded the series as âabove all else, âThe Walking Deadâ hasn't lost the most important ingredient in its strangely successful recipe: itâs thrillingâ (The Hollywood Reporter), ââ¦with Deadâs riveting cast of characters, the personal dynamics are almost as potent as the gory thrillsâ (Us Weekly), âThe Walking Dead is a feast.  Dig in.â (The Guardian, UK),  âIt doesnât even take three minutes to realize that this series is setting standardsâ (Der Tagesspiegel, Germany).