Surprise, surprise, one the highest-rated shows on television (and a behemoth for network AMC) is not, as it turns out, set to end after its third season. No, loyal walkies (?), though unofficial at this point, a contest launched on the official website for The Walking Dead pretty much clinches that fact that (in lieu of some sort of third season exodus) Rick Grimes and the survivors will spend another year in zombie hell – good for us, not so much for them.
The contest in question offers a rabid (and soon-to-be-generous) fan of The Walking Dead to visit the set of season four for a three-day, two-night stint with the guidelines being that said interested party must participate in a nationwide blood drive (that would be America and Canada, excluding Québec – sorry my neighbours to the east) between now and Monday, October 22.
I must say, as a regular donor myself, this is bloody good news.
AMC was quick to respond after the news broke, reminding us that despite the contest announcement, a fourth season has not been officially greenlit.
“The Walking Dead has not been renewed for a fourth season. There was no inadvertent pick-up of the series. Season three premieres October 14th. Promotional sweepstakes give-aways which involve prospective future season visits or opportunities are common practice in television. The sweepstakes rules clearly state AMC may award a substitute prize if the future season opportunity is not available.”
Despite this back-peddling by the network, it’s pretty clear that The Walking Dead will return if they’re already offering set visits, not to mention the aforementioned ratings which rose to nine million viewers for its season two finale, making it the most-watched basic cable drama in telecast history. Seems pretty close to a sure thing to me.
The Walking Dead returns to AMC Sunday, October 14 and in the meantime be sure to give blood, regardless if you’re hankering for a set visit.
