Well surprise, surprise – AMC president Charlie Collier announced today that ratings juggernaut The Walking Dead has been renewed for a fifth season.
The groundbreaking series (which unnervingly depicts the collapse of civilization in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse) has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2010 and shows no signs of slowing down. This fall’s Season 4 season premiere, having attracted over 16 million viewers, became the most-watched drama series telecast in cable history, besting the series finale ratings which were garnered a week earlier by channel-mate Breaking Bad.
The Walking Dead has weathered its fair share of creative turmoil during its brief existence (questionable storylines, dramatic showrunner turnover) but despite these hardships, it remains destination TV for millions of genre fans (particularly the 18-49 demographic; which is most-prized by advertisers) around the world.
Here is Mr. Collier’s statement as it was released by AMC:
We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever: The Walking Dead is renewed for a fifth season. This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently – and most notably – with the season four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history. On behalf of the incredible team on both sides of the camera, thank you to the fans and here’s to more Dead.
The Walking Dead is enjoying a creative renaissance in the early days of its fourth season with new showrunner Scott Gimple’s assured-hand guiding things (taking over for the departed Glen Mazzara) and this fifth season renewal is like the proverbial shot-in-the-arm for a series which currently has no equal on either broadcast or cable TV.
Let us know how you feel about the confirmation that The Walking Dead will continue their rampage upon the ravaged TV-landscape for a fifth bone-chilling season in the comments section below!