The legacy of Walter White still rings true. Close to eighteen months after we said our goodbyes to Albuquerque’s apex predator in Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad and we have the arrival of Better Call Saul, the spinoff prequel set within the same unforgiving, dog-eat-dog universe. Many reserved their judgement on the series until it made its premiere; after all, walking in the shadow of what many consider to be one of the greatest TV dramas of the modern era is no mean feat.
But according to AMC, Vince Gilligan’s new vehicle had nothing to worry about, as it enjoyed the biggest series premiere in cable history, drawing in 4.4 million and 4.0 million in the 18-49 and 25-54 demographics, respectively.
Switching gears from budding newcomer to established franchise and the network also provided an update on The Walking Dead‘s much-anticipated return for the second half of season five. As a matter of fact, “What Happened And What’s Going On” managed to draw in close to 15.6 million viewers last night, cementing the show’s reputation as the number one series among the coveted 18-49 demographic. In a statement, AMC reflected on the viewing figures, and how the two properties can go from strength to strength.
“In a competitive environment that sometimes gets as much press as the shows themselves, it is gratifying to deliver programming that breaks through and reaches passionate audiences. For AMC, it starts with the creative talent we are so fortunate to be working with including, among many others – in the order of last night’s unforgettable schedule – Robert Kirkman and Scott Gimple of The Walking Dead, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould of Better Call Saul, and Chris Hardwick of Talking Dead.”
For more on The Walking Dead‘s long-awaited return not to mention Better Call Saul‘s premiere, be sure to check out our thoughts on each respective episode.
