'Fear the Walking Dead' Broke Ratings Record, Season 2 Gets Weekly 'Talking Dead'

It was only six episodes -- and not all of them were that great -- but "Fear the Walking Dead" Season 1 managed to make history as the highest-rated first season of any series on a cable network. "The Walking Dead" companion series ended its first season last week, but AMC is now done crunching its own numbers and just posted a press release bragging about the results.

As the network noted:

With its season one ending last Sunday, "Fear the Walking Dead" now stands as the highest-rated initial season of any series in cable history across total viewers and all key demos in live+3 ratings, which include three days of time shifted viewing. In its first season of six episodes, "Fear the Walking Dead" averaged 11.2 million viewers, 7.3 million adults 18-49 and 7.2 million adults 25-54 in live+3, with the season one finale on October 4th delivering 10.1 million viewers, 6.5 million adults 18-49 and 6.6 million adults 25-54 in live+3.

The main "Walking Dead" show kills those numbers now, as it starts Season 6 this Sunday, but it had a relatively slow start back in 2010, with its own six-episode debut, when it averaged around 5 million viewers a week. The Season 5 finale logged over 15 million viewers.

Slipped into the press release on the "Fear" numbers was the announcement that "Talking Dead" will be following each episode of "Fear" Season 2, which will air 15 episodes in 2016. AMC said the "Talking Dead" special that aired after the "Fear" Season 1 finale had 2.9 million viewers, 1.8 million adults 18-49 and 2.0 million adults 25-54 in live+3 ratings.

Here's a statement from AMC president Charlie Collier:

When we set out to launch a companion series to the #1 show on television, there were truly many things to fear, beyond 'Fear' itself. To see this show stand alone, break through and set records as a unique piece of storytelling is very gratifying and a tribute to great creative talent. We're grateful to Robert Kirkman, Dave Erickson, the terrific executive producers, the cast and crew for a first season that was successful on so many levels. Here's to season two and the weekly addition of 'Talking Dead' led by the incomparable Chris Hardwick. Of course, biggest thanks to the fans who have joined us on the 'Fear' journey - first by land and, next, if Abigail is to be believed, by sea."

What did you think of "Fear" Season 1? Are you glad that "Talking Dead" will return full-time in Season 2?

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