AMC will premiere the fifth season of zombie-themed series The Walking Dead on Oct. 12, the network said Friday at the Comic Con International show in San Diego.
The series, the most watched show on cable, will run for eight episodes during the fall and another eight episodes in February 2015, said network officials. The network will also return its live post-episode series Talking Dead hosted by Chris Hardwick, on Oct. 12, as well as its reality show Comic Book Men. The Oct. 12 series launches will coincide with AMC’s Zombie Apocalypse Week, which will run from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, as well as the network’s annual programming stunt, AMCFearfest, which will run from Oct. 17 to Oct. 31.
Overall, season four of The Walking Dead averaged 13.3 million viewers (live/same day) and 8.6 million adults 18-49, an increase of 24% and 22% respectively over season three averages, according to network officials.
“From the opening tease in the premiere onward, season 5 is without question the most ambitious and satisfying season this amazing team has ever crafted” said Charlie Collier, AMC president. “In the zombie apocalypse, event television is alive and well, and I am proud to acknowledge that this uniquely talented writing staff, production team and cast have once again raised the bar (and the crossbow).”
