The Walking Dead: Dead City, the latest installment in the Walking Dead franchise, had a strong debut on AMC. The series premiered on June 18 and became the most watched drama series debut of 2023 on cable, according to same-day Nielsen ratings. It also had a successful launch on AMC’s streaming service, AMC+.
The show follows long-time Walking Dead regulars Lauren Cohan (Maggie) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan) as they navigate a zombified New York City. The premiere episode garnered 683,000 viewers on AMC, with additional viewers tuning in through simulcasts on BBC America and IFC, as well as replays. The total viewership for the first night on-air reached 1.12 million. Among adults aged 25-54, the premiere attracted 283,000 viewers, the highest among drama series debuts on cable this year.
Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, expressed excitement over the viewership numbers. He stated, “We are thrilled so many viewers joined Maggie and Negan in the streets of Manhattan for the first episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City. The thrill ride keeps rolling from here, and we can’t wait for the fans to see all the twists and turns in the city that never sleeps. Turns out walkers don’t sleep, either.”
In addition to its strong performance on AMC, Dead City also achieved success on AMC+. It became the top series premiere ever for the streaming platform in terms of both viewership and acquisition. It surpassed Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, although specific viewing figures for streaming platforms are not disclosed publicly.
While the days of millions of viewers tuning in to watch a cable series on its premiere night are mostly behind us, Dead City’s viewership numbers compare favorably to recent premieres on AMC. It surpassed the same-day viewer tallies of shows like Interview With the Vampire, Mayfair Witches, and Tales of the Walking Dead.
The success of Dead City highlights the enduring popularity of the Walking Dead franchise and the continued interest in post-apocalyptic zombie narratives. The show’s setting in the iconic city of New York adds an exciting and fresh element to the story. Fans of the franchise are eager to see how Maggie and Negan will navigate the challenges and dangers presented by a zombified New York.
The Walking Dead: Dead City joins a lineup of spin-offs and expansions within the Walking Dead universe, including Fear the Walking Dead and The World Beyond. These shows provide fans with additional content and explore different aspects of the zombie apocalypse.
With its record-breaking debut, Dead City has set the stage for an engaging and thrilling season. Viewers can expect more twists, turns, and intense moments as the series progresses. As the story unfolds in the city that never sleeps, audiences will witness the resilience of the human spirit in the face of a relentless undead threat.
The success of The Walking Dead: Dead City further solidifies AMC’s position as a leading destination for gripping and compelling television dramas. The network has cultivated a dedicated fan base with its original programming, and Dead City is expected to continue this trend.
As the series continues to captivate audiences, it will be interesting to see how the story evolves and what new challenges await Maggie, Negan, and the rest of the characters. The world of The Walking Dead remains full of surprises, and Dead City is poised to deliver more thrilling moments that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, The Walking Dead: Dead City had a strong start, becoming the most watched drama series debut of 2023 on cable. It attracted a significant viewership on AMC and achieved success on the streaming platform AMC+. As the story unfolds in a zombified New York City, fans can expect more twists, turns, and intense moments. The success of Dead City highlights the enduring popularity of the Walking Dead franchise and reinforces AMC’s reputation as a leading destination for compelling television dramas.
