(Non-)spoiler alert: Rick Grimes is going to live through the year.
At least that seems like an easy assumption now that, two episodes in to season 2, AMC has officially renewed
The Walking Dead for season 3.
There was little doubt that AMC's zombie apocalypse drama would get the renewal after its second season premiere once again garnered massive cable ratings in key demos. The 90-minute premiere drew 4.8 million viewers in the coveted 18-49 demo and a collective 7.3 million total viewers. The first season premiere shattered cable ratings records and led to one of the most buzzed-about series of the year -- buzz that has continued into the second season, and even led to a post-episode talk show,
The Talking Dead."Today we are pleased to announce that the 'dead' shall live as we proudly renew
The Walking Dead
for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at
Fox International Channels," AMC president Charlie Collier said this
morning. "We are thankful for everyone's contribution in front of and
behind the camera as we continue to make
The Walking Dead a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world."
Despite behind-the-scenes shakeups, including the much-discussed but little-disclosed departure of series adaptor and showrunner Frank Darabont, the series soldiered on under the guidance of new showrunner Glen Mazzara. Comic series creator Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert and Darabont, who exited midway through production on season 2, are executive producers, with Emmy-winning special effects artist Greg Nicotero serving as co-executive producer.
As for the rest of
The Walking Dead season 2, new episodes will air until November 27, and then pick up for the second half of the season starting on February 12 for a total of 13 episodes.
Check out
these sneak peeks of next Sunday's installment, "Save the Last One," which gives us a little more background on everyone's favorite angry redneck, Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus).
(Image courtesy of AMC)