‘Walking Dead’ Finale Devours 15.8 Million Viewers

Sunday’s season five finale of AMC’s zombie-themed series The Walking Dead drew 15.8 million viewers, the network said Monday.

The 90-minute episode was the most watched finale in series history – besting season four’s 15.6 million viewers – and drew 10.4 million adults 18-49, said network officials.

The 15.6 million viewers fell short of the 17.3 million viewers for last October’s season five premiere.

AMC’s live follow-up talk show Talking Dead drew a record 7.5 million viewers and 4.9 million adults 18-49, said network officials. 

“It’s tough enough in today’s competitive environment to command attention, and even harder to hold onto it,” said AMC president Charlie Collier, in a statement.  “So, for The Walking Dead to maintain this level of urgent viewership in its fifth season – and to end with the highest-rated finale in series history – is really something rare and remarkable.” 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.