`The Bible,’ ‘Walking Dead’ Draw 10.8 Million Viewers

Cable viewers embraced both The Good Book and flesh-eating zombies last Sunday.

History’s five-part series The Bible and AMC’s zombie-themed series The Walking Dead finished in a virtual tie for the most watched show of last week, both averaging an astounding 10.8 million viewers.

The third installment of Mark Burnett-produced mini-series added to its impressive viewer tally. The Bible has reached over 68 million viewers (for a combined 18 telecasts on Lifetime and History) since it premiered on March 3, said History officials.

The Walking Dead, currently the most watched series in cable history among the key adult 18-49 demo, is now averaging 11 million total viewers since the Feb. 10 premiere of the second half of the show’s third season, according to Nielsen

History finished the week as the most watched cable network, averaging 3.1 million viewers, followed by USA Network’s 2.9 million watchers and Disney Channel’s 2.6 million viewer tally. Rounding out the top 10 networks were A&E (2.0 million viewers); TBS (1.8 million); Fox News (1.7 million); ESPN (1.6 million); TNT (1.5 million); AMC (1.4 million); and HGTV (1.3 million).

Nickelodeon was the most watched network on a 24-hour basis, while History drew more adult 18-49 and 25-54 viewers for the week. TBS was tops among adult 18-34 viewers, according to Nielsen.

Most Watched Shows For The Week Of March 11 to March 17

Source: Nielsen

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.