'The Walking Dead’ Finale Devours 15.7 Million Viewers

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AMC’s The Walking Dead continues to take a bite out of the ratings record book.

Sunday’s season four final episode delivered a series finale record 15.7 million viewers and a whopping 10.2 million adult 18-49 viewers, besting the zombie-themed series' April 2013 season three finale, which drew 12.4 million viewers, according to network officials.

The season four finale however, did not overcome the 15.8 million viewers who tuned in to the Feb. 9 season four mid-season return, or the 16.1 million viewers who viewed the Oct. 14 season four premiere.  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.

In response to The Walking Dead ratings, AMC president Charlie Collier said: “The linear television business is Dead and well.”

R. Thomas Umstead
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.