'Walking Dead' Returns to Record 12.3 Million Viewers

AMC drama sets new series highs in midseason three premiere

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/11/2013 3:29:56 PM

The midseason premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead returned to 12.3 million total viewers Sunday at 9 p.m. according to Nielsen, its largest audience ever.

The episode also delivered a series-high 7.7 million adults 18-49. Walking Dead broke its previous series records set for its third season premiere on Oct. 14, 2012, in both marks, improving 13% in total viewers and 6% in the key demo.

Combined with encores at 11 p.m., midnight and 2 a.m., the episode garnered 16.6 million total viewers and 10.7 million adults 18-49 for the night.

At 10 p.m., a new episode of Talking Dead averaged 4.1 million viewers and 2.7 million adults 18-49, up 95% and 80%, respectively, over the season three premiere episode.

The Walking Dead has already been renewed for a fourth season, but without Glen Mazzara, who served as showrunner on the series for seasons two and three.