‘Walking Dead’ Season 7 Premiere Scores 17 Million Total Viewers

Tony Maglio

Negan’s victim was revealed to 17 million “Walking Dead” fans with the show’s Sunday Season 7 premiere. That’s 16 percent more than the comparable sixth season start in 2015, and it nearly matches the series record.

Among viewers 18-49 — the favorite age-range for most advertisers — Episode 701 nabbed an 8.4 rating, per Nielsen’s Live + Same Day metric.

Last year, the hit zombie apocalypse drama netted 14.6 million viewers, and a 7.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic. That was down from the fall 2014 premiere, which scored an incredible 17.3 million viewers — still the record — and an 8.7 demo rating.

Also Read: 'Walking Dead' Negan Victim Reveal Leaves Fans Devastated

Among adults 25-54, Episode 701 did set a series record, with an 8.7 national rating. And when alternative platforms are counted, the resolved-cliffhanger may be able to make a similar claim among both total viewers and those aged 18-49. For example, from late Sunday through Monday morning, the network received 750,000 additional digital views of the Season 7 premiere on its own platforms.

By the way, that 17 million total linear viewer-count is up 20 percent versus the Season 6 finale, and 22 percent better in the main 18-49 demo. So, they’re plenty pleased over at AMC Networks.

AMC does not share L+SD measurements; the cable channel chooses to focus on Nielsen numbers that include three days worth of delayed viewing, which will be out on Friday.

Also Read: 'Walking Dead' Fans Pay Tribute to Negan's Victim

The big “live” viewing numbers boded very well for after-show “Talking Dead,” which did set a series record among total viewers.

The special 90-minute episode hauled in 7.6 million total viewers, with a 3.7 national rating in the key demo. The overall eyeball count was up 34 percent from Episode 601’s after-party. The installment jumped 28 percent among those 18-49.

“The Walking Dead” airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.

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