TV
“The Walking Dead” Continues to See a Decline in Ratings
A good indicator of how well a show is doing is based on the season’s premiere and finale. We’ve been tracking AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for a few years now and the ratings just continue to decline, this is not to say that it’s not still a behemoth. The zombie series returned for its eighth season this past Sunday and pulled in an incredible 11.4M viewers. It’s an insane number, but it’s also way down from previous years. In fact, it’s the worst premiere since Season 3. As an indicator, “The Walking Dead’s” ratings continue its steady decline.
According to Nielsen Live+Same Day data, the AMC series averaged a 5.0 rating in adults 18-49 and 11.4 million total viewers on Sunday night. The Season 3 premiere, which aired in 2012, averaged a 5.8 and 10.86 million viewers by comparison. This also means that the Season 8 premiere is the third-lowest in series history, ahead of only Season 2 and Season 1. (Variety)
[Related] There Was a Really Cool Zombie Tribute On “The Walking Dead” Last Night
The Season 7 premiere drew an 8.4 and 17.03 million, meaning Season 8 was down approximately 40 percent in the demo and 33 percent in total viewers season-to-season. However, it should be noted that last season’s premiere was the resolution of a major cliffhanger, while the new season was not.
Including Season 8, all of the season premieres now rank, from first to last according to demo rating, as follows:
- Season 5 (8.7, 17.29 million)
- Season 7 (8.4, 17.03 million)
- Season 4 (8.2, 16.11 million)
- Season 6 (7.4, 14.63 million)
- Season 3 (5.8, 10.86 million)
- Season 8 (5.0, 11.4 million)
- Season 2 (3.8, 7.26 million)
- Season 1 (2.7, 5.35 million)
Fans of “The Walking Dead” shouldn’t panic as, even with this kind of decline in ratings, the show could continue on for another decade. However, I’m starting to wonder if the showrunners decide to end the show before it overstays its welcome.
What did you guys think of the Season 8 premiere? Is the show is as good as ever?
GET YOUR FIRST LOOK at the Season 8 cold open. Tune in for the full premiere event this Sunday 9/8C #TWD pic.twitter.com/5UKjbQt1Fz
— The Walking Dead AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) October 20, 2017
TV
“Golden Axe”: Sega Genesis Video Game Becomes an Animated Series at Comedy Central
You know video game adaptations are hot when even Golden Axe is making the leap to the screen. And indeed it is, with Deadline reporting that the Sega Genesis video game franchise that debuted back in 1989 is getting an animated series at Comedy Central.
Comedy Central has given “Golden Axe” a 10-episode order, Deadline reports today.
The voice cast for the animated series from CBS Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television and Original Film includes Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Danny Pudi (Mythic Quest), Lisa Gilroy (Jury Duty), Liam McIntyre (Spartacus) and Carl Tart (Grand Crew).
“Described as a hilarious and loving homage to Sega’s video game series, Golden Axe follows veteran warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they once again battle to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder who just won’t seem to stay dead. Fortunately, this time they have the inexperienced and underprepared Hampton Squib on their side.”
Mike McMahan (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Joe Chandler (American Dad!) will co-write the first episode and executive produce the series, with Chandler serving as showrunner.
The original Golden Axe video game was released in 1989, followed by sequels in 1991, 1992 and 1993. The series got a modern day upgrade with Golden Axe: Beast Rider in 2008.
You must be logged in to post a comment.