The Walking Dead Returns to Ridiculous Ratings, Sets Series High

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The Walking Dead is officially back - and bigger than ever.

This AMC sensation drew a series-high 16.1 million viewers for its Season 4 premiere last night, including 10.4 million (an 8.3 rating) among adults ages 18-49, which is more than any network series has drawn all fall.

The former figure blows away the show'’s previous high of 12.4 million viewers for last spring’s Season 3 finale.

Chad Coleman as Tyreese

“Sincere thanks to the fans, who have welcomed The Walking Dead back for its fourth season with the highest-rated episode in the show's history,” said AMC President Charlie Collier. “We could not be more proud of this show and everyone on both sides of the camera who work so hard to give life to this story of character, leadership and survival.

"It starts with series creator, writer and executive producer Robert Kirkman, show runner and executive producer Scott Gimple and the director of last night’s episode (and the man behind the make-up) executive producer Greg Nicotero, their fellow executive producers and an extraordinary cast and crew who are giving their all every day. So clearly, thanks to them, the dead have never been more alive.”

Did you catch The Walking Dead Season 4 opener? Grade it now:

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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