The second season premiere of The Walking Dead was a triumphant success for AMC, as the 90 minute episode beat a 10-year record for basic cable.

Over seven million viewers watched the drama unfold in its original slot, with a total of 11 million tuning in across the evening’s three showings. “The Walking Deadis one of those rare television programmes that reaches both a core genre fan as well as broad audiences simply looking for a great, character-based story,” AMC president Charlie Collier said yesterday.

“We’re so proud of and greatful for the amazing team on both sides of the camera who work so hard and is so committed to making this a unique programming event.

“That The Walking Dead is now the most-watched drama in the history of basic cable is staggering, just like our zombies,” Collier added.

Read our review of the opening episode here