After the stellar ratings achieved by the opening episode of the second season, and only a very minor drop-off for the second on October 24, AMC has announced that it has ordered a third season of the zombie drama The Walking Dead.

“Today we are pleased to announce that the ‘dead’ shall live as we proudly renew The Walking Dead for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels,” AMC president Charlie Collier said. 

“We are thankful for everyone’s contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make The Walking Dead a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world.”

“It’s rare to come across a groundbreaking TV project that is also attached to some of the best talent in town,” Sharon Tal Yguado, Senior Vice President of Scripted Programming at Fox International added.

The first episode gained 7.3 million viewers for its initial airing; episode two dipped to 6.7 million viewers. Read our review of the premiere here, and episode two here.