Wednesday, May 9, 2012

AMC's 'Walking Dead' Talk Show, 'Comic Book Men' Renewed for Second Seasons

Talking Dead Season 1 Episode 3 - H 2012
AMC
"Talking Dead"

AMC's comic-themed Sunday night lineup is remaining intact.

The cable network has renewed The Walking Dead recap talk show Talking Dead and Kevin Smith's Comic Book Men for second seasons, AMC announced Wednesday. Both shows will expand their episode count to 16 to accompany The Walking Dead's increased order from 13 to 16 hours.

Talking Dead, a weekly talk show recapping episodes of the Robert Kirkman zombie drama hosted by Nerdist's Chris Hardwick, is the network's first live postshow and exec produced by Michael Davies (The Glee Project) and co-exec produced by Jen Kelly from Embassy Row. Guests in the weekly series have included KIrkman, Felicia Day, Chuck's Zachary Levi and Walking Dead cast members as well as showrunner Glen Mazzara.

PHOTOS: Behind the-Scenes of 'The Walking Dead' Season 2

The series, which featured 13 episodes in its freshman run, drew 4.3 million total viewers and a 2.3 in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic after Walking Dead's record-breaking Season 2 finale ratings.

"Talking Dead has been an amazing experience and I cannot pile enough hugs and thanks onto AMC for renewing it. I CAN'T WAIT for Season 3 of Walking Dead, so that we can finally talk about Rick meeting [SPOILER] and [SPOILER]-ing him with a heavy-duty [SPOILER] at the [SPOILER]. And let's not forget all the rest of the [SPOILER]s getting in on the action! [EXPLETIVE] me! It's going to be great..., Hardwick said in a statement announcing the news.

For its part, Smith's docuseries Comic Book Men -- set in the fanboy's New Jersey comic book shop Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash -- will also expand from six episodes to 16 for its second season, but shrink its running time from an hour to a half-hour.

STORY: 'The Walking Dead' Season 2 Finale Shatters Its Own Record Ratings -- Again

Comic Book Men revolves around the crew who work behind the counter at Secret Stash, including Walt, Mike, Bryan and Ming as they buy and sell rare comics and share their exploits with Smith through their outrageous podcast.

"Pinch my fat ass, 'cause I must be dreaming! A thousand thank yous wouldn't cover the gratitude I'm feeling right now," Smith said in a statement. "And as you might imagine, everyone at SModcast Pictures is in love with everyone at AMC today! Rest assured, Walt, Bry, Mike, Ming and I are suited up and ready to hit the ice for our second season with Team AMC."

Its freshman run averaged 1.5 million total viewers, with its finale luring 1.3 million and a 0.8 in the demo, when it was moved from immediately following Walking Dead to air after Talking Dead. Comic Book Men is exec produced by Smith, Charlie Corwin's Original Media and Elyse Seiden.

STORY: AMC's Charlie Collier on 'Killing' Backlash, Relationship With Matt Weiner, More (Q&A)

AMC set outto build shows around authentic characters and original worlds, and Comic Book Men really delivers on both of these," AMC exec vp original programming, production and digital content Joel Stillerman said in a release.Talking Deadis just great synergy and it gives our audience a destination to continue the conversation about The Walking Dead. We are thrilled that Chris is back to lead the discussion. He is genuinely knowledgeable about the genre, and truly entertaining."

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit


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