Over 7.3 million people tuned in last night to watch the season 2 premiere of AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” making it the strongest telecast for any drama in basic cable history.

“The season two premiere delivered 4.8 million Adults 18-49 and 4.2 million Adults 25-54 shattering a basic cable record set nearly 10 years ago for a single drama telecast. The program delivered a 4.8 HH rating netting 7.3 million total viewers. These results represent a 36% and 38% increase respectively over season one’s series average on AMC. Season one’s series average delivered the most A18-49 viewers for a drama in basic cable history.”

“‘The Walking Dead’ is one of those rare television programs that reaches both a core genre fan as well as broad audiences simply looking for a great, character-based story. We’re so proud of and grateful for the amazing team on both sides of the camera who works so hard and is so committed to making this a unique programming event,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president.

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