The Walking Dead Is The Top Cable Series Of 2013

While the year 2013 might not quite be over yet, The Walking Dead has already been declared the top original cable series of the year in total viewers. The Walking Dead has enough of a lead on other series that there is no hope that any other series could even come close to catching it in the couple of weeks that remain in 2013. According to Nielsen, AMC's The Walking Dead averaged 16.16 million viewers in 2013. The next closest show to The Walking Dead was Duck Dynasty, which averaged 13.37 million viewers. Taking third place was the limited series The Bible on the History channel. The Walking Dead, Duck Dynasty, and The Bible were the only three cable series to average over 10 million viewers, proving the popularity of zombies, rednecks, and God. In addition to winning the year in total viewers, The Walking Dead is also the top cable series among the coveted adults 18-49 demographic. Duck Dynasty was second in that demographic, but The Bible fell to fifth place, indicating it attracted an older viewing demographic than The Walking Dead and Duck Dynasty. The Walking Dead also has five of the top ten cable telecasts of 2013 in total viewers. The Walking Dead is currently on winter hiatus, but the show will return to airing on Sunday nights at 9 PM ET on AMC on Sunday, February 9, 2014.