‘The Walking Dead’ Maintains Steady Ratings After Rick Grimes’ Departure

With the exit of Rick Grimes, and thus series lead Andrew Lincoln as well, from the world of The Walking Dead, there exists a lingering thought about how well the series could maintain its ratings in light of his exit. Admittedly, it’s not the first time a series lead has exited a show that continued in their absence, but given how Rick was, in many ways, the anchor of the series, it’s reasonable to question if the viewership would be retained after Rick exited in the previous episode of The Walking Dead.

This week’s most recent episode, “And You Are Now?,” drew in 5.4 million viewers on Day One, with about 2.6 million falling in the vital demographic of age 18-49. So that’s only down about three percent from the previous episode where Rick exited The Walking Dead. With just two episodes left this year and the midseason finale upon us, it does seem that, for the moment, not many fans in the world of The Walking Dead have left the series with Rick Grimes.

Grimes’ absence and while the ratings for The Walking Dead have not bounced back to, say, Season Seven premiere days, there’s been a noticeable uptick in quality ever since the series brought on Angela Kang as the new showrunner. The series is now more of an ensemble rather than Rick Grimes leading the charge. As of now, it seems that the viewers have remained on board with the zombie series, so hopefully those numbers can be maintained from week to week.

Not that AMC is concerned, given how the network is continuing to expand the world of The Walking Dead with franchise deals and films. The franchise is a cash cow, and like others, those behind it will keep it going for as long as possible. And if the numbers hold, then the viewers will remain along for the ride, with or without Rick Grimes.

What do you think, though? Are you still sticking with the show even after Rick’s exit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The Walking Dead airs on Sunday nights at 9 P.M. on AMC.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter