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‘The Walking Dead’ Premiere Ratings Lowest Since Season 3

Unfortunately, not even All Out War could raise The Walking Dead‘s ratings.

Variety reports that Sunday’s premiere drew the lowest ratings since the show’s third season, making it the third lowest premiere followed by season 2 and season 1. Nielsen Live+ Same Day data recorded a total of 11.4 million viewers on Sunday night, .54 more than the season 3 premiere which came in at 10.86 million. The season 8 premiere numbers were also drastically down compared to season 7 at 17.03 million. Here are the rest of the season premiere numbers for comparison:

Season 1: 5.35 million
Season 2: 7.26 million
Season 3: 10.86 million
Season 4: 16.11 million
Season 5: 17.29 million
Season 6: 14.63 million
Season 7: 17.03 million

The decline in viewership could be due to the fact that season 6 ended with a massive cliffhanger while season 7 did not. Also, many viewers quit the show after the graphic deaths of Glenn and Abraham, causing the producers to tone down the violence after receiving backlash. There is some good news to report, however, as the season 8 premiere performed well on social media as the most social non-sports program on broadcast or cable.

Do you think The Walking Dead’s ratings will increase, decrease, or continue steadily this season?