Frank Darabont’s Walking Dead may have only had six episodes for its first season, but they were enough to break records for AMC and make it a critical fave. But the question remained if the network would have the second season premiere on Halloween night 2011 as it did in 2010. Such a long break in between seasons surely weighed heavily with the execs of AMC, who have already seen their fair share of strong original programs (Mad Men, Breaking Bad).
Recently, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston revealed to New York Magazine that fans of The Walking Dead may not have to wait until October 2011 after all. It now looks like his show and TWD will be returning in July. Here’s what he had to say.
“It was a decision from AMC that they wanted to position us in July… They want to attract as many eyeballs as possible, away from the heavy competition of the September, November [or] January start. I believe they’re going to put Walking Dead in July as well.”
You may remember the story about Frank Darabont dissolving the writing staff and essentially going with freelancers. Both Darabont and Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman have been meeting over the holiday to plan the second season so a July debut isn’t that farfetched.
It would definitely sustain interest in the show if it premiered prior to Halloween, and I can only imagine what the promotions would be like, especially if they tie-in zombies and Independence Day. Imagine signs like “Show Your Patriotism, Shoot a Zombie.”
