The midseason premiere of AMC’s The Walking Dead drew 12.3 million viewers, a series high for the zombie epic.  Facing off against The Grammys, The Walking Dead attracted 7.7 million viewers from the coveted 18-49 demo, setting another basic cable record, and posting an increase of 6% from the series’ previous high, which came during its October 14th third season premiere.
 
According to Deadline, a total of 16.6 million viewers watched all three Sunday night/Monday morning showings on AMC.  The show’s midseason finale in December drew a total of 15.2 million for the entire night with encores.  So far the season three 18-49 demo ratings for The Walking Dead are better than those of hit network series like NCIS, Modern Family, and The Big Bang Theory.

Despite burning through two showrunners in just three seasons (see "Kirkman Why Showrunner Left," and "New Showrunner for 'The Walking Dead'"), The Walking Dead just continues to build on its already huge audience.