Bursting the previous record set by last years WD Live + 3 results, the S5 debut added 5.086 million total viewers via DVR to the 17.3 million of Live + SD. That total of 22.372M makes the 9 PM October 12 broadcast the most watched non-sports telecast in cable history. The October 13, 2013 Season 4 debut had 20.2 million total viewers when the 4.1 million from Live + 3 results were added to the 16.1 million of the Live + SD ratings. That 2013 result is actually what put WD in the top spot viewershipwise for the first time as it unseated previous throne occupant the Disney Channels High School Musical 2. Back in 2007, HSM2 added another 1 million viewers in Live + 3 to the 17.2 million who watched its original airing on August 17 that year. But that all feels so pre-walker now doesnt it?
In terms of the key demo, the WD S5 premiere added another 3.537 million in Live + 3 results. When combined with the Live + SD numbers that makes 14.523 million. Another record for the series based on the Robert Kirkman co-created comics and another WD top spotter.
Around the world the Season 5 opener of The Walking Dead saw a 45% increase over its S4 debut, according to Fox International, who handled the show globally.