Source: Collider | Posted By: Dan Geer

After 7.3 million viewers in the U.S. (as well as over 10 million in 122 countries) tuned in to watch the killer second season premiere of AMC’s The Walking Dead, breaking the ten year-old cable ratings record previously held by The Dead Zone, the network has already officially decided to renew the show for a third season (not that there was any doubt). Hit the jump for an excerpt from the official press release!

From AMC’s official press release:

“Today we are pleased to announce that the ‘dead’ shall live as we proudly renew ‘The Walking Dead’ for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s President. “We are thankful for everyone’s contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make ‘The Walking Dead’ a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world.”

Head on over to Collider to read the rest of the press release.

While it is not stated clearly how many episodes the third season will have, it is pretty much asssumed that it will get the current cable standard of 12-13 episodes like the current season received. With the show being so ground breaking and successful, it makes me wonder if AMC will decide to rethink their budget cuts and bring back Frank Darabont to help run the show. Only time will tell…