“The Walking Dead” is one of the most popular shows on television, but season eight has been a breaking point for many. Anecdotally, I have had people who still watch the show tell me the storytelling quality has dropped off dramatically, and it would seem that dissatisfied viewers are starting to tune out.
According to TVLine, last month’s episode “How It’s Gotta Be” was the lowest rated midseason finale since season 2. The eighth season’s premiere — and 100th — episode was its lowest rated since season 3. And overall, viewership is way down from season 7. So, are the folks behind the show worried? Not necessarily. David Alpert, CEO of Skybound Entertainment, told Variety‘s “Remote Controlled” podcast that he chalks up the dropoff to viewers choosing when and where they watch each episode, rather than making sure to tune in every Sunday night.
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“I don’t think in any way the brand has lost its relevance in general. I think we’re just seeing a decline in urgency across all media to consume something at a specific time,” he said.
That’s certainly true, but that’s hardly anything new. And even a show like “Game Of Thrones” — which is available via HBO’s digital platforms immediately after it airs — still pulls big numbers for each new episode. There’s likely a number of factors here, including a bounty of other programming to watch, many of which might just be way more interesting to viewers who have been left unmoved by the latest developments on “The Walking Dead.”
Any ‘Dead’ fans out there? Will you keep watching the show? Let us know in the comments.