‘The Walking Dead’ Scores 19.5 Million Viewers For Season Premiere

“The Walking Dead” ratings are in for the Season 6 premiere.

According to metrics released by AMC, “The Walking Dead’s” season premiere episode was seen by 19.5 million viewers. The number includes live+3 ratings. 12.8 million viewers were in the advertiser friendly 18-49 demo.

The numbers make “TWD” the No. 1 show on TV among adults 18-49, per AMC.

WATCH: Andrew Lincoln: Every Episode In ‘The Walking Dead’ S6 Feels Like It’s The Season Finale

“Talking Dead,” hosted by Chris Hardwick, was also a ratings winner, bringing in 6.5 million viewers.

“What an unforgettable week for all who love ‘The Walking Dead’ – from sharing the premiere with more than 13,000 screaming fans at a packed Madison Square Garden to our sixth season return on Sunday as the number one show in all of television. We’re so humbled and proud of the way this incredibly ambitious episode has been received,” Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios, said in a statement. “All credit goes to the amazing talent that continues to drive this show, beginning with Robert Kirkman, Scott M. Gimple, the executive producers, cast and crew and, of course, the terrific fans who inspire us all.”

READ: ‘The Walking Dead’: Ethan Embry Talks Season 6 Premiere Episode Events

In related “TWD” news,” once again, this season of the show will be split in half. The first eight episodes air this fall, and the second half next year.  And it will be a happy Valentine’s Day for fans of horror, walkers, and nail-biting, intense drama in 2015. The second half of Season 6 premieres on February 14 at 9 PM ET/PT.

“The Walking Dead” airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT on AMC.

— Jolie Lash