Looks like AMC knew what they were doing when they scheduled Kevin Smith‘s Comic Book Men and Chris Hardwick‘s Talking Dead to air directly after their blockbuster comics-based series The Walking Dead. They both did well enough that AMC has renewed both for 16 episodes, the same number of episodes as Season 3 of The Walking Dead:
AMC’S RENEWS “COMIC BOOK MEN”
AND “TALKING DEAD”AMC Orders 16 Episodes for Second Seasons of Unscripted Series
New York, NY – May 9, 2012 – AMC announced today a second season pick-up for its unscripted series “Comic Book Men” and “Talking Dead.” “Comic Book Men” is executive produced by Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy), Charlie Corwin’s Original Media (LA Ink, Storm Chasers, Swamp People) and Elyse Seiden (Red State). The series continues to delve into fanboy culture by following the antics in and around Smith’s New Jersey comic shop, Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash. “Talking Dead,” the network’s first live after show that serves as a platform for discussion for AMC’s series “The Walking Dead,” is executive produced by Michael Davies and co-executive produced by Jen Kelly from Embassy Row. Chris Hardwick (Nerdist; G4) is the host. Season two of both series consists of 16 half-hour episodes.
“Pinch my fat ass, ’cause I must be dreaming! A thousand thank you’s wouldn’t cover the gratitude I’m feeling right now. And as you might imagine, everyone at SModcast Pictures is in love with everyone at AMC today! Rest assured, Walt, Bry, Mike, Ming and I are suited up and ready to hit the ice for our second season with Team AMC,” said Smith.
“AMC set out to build shows around authentic characters and original worlds, and ‘Comic Book Men’ really delivers on both of these. Charlie Corwin and Kevin have created a truly unique show that is funny and informative – whether you like comic books or not; and the guys from The Stash are the kind of real life experts we always wanted to build the show around,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s EVP of original programming, production and digital content. “’Talking Dead’ is just great synergy and it gives our audience a destination to continue the conversation about ‘The Walking Dead.’ We are thrilled that Chris is back to lead the discussion. He is genuinely knowledgeable about the genre, and truly entertaining.”
“‘Talking Dead’ has been an amazing experience and I cannot pile enough hugs and thanks onto AMC for renewing it. I CAN’T WAIT for Season 3 of Walking Dead, so that we can finally talk about Rick meeting [SPOILER] and [SPOILER]-ing him with a heavy-duty [SPOILER] at the [SPOILER]. And let’s not forget all the rest of the [SPOILER]s getting in on the action! [EXPLETIVE] me! It’s going to be great…,”said Hardwick.
“Comic Book Men” allows viewers to see the Secret Stash’s staff and customers geek out over mind-blowing pop culture artifacts and the legends behind them. Leading the crew behind the Secret Stash counter are moody manager Walt, uber-nerd Mike, career slacker Bryan and Ming, the shop’s go-to whipping boy. As the team buys, sells and discovers the treasures of the comic collecting world, they share all the juicy details with Kevin through their outrageous podcast, which is woven throughout the series. AMC’s season one of “Comic Book Men” reigns as the most engaging reality program on television.*
*Source: Nielsen TV Brand Effect (IAG), STD (09/12/11 – 4/29/12), A18-49 & A25-54, premiere episodes. All measured primetime broadcast and cable programs included.
“Talking Dead” features Hardwick spending time with fans, actors, producers and TV enthusiasts, recapping that most recent “Dead” episode, and taking questions and comments from viewers. Fans may continue to engage with the after show following the on-air conclusion, online, at amctv.com for more conversations, questions and trivia.
AMC’s Stillerman, Mary Conlon, Vice President of Non-Scripted Original Programming, Jason Fisher, SVP of production and Ari Mark, director of development, oversee the development and production for the network’s unscripted series.
