AMC’s ‘Walking Dead’ Talk Show, ‘Comic Book Men’ Renewed for Second Seasons

AMC’s comic-themed Sunday night lineup is remaining intact.

The cable network said Wednesday that it has renewed The Walking Dead recap talk show Talking Dead and Kevin Smith‘s Comic Book Men for second seasons. Both shows will expand their episode count to 16 to accompany Walking Dead‘s increased order from 13 to 16 hours.

Talking Dead, a weekly talk show recapping episodes of the Robert Kirkman zombie drama hosted by Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick, is the network’s first live postshow. It is exec produced by Michael Davies (The Glee Project) and co-exec produced by Jen Kelly from Embassy Row, and guests have included KIrkman, Felicia Day, Chuck‘s Zachary Levi and Walking Dead castmembers and showrunner Glen Mazzara.

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The series, whose freshman run included 13 episodes, drew 4.3 million total viewers and a 2.3 in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic after Walking Dead‘s record-breaking Season 2 finale ratings.

“Talking Dead has been an amazing experience, and I cannot pile enough hugs and thanks onto AMC for renewing it,” Hardwick said in a statement announcing the news. “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.”

Meanwhile, Smith’s docuseries Comic Book Men — set in the fanboy’s New Jersey comic book shop called Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash — will expand from six episodes to 16 for its second season but shrink its running time from an hour to a half-hour.

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Comic Book Men revolves around the crew who work behind the counter at Secret Stash, including Walt, Mike, Bryan and Ming, as they buy and sell rare comics and share their exploits with Smith through their outrageous podcast.

“Pinch my fat ass, ’cause I must be dreaming!” Smith said in a statement. “A thousand thank-yous 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.”

Its freshman run averaged 1.5 million total viewers, with its finale luring 1.3 million and a 0.8 in the demo, when it was moved from immediately following Walking Dead to air after Talking Dead. Comic Book Men is exec produced by Smith, Charlie Corwin’s Original Media and Elyse Seiden.

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“AMC set out to build shows around authentic characters and original worlds, and Comic Book Men really delivers on both of these,” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s exec vp 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.”

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit