Talking Dead and Comic Book Men Renewed for Season 2

Things seem to be pretty good over at AMC, the station formerly known as American Movie Classics that has gone from being a go-to source for golden-era Hollywood films to gritty, original programming. With hits such as The Walking Dead and Mad Men, fans have come to expect a lot out of the cable channel. In a release today, executives unveiled their plans to not only renew the network's newest shows The Talking Dead and Comic Book Men, they are extending their run from thirteen episodes to sixteen. Both shows are part of the network's Sunday night line-up and follow the series The Walking Dead, based on the comic book by Kentucky-native Robert Kirkman.


The Talking Dead, hosted by 'The Nerdist' Chris Hardwick, invites celebrity guests in a panel-style discussion of the night's episode of TWD. The show has featured Felicia Day, as well as stars of the show and Kirkman himself. The reality show Comic Book Men follows the staff of director Kevin Smith's New Jersey comic book shop Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash. In addition to the documentary style of the show, the podcast which Smith leads is part of every episode, recounts the adventures of the week. According to the AMC Blog, Neilson ratings place Comic Book Men as one of the most engaging reality programs on television. Both Hardwick and Smith are very happy with the news about their AMC programming. Smith was quoted as saying,  

"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."

  Hardwick shared similar elation.  

"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..."

  According to network executives, both programs fit the model that AMC strives for in creating engaging original programming. While both television shows feature "real" people, they do tell unique stories and create "authentic characters." Both programs should be back in the fall to correspond with the premier of season three of The Walking Dead.

Are you a fan of these two programs? Leave a note in the comments and tell me what you think of them!

This article appeared on Word of the Nerd Online on May 10, 2012.