New York, NY – July 18, 2016 – AMC announced today an extensive multi-year deal with comedian Chris Hardwick, which will see him host and executive produce multiple programs for the network over the next three years. Hardwick will be a part of not only new shows, but will also continue as host of current and new “Talking” live after shows, including “Talking Dead,” the #1 talk show on television among adults 18-49, “Talking Dead: Fear Edition,” “Talking Saul” and “Talking Preacher.” Hardwick is repped by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Brillstein Entertainment Partners will also serve as executive producers on all programming of which Hardwick is a part.
“There is simply nobody better than Chris Hardwick at doing what he does,” said Joel Stillerman, President of Original Programming and Development for AMC and SundanceTV. “He’s first and foremost a true fan, and his contagious enthusiasm for AMC content, along with his expertise of all things pop culture, his humor, and his engaging interview style have made him a post-show staple for AMC’s viewers. We are thrilled to be able to expand our relationship with him in this way.”
“When we started ‘Talking Dead’ in 2011 I had no idea it would become one of the most significant experiences of my life,” said Hardwick. “As a fan, having this kind of front row seat to some of the biggest pillars of pop culture has been a dream come true. Thank you to AMC for allowing me to continue to show up for appointment TV therapy with the legions of other fans for the foreseeable future!”
AMC’s first live after show, “Talking Dead,” launched in October 2011 as a way to immediately discuss and recap new episodes of “The Walking Dead,” the #1 show on television among adults 18-49 for four consecutive years. Over the second half of the last season of “The Walking Dead,” “Talking Dead averaged 6.4 million viewers, including 3.8 million adults 18-49 and 4.1 million adults 25-54 in Nielsen Live +3 ratings.
Hardwick is a comedian, actor, TV host, author, writer, producer and podcaster whose quick wit and up-to-the-minute intellect have made him the voice for a generation of pop culture enthusiasts. In addition to his “Talking” duties, Hardwick continues to serve as founder, CEO, and creative head of Nerdist Industries and hosts the Emmy® Award-winning nightly comedy game show “@midnight with Chris Hardwick” on Comedy Central. He will also serve as host and executive producer of NBC’s new game show series “The Wall.” Additionally, Hardwick continues to solidify himself as one of today’s top touring standup comedians. His latest comedy special “Chris Hardwick: Funcomfortable” was released in April on Comedy Central.
About AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with “Mad Men” in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before “Breaking Bad” won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series “The Walking Dead” is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last four years. AMC’s other current original drama series include “Better Call Saul,” “Hell on Wheels,” “Turn: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Humans,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Into the Badlands,” “The Night Manager,” “Preacher,” and forthcoming “Feed the Beast,” “The Son” and “The Terror.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “The Making of The Mob,” “Comic Book Men” and the upcoming “Ride with Norman Reedus” and “The American West.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.
*Source: Nielsen L+3 (09/21/2015 – 04/03/2016). Excludes repeats, specials. Top 10 Listed. Rank on (000). 2+ TC