20.8 million tuned in for 'The Walking Dead' Season 7 premiere

NEW YORK, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- This week's Season 7 premiere of AMC's The Walking Dead has been seen by 20.8 million total viewers.

The cable network revealed the Sunday-night program's viewership Friday.

The latest episode of the zombie-apocalypse drama featured the gruesome deaths of longtime characters Glenn and Abraham -- played by Steven Yeun and Michael Cudlitz -- at the hands of new villain Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

"When millions of fans come together at almost exactly the same time to share a story – a story elevated, that viewers anticipate and have time to let sink in and discuss, moments we collectively feel – it's as good as television gets and a reminder of the power of weekly storytelling," Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios, said in a statement. "This week, The Walking Dead once again provided that for all of us. Rest in peace, Glenn and Abraham. You will never be forgotten."