Pretty much what the headline says. Both shows experienced very good ratings by airing after the behemoth hit THE WALKING DEAD, and both will return, in a similar time slot, but as 16 half hour episodes.
The Talking Dead is a talk show hosted by the Nerdist Chris Hardwick featuring interviews with WALKING DEAD cast and crew members.
“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.”
COMIC BOOK MEN is a bit more contentious — the Kevin Smith-produced show about guys standing around talking in a comics shop was the recipient of nearly universal fear and dread, with many finding it more horrifying than the zombie feasts and close-up friend killing of THE WALKING DEAD that preceded it.
“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.”
“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.”
Previously, Smith has hinted a female would join the all-male store line-up in the second season—which would at least defuse one of the biggest criticisms of the show.
Just guessing here, but the half hour format will probably see the program turn into a more Pawn Stars/American Pickers/Storage Wars type-show that revolves around the value of stuff that customers bring in—stuff most likely planted by the producers but it’s TV after all. As long as they don’t just sit around fantasizing about the Invisible Woman, we’ll be happy.
Patiently awaiting your Avengers review, Heidi.
Really like Chris Harwick but I found Talking Dead extremely hit or miss based on who the guests were. Glad it is coming back and I hope it finds a groove.
Comic Book Men I watched the first two episodes of and then gave up on. I don’t expect much reality but some of those interactions in the store were painfully fake. If they add a woman I may give the first episode a try.
Whoops, for liking Chris Hardwick that much you’d think I could spell his name right.
I like Hardwick, but everything he watches,plays or hears is ‘amazing’.
Talking Dead: sure, why not.
Comic Book men: WHY?!
Talking Dead: Good.
Comic Book Men: No, God, no!! Quit pissing on me!!!
I don’t mind the comic book discussion on CBM, I just wish it was more intelligent-sounding discussion. Which might not be doable.
I just don’t like the image of comics as just having value as collectibles. Which is both false and misleading.
So few commentors like CBM, no comic book fans I know liked it and I personally didn’t care for it. I can’t figure out who likes this show or is watching it. Perhpas the Pawn Shop crowd and non-comic book readers.
Like a commentors above said, it seems very staged and fake and also it makes it out like collecting and reading comic books is only about money.