AceShowbiz -

Following in the footsteps of its sister show, "Fear the Walking Dead" has already become a ratings hit. The spin-off to AMC's "The Walking Dead" racked up 10.1 million total viewers and 6.3 milllion in 18-49 demo in its Sunday, August 23 debut.

The new show now ranks No. 1 as the most watched series premiere in cable history. It broke the record previously held by "Better Call Saul" (also a spin-off to AMC's hit "Breaking Bad"), which debuted to 6.9 million viewers earlier this year.

"The Walking Dead", which first set a high bar for AMC, debuted to 5.35 million viewers back in 2010. The zombie drama series retained its title until recently, when "Better Call Saul" set the new record.

AMC president Charlie Collier says in a statement in response to the record-breaking premiere of "Fear the Walking Dead", "Thank you and congratulations to (co-creators) Robert Kirkman (and) Dave Erickson, the brilliant executive producers and the entire cast and crew of 'Fear the Walking Dead'."

"It is increasingly difficult to evaluate a show's success on night one," he adds. "However, we are releasing these live/same day ratings because 'Fear the Walking Dead' delivered record-breaking numbers that are all the more special in this era of time-shifted viewing and audience fragmentation. To have a companion series to the No. 1 show on television driving communal, urgent viewing, social activity and pop cultural relevance of this magnitude is truly differentiating."

"Fear the Walking Dead", which has been renewed for a 15-episode season 2, airs Sundays at 9/8c. It stars Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane and Alycia Debnam-Carey as series regulars.