It seems “The Walking Dead's” understated midseason opener struck a chord with the show's fans, resulting in a significant improvement in its ratings.

According to early numbers, the episode drew 12 million total viewers, with 7.3 million in the 18-49 demo . The resulting 5.7 rating was up 13% from the midseason finale, which aired on December 11, 2016.

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The show achieved its improved viewing figures against the Grammy Awards, and saw Rick and his crew attempt to convince The Kingdom to join their resistance the Saviors, with limited success, before they unexpectedly bumped into another well-armed gang in the area.

The ratings news is an improvement for the series which, after achieving huge numbers for its much-anticipated, and massively violent, Season 7 opener, had actually seen its viewership decline through the rest of the season's first half.

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The key question now will be whether the "Rise Up" storyline will help "The Walking Dead" keep its its viewership high in the coming weeks.

Airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC, “The Walking Dead” stars Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes, Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Melissa McBride as Carol Peleteir, Lauren Cohan as Maggie Green and Danai Gurira as Michonne.

Via Deadline