AMC's "The Walking Dead" delivered a record-shattering Season 3 finale Sunday night, attracting its largest audience to date with 12.4 million viewers and 8.1 million adults 18-49. That's an increase of 3.4 million viewers from the Season 2 finale.

The bloody finale, which featured The Governor's assault on the Prison and the deaths of some 27 people (including a major character), was also the No. 1 program of the night and boosted the ratings of "Talking Dead," which drew a series-best 5.2 million, outperforming the season premiere of "Game of Thrones." It's worth noting, however, the HBO fantasy also scored series-best ratings, with 4.4 million watching the 9 p.m. airing. So much for the typical decrease in viewership on Easter.

"Two words: Grateful. Dead. It's a joy that we get to work with such tremendous talent to make 'The Walking Dead' and 'Talking Dead' come to life for audiences that continue to engage and grow," AMC President Charlie Collier said in a statement. "In just three seasons, 'The Walking Dead' has become a pop-culture phenomenon, entertaining millions of passionate viewers and obliterating traditional lines between cable and broadcast television."

During last weekend's WonderCon, CBR TV spoke with Executive Producer Gale Ann Hurd, discussing the season finale and where the show will go when it returns for its fourth season in October.