Fans are all a-twitter about ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Downton Abbey’

“The Walking Dead” returns on Sunday and “Downton Abbey” is airing a two-hour extended episode tonight. While the two series are as different as night and day, both have huge fan bases and people are all a-twitter about both. Below are a few Twitter posts from Feb. 10.

“The Walking Dead” tweets:

“Who’s ready for The Walking Dead tonight? Because I’m pumped!” – Alfonzo Dennard
“In my opinion, The Walking Dead is by far one of the best shows on TV.” – Matt Benoit
“Sooo ready for The Walking Dead tonight!!!” – Peyton Sewell
“Waking up on the day of The Walking Dead premiere is like waking up on Christmas.” – Sylvi Garrett
“Finally! The Sunday I’ve been waiting for! The Walking Dead returns at 8pm to a TV near you.” – Andrew McClone

“Downton Abbey” tweets:

“Is it bad if I’m in a blizzard and my primary concern in keeping the power so that I can watch Downton Abbey tonight?” – Jennifer Beving
“TV like Mad Men, Breaking Bad & Downton Abbey are novels that remain in print for decades. No one cares about Smash 2 days after it airs.” – Joe Hill

Fans of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” were left hanging when the series last aired in December. The first half of season three featured the shocking deaths of Lori and T-Dog, plus the introduction of new characters, a new town and a new antagonist. So, what can fans expect when “The Walking Dead” resumes season three tonight?

“The second half is just as much fun. It’s crazy, heartbreaking and thrilling” executive producer Glen Mazzara told “TV Guide.” He went on to explain that “The Walking Dead” was simply at intermission, but that fans can expect the show to go full throttle when it returns on Sunday.

On the first episode, viewers will learn more about the newest character, Chad Coleman, and his band of survivors that stumbled upon the prison during the mid-season finale. The Governor (David Morrissey) is still reeling from the attack on his stronghold in Woodbury and is looking for revenge for the death of his daughter and the loss of his eye. “Now the Governor has a new agenda – he’s not just ruling over picnics. He’ll be focused on revenge,” explained Mazzara. “He’s paid a heavy price without gaining anything, so he’s pissed off and wants to start a new head collection for his aquarium.”

When season three resumes tonight, viewers will find out the fate of brothers Daryl and Merle, who were forced to face-off in a death match in Woodbury’s arena. “They have to make it out of that arena alive and we have proven by now that nobody is safe,” the executive producer stated. New episodes of “The Walking Dead” air at 9 p.m. EST on AMC. For a preview, be sure to check out the video above.

On the opposite end of the television spectrum, “Downton Abbey” on PBS is equally enthralling, but in a much different way. The historical drama focuses on the comings and goings of the Crawley family. “’Downton Abbey’ continues to enthrall audiences nationwide, and this season is especially riveting with the addition of Shirley MacLaine to the cast and the lively interaction between her and Maggie Smith,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger explained. “I’m so pleased that audiences have returned to ‘Downton Abbey’ on their local stations to continue to enjoy some of the best drama on television.”

Masterpiece Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton also responded to the ratings success of “Downton Abbey” and added, “The well-loved characters that made season two the most-watched series in Masterpiece history continue to delight us. I’m thrilled to see so many viewers return to the Crawley family’s delicious drama and intrigue.”

Since the premiere of “Downton Abbey, Season 1” on January 9, 2011, the critically acclaimed series has gained popularity across a diverse audience and has been honored with nine Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Dame Maggie Smith). It has also garnered a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries, a PGA (Producers’ Guild of America) Award and a TCA (Television Critics Association) Award.

New episodes of “Downton Abbey” air on Sunday nights on PBS. Tonight’s 2-hour extended episode airs from 9-11 p.m. EST.

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