Talking Dead

Back in October, we did a write up on The Walking Dead, a highly realistic and extremely entertaining take on the zombie apocalypse genre. Currently in its third season, the show has been renewed for at least one more and has grown in popularity year after year. Recognizing The Walking Dead's potential for generating ratings, AMC developed a half hour talk show set to air directly after each new episode, discussing plot points, revealing behind the scenes information, and hosting a myriad of guests. Talking Dead began airing during season 2 of The Walking Dead and was later expanded from its half hour format to a full hour for its season 3 counterpart. The show has featured some pretty notable guests including Patton Oswalt, Kevin Smith, and Sarah Silverman, as well as a number of members of the cast and crew. What makes the guests so unique is their genuine love for The Walking Dead. They are all fans, more accurately junkies, who often site obscure references from old episodes or the graphic novels on which the show is based. No one seems to come on to simply promote whatever project they happen to be working on. This adds a very honest vibe to the whole production.

Chris Hardwick, who has done everything from stand up comedy to animated voice over work, is the host of Talking Dead. Between his reputation as comedy's resident nerd, his plethora of hosting gigs, and his little known/unexpected small roles in horror movies like House of 1000 Corpses and Halloween 2, Chris was the obvious candidate for the job. While it took me a little while before I finally began watching Talking Dead, I became an addict in no time at all. The show not only carries its own weight, but also greatly enhances The Walking Dead as well. For example, when series creator Robert Kirkman stops in, he will often give insight behind certain actions of the characters in the show. In addition, he'll occasionally slip in some carefully placed foreshadowing that teases future episodes while maintaining a certain air of mystery and suspense. Reoccurring segments like "In Memoriam" and the weekly online poll are always good for a laugh, while behind the scenes footage and fan questions provide a deeper look into the finer details of the show. It's gotten to the point where I look forward to Talking Dead as much as I do The Walking Dead. If you haven't checked it out, I strongly suggest you give it a shot. If you're looking for a test drive, I've included the premier episode, which aired after season 2: episode 1 of The Walking Dead. Be sure to tune in Sundays at 9 pm for The Walking Dead and Sundays at 10 pm for Talking Dead.

(Talking Dead Episode 1)

P.S. As Real Radio is primarily a hip hop blog, I feel compelled to include some sort of tie in, so here goes. Back in 2005, Chris Hardwick played host of "The Minstrel Show," on hip hop trio, Little Brother's second studio album. Check out Talking Dead host/aspiring hip hop hype man, Chris Hardwick, below.

(Little Brother - Minstrel Show Closing Theme feat. Chris Hardwick)