Just like its parent program, "The Walking Dead," companion series "Fear the Walking Dead" slayed some ratings records during its Sunday night debut.

The show snagged 10.1 million viewers for its series premiere, making it the most-watched premiere episode in cable history. That's a far cry from the numbers that the original show scared up in its October 31, 2010 debut -- "TWD" only managed 5.35 million viewers. ("Only" being a relative term in comparison to "Fear"'s new blockbuster numbers.)

Of course, "TWD" has enjoyed enormous ratings success since then, breaking many records of its own. Its most recent season premiere scored 17.3 million viewers in the fall of 2014 -- a series high -- and its season finale rustled up another 15.8 million earlier this year.

Whether "Fear" will ever reach those heights remains to be seen, but it's off to a great start. Its debut also broke a record in the key 18-49 demographic, notching 6.3 million viewers in that age group.

Better Call Saul," which nabbed 4.4 million 18-49-year-olds when it debuted earlier this year. "Saul" was also the previous holder of the "biggest cable debut" title, notching a comparatively-paltry 6.8 million viewers back in February before falling to "Fear" this weekend.

"Fear the Walking Dead" has already been guaranteed a second season. With numbers like these, it seems like this show will be sticking around for quite a while longer.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety]