New York City, get ready! The dead are rising in the Big Apple! AMC Networks has officially announced a full-blown “The Walking Dead: Dead City” takeover, transforming the city into a post-apocalyptic playground from Sunday, April 27th, through Wednesday, April 30th. This epic promotional blitz is all leading up to the highly anticipated season two premiere of the series, which plunges fan-favorite characters Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) into the walker-infested ruins of Manhattan on Sunday, May 4th, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, airing on both AMC and AMC+.
AMC is going big for this launch, partnering with some of New York City’s most iconic establishments and events to deliver truly unforgettable “only in NY” moments for the massive “Dead City” fandom. Prepare for walker sightings, exclusive events at legendary locations, merchandise giveaways, and even appearances from the show’s stars.
Kim Granito, chief marketing officer for AMC Networks, aptly said, “New York City is the ultimate backdrop for the return of these fan-favorite characters, and the perfect place to deliver unique ‘only in NY’ moments for Dead City’s massive fandom. From walker sightings and events at iconic locations to fan screenings and cast appearances, we’re taking over the Big Apple one bite at a time.”
So, if you’re in the NYC area over the next few days, here’s the breakdown of the “The Walking Dead: Dead City” takeover details and timing, so you don’t miss a single undead encounter:
Sunday, April 27th:
- NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon (7:00 AM; Prospect Park): Keep an eye out, runners! Walkers will be making a surprise appearance during the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon in Prospect Park, adding a terrifyingly unique element to the race. AMC Networks will also host a post-run activation in Prospect Park, with premium giveaways and photo opportunities for fans who survived the walker encounter.
Monday, April 28th:
- Rooftop Films Special Advance Screening & Q&A (7:30 PM; Industry City, 33 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY): In collaboration with Rooftop Films, AMC is hosting a special advance screening of the Season 2 premiere of “The Walking Dead: Dead City” at Industry City in Brooklyn. Following the screening, attendees will be treated to a Q&A session with the cast and executive producers of the show, moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s very own Dalton Ross, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the walker-infested world of Manhattan.
Tuesday, April 29th:
- Walker Takeovers & Empire State Building (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Prepare for unexpected undead encounters throughout Manhattan! Walkers will be staging takeovers at several key locations:
- Penn Station: Look for walkers handing out special editions of the New York Post with “The Walking Dead: Dead City” on the cover.
- PopUp Bagels (370 7th Ave): The first 200 lucky customers at PopUp Bagels will score a complimentary three-pack of their delicious bagels – a perfect way to fuel up before facing the apocalypse.
- AMC Networks Office (11 Pennsylvania Plaza): Even AMC employees aren’t safe! Walkers will visit the office as employees enjoy their PopUp bagels.
- Empire State Building (20 W 34th St): The iconic Empire State Building will host ” Walking Dead: Dead City” cast members and executive producers, offering a prime photo opportunity against the stunning city backdrop.
- Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave): Walkers will stop at the legendary Radio City Music Hall for another unique photo opportunity.
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The Walking Dead: Dead City Night at Citi Field (7:10 PM; Citi Field):
“The Walking Dead: Dead City” takes over Citi Field for a special “Dead City Night” at the New York Mets game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Adding some star power to the event, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. During batting practice before the game, Mets players will even use a replica of Negan’s beloved bat, Lucille, to hit balls. Exclusive “Dead City” merchandise will be given away to fans, and a horde of walkers will be roaming the crowd, ready for some terrifying photo opportunities.
Wednesday, April 30th:
- Paley Center Dead City Screening and Q&A (6:30 PM; 25 W 52nd St): AMC will be hosting another special event in partnership with the esteemed Paley Center for Media. The event will feature a red carpet and an advance screening of the Season 2 premiere of “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” followed by an in-depth Q&A session with the cast and executive producers, this time moderated by The Hollywood Reporter’s Josh Wigler. Interviews and further photo opportunities will also be available at this event.
“The Walking Dead: Dead City” follows the compelling journey of Maggie and Negan as they navigate the treacherous and walker-infested landscape of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. A city that has long since been severed from the mainland. In the highly anticipated second season, as the battle for control of Manhattan intensifies, Maggie and Negan find themselves trapped on opposing sides of a growing war. As their paths inevitably intertwine again, they realize that the only way out for them is far more complicated and harrowing than they could have imagined. The series also features a talented supporting cast, including Gaius Charles, Željko Ivanek, Mahina Anne Marie Napoleon, Lisa Emery, Logan Kim, Dascha Polanco, and Kim Coates.
So, New York City residents and visitors, prepare for a week filled with undead encounters and exclusive “The Walking Dead: Dead City” experiences! Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with walkers, snag some exclusive merch, and even catch a glimpse of Maggie and Negan themselves before the new season drops on May 4th!
