'The Walking Dead' news: Ratings and viewership decline addressed by producer

King Ezekiel fending off a walker in the fourth episode of The Walking Dead season 8.AMC/TheWalkingDead

Despite the dying hype for "The Walking Dead," the producers of the show remain confident about it, as they have responded to the decline of the show's ratings.

David Alpert, a producer of "The Walking Dead" has come to the show's defense. Alpert has stated that the ratings are not necessarily reflective of the show's popularity and has remained optimistic that the show is still as prominent and relevant as ever despite the statistical reports. He even cited the surge in the popularity of the show's usual competition, which are streaming shows and new ideas.

"I don't think in any way the brand has lost its relevance in general. I think we're just seeing a decline in urgency across all media to consume something at a specific time. I think overall we're seeing increased competition, not just from television and not just from streaming services, but you get content everywhere," said Alpert.

With that in mind, Alpert has claimed that he still has people walking up to him during Comic Conventions and telling him that they were amazed by what happened in a particular season. Still, it should be noted that the show is seeing its lowest point in statistical popularity since its second season back in 2012. The ratings are also on a downward trend and continue to slide despite the new season and the promise of more in the future.

Chandler Riggs, who player Carl Grimes in the show, has even claimed that the show may be on its last legs with only a couple of season left in it. However, Scott Gimple, the showrunner for "The Walking Dead," has dispelled such suggestions and went on to announce his confidence that the show will see a tenth season, perhaps even beyond that.

"The Walking Dead" season 8 will return for its mid-season premiere on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, at 9 p.m. EST on AMC.