The Walking Dead season 7 episode 1: Parents Television Council say premiere was too violent

'It’s not enough to change the channel'

When The Walking Dead’s sixth season ended on a cliffhanger, no-one doubted the show’s return would be a violent affair.

Unsurprisingly, season seven’s premiere was characterised by Negan unleashing his wrath upon two unfortunate characters, both of whom were beaten to a pulp. A third person was almost left amputated, such was the horror held within the episode.

Since debuting on AMC, the American ‘non-partisan education organisation' Parents Television Council have expressed their dismay toward The Walking Dead.

“Last night’s season premiere of The Walking Dead was one of the most graphically violent shows we’ve ever seen on television,” the organisation’s president Tim Winter said.

“It’s not enough to ‘change the channel,’ as some people like to advocate, because cable subscribers – regardless of whether they want AMC or watch its programming – are still forced to subsidise violent content.

“This brutally-explicit show is a powerful demonstration of why families should have greater control over the TV networks they purchase from their cable and satellite providers.”

Winter reasons that cable subscribers who don’t wish to watch violent content are still subsidising it, adding: “Most parents agree that having greater control over violent content coming into their homes is vital to protecting their family.”

Meanwhile, one actor who was killed off in the opening episode revealed why they wanted to die. The Walking Dead returns next Monday on FOX in the UK.