The geeks are inheriting the earth: ratings for geek-themed shows are now hitting the heady heights of major sports programming, and ad rates are following.  The Walking Dead’s ratings in the highly prized 18-49 demo topped both Sunday Night Football and the World Series on Sunday night, according to Variety.  The Walking Dead had a 6.8 rating in demo, compared to a 6.3 for Sunday Night Football and a 5 for the World Series. 

Ad rates for geek themed shows are also climbing.  The Big Bang Theory, with high and rising ratings in demo, is now getting $326,260 for a 30-second spot, according to Adweek.  That’s the highest :30 price for any programming except NFL football, which still gets more because of its larger over-all audience. 

While sports programming draws larger over-all audiences because of its strength in less desirable demos, the handwriting is on the wall.  If geek shows are doing the best in the most desirable demo, there will be more of them.  Many more.