Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Terrifying <em>Walking Dead</em> Prank Under Investigation
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 9, 2014
Modified Feb 9, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 9, 2014
Modified Feb 9, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The Walking Dead returns this weekend for more nihilistic zombie munching and machete-wielding action—but just because the show is already a huge ratings bonanza for AMC doesn't mean the channel doesn't want to drum up more viral marketing for it. To that end, they released a video of a terrifying prank this week in which "zombies" reached up through a subway grate to scare the shit out of passersby. Except it seems they freaked out NYC officials as well: "We are deeply troubled by this video," an MTA spokesperson told WPIX. "We have forwarded it to the NYPD and are also conducting our own investigation."
Permits are required for commercial shoots with actors that use public space, and the MTA says permission was not granted for the company to open up a sidewalk grate. At first, we assumed most of these "scared" people were hired extras, and this was just another Macklemore-style lie. But it's possible AMC just did a really good job of keeping a lid on the prank before releasing the final video. At least a few people did spot the zombies there at the start of last week:
Those AMC folks sure like their zombie pranks.
Tagged
amc
prank
walking dead
zombies
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .