Watch Chris Hardwick return as host of AMC’s Talking Dead, thanking fans for support
By Ryan Stuver
Following sexual misconduct allegations against him in June, Chris Hardwick made his return to the Talking Dead last night.
Chris Hardwick opened the show by making a teary-eyed thank you to The Walking Dead community.
Hardwick has been the host of AMC’s Talking Dead (a talk show about The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead that has also spawned other AMC talk shows collectively known as Talking with Chris Hardwick) from the very beginning.
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He was set to be replaced by fellow superfan Nicole Yvette Brown, due to sexual misconduct allegations made by his former girlfriend Chloe Dykstra.
However, despite his hosting job being postponed and several staff members of The Talking Dead protesting and even quitting the show, Hardwick was reinstated before he missed a single episode.
Talking Dead returned Sunday night (Aug. 12) following the midseason premiere of Fear The Walking Dead’s Season 4 with Hardwick as the host. However, the talk show started off much different than it has in the past.
Instead of welcoming viewers to the show and introducing his guests, Hardwick instead gave some emotional words related to the recent allegations, mainly thanking fans for standing by and supporting him through such difficult times.
With his voice cracking and tears in his eyes, Hardwick spoke to the audience and viewers at home:
"“I really just want to take a minute, and I want to say that I am so appreciative to be standing here right now. And I want to thank you, The Walking Dead community, for all of your support these last couple of months.”"
He continued his emotional statement by explaining how much the show and the fans mean to him, including how important it’s been in his life:
"“The show is not just a job to me, this is a vital part of my life, you know, this has been a sanctuary these last seven years we’ve been here. This has been with me through good times and bad times and I have so much gratitude to you, the fans, and the producers, and the amazing casts of both of these shows.”"
The sexual allegations from his former ex-girlfriend occurred back in June and Hardwick denied them, stating:
"“I’m devastated to read that she is now accusing me of conduct that did not occur. l was blindsided by her post and always wanted the best for her. As a husband, a son, and future father, I do not condone any kind of mistreatment of women.”"
Although not much info has been released regarding AMC’s investigation into the matter, Hardwick was removed from the Nerdist Industries (which he founded), as well as losing his invitation to the recent San Diego Comic-Con panels.
While I can’t speak on what did or didn’t occur in these allegations, there’s no denying how much the Talking Dead host truly loves and appreciates “The Walking Dead community.”
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Hardwick wrapped up his thank-you’s by saying:
"“I’ve said the following words a million times, countless times, [and] I’ve never been more thankful than I am in this moment to say to you: I am Chris Hardwick and this is Talking Dead..”"
Hardwick is set to continue his hosting duties for the foreseeable future.