In this image released by AMC, zombies appear in a scene from the second season of the AMC original series, "The Walking Dead," in Senoia, Ga.Gene Page/The Associated Press
Imagine making your way along the slushy sidewalks of Manhattan when a mass of zombies beneath a street grate begin clawing upward at your legs.
Fortunately, this was an isolated incident and the zombies had been caked in fake blood and guts before getting into character.
But it was impossible to be unfazed by the stunt, which pedestrians soon learned was conceived by the folks at AMC to promote the upcoming new batch of episodes of The Walking Dead.
Naturally, reactions were filmed from a distance and the video which also includes a brief set-up has already been viewed nearly 1.5 million times on YouTube.
As website The Gothamist describes it: "Watch as some walking dead hide beneath the streets of New York City, giving tiny heart attacks to the living above them." So call it a viral hit with no apocalyptic fallout.
Indeed, the fact that the prank was played out among unsuspecting people is what makes the 1:43-minute spot so fun to watch; you know, like Candid Camera with zombies.
Adweek's round-up of the best viral ads from last year reveals ads that are provocative, tap into the zeitgeist and tug at the heartstrings.
But now we have proof that a tug at your actual foot is more fun.
So now only one question remains: who plans to watch Sunday's first new episode?
Amy Verner