Much like its reanimated, flesh-eating villains, The Walking Dead is showing no signs of slowing down, as AMC has announced plans to renew the hit zombie show for a sixth season.
This news comes just five days before the series’ hotly-anticipated return, with Rick Grimes & co. set to ramble onto our screens once more on Sunday, October 12th. As expected, Scott M. Gimple will remain onboard as showrunner, continuing his stint on the network’s revered project since he joined as producer back in season two.
Speaking of the renewal, Charlie Collier — president of the widely-popular cabler — touched upon his excitement for The Walking Dead going forward.
“We could not be more excited for October 12 as we share new episodes of The Walking Dead with fans around the globe. In advance of Sunday’s Season 5 premiere, AMC proudly confirms a sixth season order of this extraordinary series. Thank you to Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple, the terrific executive producers, and the entire team who brings this compelling world and these rich characters to life. There’s plenty more Dead ahead thanks to their impressive, collective effort.”
Indeed, there is plenty more Dead ahead after the network formally ordered a pilot for an adjacent spin-off. At this stage, AMC have released brief character descriptions for those who have been confirmed to appear in the recently-announced series, though it’s almost inevitable that The Walking Dead spin-off will introduce ardent fans to a host of new post-apocalyptic survivors should the show find an audience.
The Walking Dead will return this Sunday, October 12th on AMC for its fifth run. In the meantime, you can share your thoughts for season six in the comments section below.