The Walking Dead has been renewed for a sixth season…before season five has even premiered! AMC announced the zombie apocalypse drama will return with showrunner and executive producer Scott Gimple leading the charge once again.
"We could not be more excited for October 12th as we share new episodes of The Walking Dead with fans around the globe," AMC President Charlie Collier said in a statement. "In advance of Sunday's season five 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."
AMC did not announce how many episodes season six will be. The series is currently the highest-rated show in cable TV history and the No. 1 show on TV in the adults 18-49 demographic.
AMC is also working on a companion/spinoff series for The Walking Dead from Kirkman and Robert Erickson.
"Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most," AMC President Charlie Collier said in a statement when the series was announced. "Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We're thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners."
The pilot is scheduled to shoot in late 2014 and will be set in a new location with new characters.
"There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them," Kirkman said in a statement.
Expect some shockers when The Walking Dead returns for season five.
"I remember a couple of scenes I would look over at what was going on in the scene and I would be like, 'What the eff? What are we doing? How is this legal?' It's grounded and real, too; it's not like torture or gore for no reason," Steven Yeun told E! News about the season five premiere. "It's literally, that is what would happen and we are trying to show it. It would not work on network television, let me tell you that."
Season 5 of The Walking Dead kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 9 p.m. on AMC.