The zombie apocalypse isn't ending anytime soon!
The Walking Dead has officially been renewed for a fifth season by AMC, the network announced on Monday.
"We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever: The Walking Dead is renewed for a fifth season," AMC president Charlie Collier said in a statement. "This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently—and most notably—with the season four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history. On behalf of the incredible team on both sides of the camera, thank you to the fans and here's to more Dead."
And though the AMC hit has had some showrunner swaps in the past, Scott Gimple, who took over for Glen Mazzara in season four, is sticking around to helm season five.
The Walking Dead's renewal shouldn't come as much of a surprise given the series' ratings domination. The season four premiere shattered ratings records, bringing in 16.1 million viewers, The Walking Dead's highest-rated episode ever. The previous record? The season three finale, which brought in 12.4 million viewers. Even more impressive? The Walking Dead's monster premiere numbers confirms that it's still TV's top show in the 18-40 demo.
Also a good sign that TWD shows no signs of ending? AMC recently announced that it is developing a spinoff, which will be based on a new story and new characters from Robert Kirkman. "Building on the success of the most popular show on television for adults 18-49 is literally a no-brainer," Collier said in a statement. "It's a big world and we can't wait to give fans another unforgettable view of the zombie apocalypse."