It’s only been back on the airwaves for a mere two weeks, but already AMC has secured the immediate future of The Walking Dead after confirming plans to bring back the widely popular zombie series for season 7 in 2016.
For the past three years, The Walking Dead has remained atop the charts as the number one show among the 18-49 demographic, and the network isn’t about to let that record slip anytime soon. In tandem with the renewal, there was also news of Chris Hardwick’s ever-popular Talking Dead making a return, which is hardly surprising considering the growing popularity of the live reaction series.
In an official statement released today, President of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios Charlie Collier welcomed The Walking Dead back with open arms, stating that he can’t wait to collaborate with Scott Gimple, Robert Kirkman and the like for season 7.
“Thank goodness someone had a Magic 8-Ball with them in our many long internal meetings about these renewals. When, on the third shake, ‘without a doubt’ filled the murky blue screen, we knew we had to proceed with new seasons of ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Talking Dead.
All joking aside, we are so proud to share these shows with fans who have been so passionate, communicative and engaged. We are grateful for and continually impressed by the talent, effort and excellence on continuous display by Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple, Chris Hardwick and the many people with whom we partner to make these unique shows possible. The result: More Walking and Talking. Hooray.”
Scott M. Gimple is currently at the helm as showrunner for The Walking Dead season 6, though whether he will remain in place for the next season or step down to executive producer remains to be seen. Indeed, given recent events on the show, perhaps the bigger question is whether some of the core cast members will survive until season 7.
The Walking Dead shuffled back onto AMC earlier this month for season 6, and is already causing quite the stir among the series’ core fanbase. Fear not, though; in the wake of today’s announcement, it’s clear there is still plenty more TWD to come.
