AMC is developing a spin-off of their hit drama series The Walking Dead, the network announced today.
Currently in the early stages of development, the proposed spin-off would not be based on an existing comic book (as was the case for The Walking Dead) and would instead be set in “The Walking Dead universe” with plans to have the series on air by 2015. The skein will be produced by AMC Studios with Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert on board to serve as executive producers.
“Building on the success of the most popular show on television for adults 18-49 is literally a no-brainer,” said Charlie Collier, President and General Manager of AMC. “We look forward to working with Robert, Gale and Dave again as we develop an entirely new story and cast of characters. It’s a Big World and we can’t wait to give fans another Unforgettable view of the zombie apocalypse.”
While Robert Kirkman added: “After 10 years of writing the comic book series and being so close to the debut of our fourth, and in my opinion, best season of the TV series, I couldn’t be more thrilled about getting the chance to create a new corner of The Walking Dead universe. The opportunity to make a show that isn’t tethered by the events of the comic book, and is truly a blank page, has set my creativity racing.”
The proposed series comes along at a time when AMC is having to make some tough decisions about its scripted output. The network recently handed series orders to two new series Turn and Halt & Catch Fire, while their most recent series Low Winter Sun has been struggling in the ratings and is set to be cancelled. That follows on from the recent cancellation of The Killing, while Breaking Bad and Mad Men are coming to an end at the network. AMC’s western Hell On Wheels looks set for renewal and given the ratings issues with Low Winter Sun, having a new series with a built in audience looks appealing to execs at the network; making the Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul and now this The Walking Dead spin-off no-brainers.
