The 'Walking Dead' companion series will debut its 6-episode first season in late summer and return with the second season in 2016.
- Mar 10, 2015
AceShowbiz - Already enjoying 5 seasons of big ratings with "The Walking Dead", AMC has given a vote of confidence to its companion series. The still untitled spin-off has been ordered for two seasons by the network, even before it launches the first season.
"We take incredibly seriously the notion of building a satisfying companion series to the number one show (in young adults) on television. From the beginning of 'The Walking Dead' on AMC, we've been asked questions about what was going on in other parts of the zombie apocalypse, and what it looked like as the world really did 'turn.' Through this new series, we're going to find out," AMC president Charlie Collier said in a statement Monday.
The "Walking Dead" comic book author Robert Kirkman, who co-wrote the pilot and executive produces the spin-off, reacted to the two-season order, "We feel empowered by this two-season commitment, a serious show of faith from our network partner AMC."
He continued, "I personally take it as a sign that they believe, like we do, that we've accomplished our goal of developing something original that can pay tribute to the original show and expand the world I created while at the same time having something new to say with this story. I'm very grateful that we now have the opportunity to tell this amazing story and show the fans that we really haven't scratched the surface yet when it comes to 'The Walking Dead'."
Showrunner Dave Erickson, who also penned the pilot, chimed in, "This vote of confidence from our partners at AMC is gratifying, to say the least. We've been blessed with amazing writers and a stellar cast-and we can't wait to build this apocalyptic drama over the next two seasons and hopefully beyond."
The upcoming new show is set in Los Angeles and stars Cliff Curtis, Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane and Alycia Debnam Carey in series regular roles. The 6-episode first season will debut in late summer, while the second season will launch in 2016.
Dickens recently told EW recently about her character, "I like the role. I like that she was this bad-ass, Sigourney Weaver-type character. It was so fun, and the stakes are so high. It's just so exciting, a fun sort of fantasy world to be in when I've done some other very grounded pieces lately. It's always good to keep it exciting. Apparently there are more zombies that need killing."
