You didn't seriously think that AMC was going to reject its “Walking Dead” companion series pilot, did you?
If you did, you were wrong.
If you assumed this one was pretty close to a lock?
Mazel tov.
AMC announced on Monday (March 9) that the currently untitled “Walking Dead” companion pilot has been given a two-season series order.
Following in the footsteps of the “Walking Dead” mothership, the first season for the “Walking Dead” companion will be six episodes and will premiere in late-summer 2015. The second season, presumably a full-length season, will premiere in 2016.
David Erickson wrote the pilot with Robert Kirkman and will serve as showrunner for the ongoing series, which will star Cliff Curtis, Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam and more.
“We take incredibly seriously the notion of building a satisfying companion series to the number one show 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,” blurbs Charlie Collier, AMC president. “Robert Kirkman, Dave Erickson and their writing team, along with an incomparable set of producers, cast and crew have created something remarkable and clearly distinct. We respectfully follow the request of Monty Python as we bring out (the latest of) our Dead.”
See what he did there?
So far, details on the companion series are scarce, other than the Los Angeles setting and the all-new set of characters and whatnot.
“We feel empowered by this two-season commitment, a serious show of faith from our network partner AMC,” Kirkman states. “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.'”
Adds Erickson, “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 limited order for the first “Walking Dead” companion series will allow AMC to get the series on for this summer, while the two-season order continues network precedent when it comes to spinoff/prequel/companion offerings. “Better Call Saul” also was given a two-season order upfront when the “Breaking Bad” prequel received its official pickup.
Meanwhile, “The Walking Dead” continues to be the top show on all of TV in the 18-49 demographic.
Yay?