'Walking Dead' Companion Series Gets Pilot Order

AMC is keeping it all in the zombie family: the network has given a pilot order to a companion series of The Walking Dead. Production on the pilot is scheduled to begin in late 2014.

The pilot will be executive produced by Walking Dead creative team Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert, while co-creator and co-writer Dave Erickson (Sons of Anarchy) will act as showrunner/executive producer.

AMC president Charlie Collier hinted that the series would focus on the effects of the zombie apocalypse in places outside the Georgia setting in which the parent series takes place.

“Almost from the beginning of ‘The Walking Dead’ on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most,” said Collier. “Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct. We're thrilled to be taking this next step with these remarkable partners.”

“There are many corners of ‘The Walking Dead’ universe that remain unseen in the shadows,” Kirkman added. “Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill. I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave and I have been cooking up for this new universe of ‘The Walking Dead,’ and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them.”

Sounds like it could be a great new addition to AMC's lineup. Considering that The Walking Dead is AMC's top show, the pilot order doesn't surprise me. And I'd be equally shocked if it didn't get a full series order. Well, unless the pilot is awful. But given the strength of the original Walking Dead pilot, I doubt Kirkman and co. will allow it to be an outright bomb. Then again, they don't exactly have Frank Darabont to lend his cinematic sensibilities to the the franchise anymore, so it's anyone's guess how this companion series will turn out.

As for the parent series, The Walking Dead returns for Season 5 on Oct. 12.

Via: The Wrap

Credit: AMC