AMC Greenlights ‘Walking Dead’ Spinoff Series

AMC Friday said it has ordered a pilot episode for it’s The Walking Dead companion series.

The spinoff series will be executively produced by Dave Erickson (Marco Polo, Sons of Anarchy) as well as Walking Dead producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert. AMC provided no further details on the companion series.

The Walking Dead is the most watched series among adults 18-49 on television the last two years.

“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,” said  AMC President Charlie Collier in a statement. “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.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.