‘The Walking Dead’ season 5: Is a path to season 12 really possible?

When you look at the majority of cable series out there, most of them are traditionally very lucky to make it past a fourth or fifth season before the ratings drop or costs rise to the point where it is no longer prudent to keep them around.

However, that model is starting to change and shift. “True Blood” is lasting for seven, while “Dexter” made it all the way to eight. So is it really possible that something like “The Walking Dead” could make it all the way to season 12? It is definitely possible, and that is something that we wouldn’t have said a while ago.

While at a PGA Panel recently (per Indiewire), producer David Alpert explained that the writers already have some sort of road map set in stone if the show does somehow manage to last that long:

“I happen to love working from source material, specifically because we have a pretty good idea of what season 10 is gonna be. We know where season 11 and 12…we have benchmarks and milestones for those seasons if we’re lucky enough to get there.”

There are clearly many benefits for everyone to stay with the show that long, whether they be financial or in terms of getting the recognition to go on and do other things. However, it is also possible that the actors may want to move on eventually, and the same goes for the producers. This is something that will probably be addressed more when the show gets around to the seventh season or so, given that this is when these sort of things typically happen.

How long do you think that a series like this can last? For now, be sure to share some of your thoughts below, and head over here to get more proof of the show’s insane popularity right now. You can also sign up now to get some other great TV scoop via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: AMC