‘The Walking Dead’ season 5 official; Scott Gimple to remain as showrunner
You knew that “The Walking Dead” was going to be renewed for a fifth season; the only real question was whether or not the show was going to actually give a showrunner two straight years of job security for the first time ever. Traditionally, you don’t have many opportunities to say that a showrunner is suddenly the most important part of the story, but it really is here when you consider the sort of creative turmoil that has existed behind the AMC series for quite some time. Frank Darabont was the original man responsible for steering the ship, but he was later replaced by Glen Mazzara and now Scott Gimple.
In a statement alongside the confirmation of the renewal, AMC president Charlie Collier had the following to say:
“We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever: The Walking Dead is renewed for a fifth season. This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently — and most notably — with the season-four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest nonsports telecast in cable history. On behalf of the incredible team on both sides of the camera, thank you to the fans and here’s to more Dead.”
There has yet to be an official episode order announced yet, but we would personally like to see it scaled back to the 12-14 range. This would make the intensity level higher, and you also have to remember that comic creator Robert Kirkman is going to be stretched a little more thin now courtesy of his duties on here, on a proposed spin-off series, and also on his comic books.
While it has not been confirmed yet, you can also expect that “Talking Dead” will likely return for another season, as well, after it posted some records of its own earlier this year. Let’s just hope that they book better guests following a crazy telecast on Sunday.
What do you think is: Is keeping Gimple the right move, or are you just happy to see that a showrunner actually stay put on the show at all? Be sure to share below! If you love show show (or zombies in general), be sure to also check out our Netflix contest here! We’ll have more soon.
Photo: AMC