‘The Walking Dead’ renewed for season 4 … but without Glen Mazzara

Are you ready for the least and most surprising news of the day? If so, we have a story coming in straight from AMC that is sure to make you simultaneously rather happy and rather sad.

First, let’s start with the good news: “The Walking Dead” is officially back for a fourth season! The network made the announcement Friday, and it is hardly a shock given that this is not only the most-watched show on cable, but the most-watched drama on all TV in the key 18-49 demographic that advertisers so eagerly hope for.

As for the other news, let’s just say that we did not see this coming considering all of the creative growth that the show made this year. Glen Mazzara is stepping down as showrunner after taking over from Frank Darabont midway through season 2, and he had the following to say about his exit (which will happen at the conclusion of this season) in a statement:

“[This was] an amazing experience, but after I finish Season 3, it’s time to move on. I have told the stories I wanted to tell and connected with our fans on a level that I never imagined. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”

AMC also added the following statement of their own, which makes it look as though creative differences are the primary reason for the two parties going their separate ways:

“Glen guided the series creatively for Seasons 2 and 3 … [We’re] grateful for his hard work. We are both proud of our shared success. Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part ways. This decision is amicable and Glen will remain on for post-production on Season 3B as showrunner and executive producer.”

If you want to read more about the future of some of the characters on “The Walking Dead” season 3, you can do so over at the link here.

Photo: AMC