‘Walking Dead’ Companion Series Gets AMC Pilot Order

The Walking Dead companion series‘ march to the small screen continues with a pilot green light. While coming short of the straight-to-series pickup it bestowed upon The Walking Dead and the Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul, AMC gave an indication that the project is intended to go to series, describing the order as a “pilot episode.” Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert from The Walking Dead are also executive producers of the new show which, like the original, is being produced by AMC Studios. Dave Erickson (Marco Polo), who co-created and co-wrote the pilot with Kirkman, will serve as an executive producer and showrunner.

“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 AMC President Charlie 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.”

Said Kirkman, “There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill.” The pilot is scheduled for production in late 2014. The fifth season of The Walking Dead, based on Kirkman’s comic, returns to AMC on October 12.

At AMC, the untitled Walking Dead companion joins pilots Knifeman and Galyntine.