AMC announced today that it has renewedFear the Walking Deadfor a fourth season, ahead of its upcomingseason three premiereon June 4. In addition,Andrew ChamblissandIan Goldberg(Once Upon a Time) are boardingFearas co-showrunners, starting with season four. Additionally,Scott M. Gimple, executive producer and showrunner ofThe Walking Deadwill become an executive producer ofFear the Walking Dead. Here’s whatJoel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV, had to say about the renewal in his statement.
“We’re very excited to continue the journey ofFear The Walking Dead, and truly look forward to working with the talented team of Andrew Chambliss, Ian Goldberg, andScott Gimple.”
In the second half of its second season,Fear the Walking Deadaveraged 5.3 million viewers per episode, including 3.4 million adults 25-54 and 3 million adults 18-49 in Nielsen live+3 ratings, firmly establishing “Fear” as one of the top shows on cable. AMC previously announced thatFear the Walking DeadshowrunnerDave Ericksonwould be transitioning off of the show upon completion of production of season 3 to develop new products for AMC Studios. Here’s what new showrunnersAndrew ChamblissandIan Goldberghad to say in their joint statement.
“We are thrilled to be joiningFear The Walking Deadand couldn’t be more excited to work alongside the wonderful team at AMC on this show. We love this universe and are truly honored to have the chance to contribute to it.”
A wholly original companion series toThe Walking Dead, the #1 show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years, “Fear the Walking Dead” is executive produced byRobert Kirkman,Gale Anne Hurd,Greg Nicotero,David Alpert,David EricksonandScott M. Gimpleand produced byAMCStudios. AMC previously handed out aSeason 3 renewallast year, after just the second episode of Season 2 aired. WithScott M. Gimplejoining theFear the Walking Deadteam, this may spark rumors that a crossover could be brewing betweenFear the Walking Deadand the flagship seriesThe Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkmanhas said in the past thatFear the Walking Deadwill eventually catch up toThe Walking Deadtimeline, butDave Ericksonsaid last year that a crossover will not happen. The crossover isn’t feasible since the timelines are too far apart, althoughRobert Kirkmandid say thatFearwould catch up to the original series, withDave Ericksonalso adding thatFear the Walking Deadis set clear on the other side of the country. Still, withScott M. Gimplenow serving as an executive producer, perhaps the network and producers have changed their tune in regards to a crossover. Hopefully we’ll find out the Walking Deadsoon, before it returns with its Season 3 premiere on June 4.
