The Walking Dead has been on our TV screens for a decade now and, as all shows do, it’s gone from its rising years to the peak of its popularity to a period of decline in the ratings. However, AMC is showing no signs of stopping this undead cash cow as more seasons are expected beyond the already-commissioned tenth run and further spinoffs are in production, too. All this means that the TWD franchise is apparently still in the early stages of its life cycle.
At least, that’s according to AMC CEO Josh Sapan. While speaking on an earnings call earlier this week, Sapan revealed that he thinks the network is just beginning to dig into the “full economic potential” of the post-apocalyptic universe originally created by Robert Kirkman in his Image Comics series.
“Nine years in, we believe we are just beginning to tap its full economic potential and we’re extending the franchise as any media company would.”
TWD is already joined by Fear the Walking Dead while a third show is on the way, too. An untitled series from showrunner Matt Negrette has been ordered to a debut season of 10 episodes and will focus on the younger generation of survivors who’ve grown up in this zombie-ridden world with the leads being two teen women. Speaking about what we can expect, Sapan explained that the show will be “fresh and unexpected,” saying:
“With its focus on the next generation of survivors led by two young female protagonists, we think this third series is a perfect gateway to advance the narrative of this universe in ways that are multi-generational, fresh and unexpected.”
Beyond this, those TV movies starring Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes are on the way as well and it seems AMC is open to making even more spinoff shows, as we’ve heard rumors of others being developed – possibly starring the likes of Jeffery Dean Morgan (Negan) and Lauren Cohan (Maggie). Some may think those dwindling viewing figures might slow the network’s spirits somewhat but, as another AMC exec has stated, it’s still the highest-rated TV series on cable.
The Walking Dead season 10 is set to air this fall, while Fear season 5 kicks off on Sunday, June 2nd.