AMC is giving its "The Walking Dead" spinoff series the "Better Call Saul" treatment.
Without even airing it, the network has given the spinoff, rumored to be titled "Fear The Walking Dead," a two-season commitment, according to Deadline.
The first season, set for a premiere late this summer, will consist of six episodes, each at one hour long. The second season will air at some point in 2016.
No details of potential storylines have been released, but the show will be set in Los Angeles and feature completely new characters.
"We take incredibly seriously the notion of building a satisfying companion series to the number one show on television. From the beginning of 'The Walking Dead' on AMC, we've been asked questions about what was going on in other parts of the zombie apocalypse, and what it looked like as the world really did 'turn.' Through this new series, we're going to find out," AMC president Charlie Collier told Deadline. "Robert Kirkman, Dave Erickson and their writing team, along with an incomparable set of producers, cast and crew have created something remarkable and clearly distinct. We respectfully follow the request of Monty Python as we bring out (the latest of) our Dead."
Cliff Curtis, Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane and Alycia Debnam Carey will star in the spinoff.
Both "The Walking Dead" spinoff and "Better Call Saul," a spinoff of "Breaking Bad," are big deals for AMC, as IndieWire points out.
"The Walking Dead" is the most watched show on television in the most important age demographic (18-49) and the only real franchise the network currently has, outside of "Breaking Bad" (even thought it is no longer on the air). "Mad Men" will be ending soon, so AMC is now hoping to be carried by two series that are companions of a past and current series.
