THE WALKING DEAD Officially Renewed for Fourth Season

Since the world didn't get around to ending today, AMC has officially decided to keep on with their own version of the apocalypse: the network announced that it has officially picked up its hit zombie drama THE WALKING DEAD for a fourth season. Flipside: showrunner Glen Mazzara will not be returning.

Here is AMC's official statement:

"Today, AMC announces the season 4 pick-up of The Walking Dead.

AMC also jointly announces with Glen Mazzara today that for future seasons, the two parties have mutually decided to part ways. Glen guided the series creatively for seasons 2 and 3. AMC is 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."

Mazzara took over the show after the first season, when Frank Darabont departed the series.

Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, The Walking Dead stars Andrew Lincoln, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Lauren Cohan,Scott Wilson, Melissa McBride, Chad Coleman, David Morrissey and Danai Gurira. The second half of season 3 premieres on Sunday, February 10th.