The Walking Dead has been picked up for a fourth season, not a shocker. What is the shocker (or not depending on how you look at AMC's track record) is that Showrunner Glenn Mazzara will step down after season three. Rumors have swirled for a while that Mazzara was unhappy running the show, and now it looks like it has finally come to a head. However, AMC and Mazzara both say that the split is amicable, with them issuing this joint statement,
“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. AMC is grateful for his hard work. We are both proud of our shared success." Mazzara and Executive producer and creator Robert Kikman, as well as Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd all issued solo statements as well. Check them out below.
"My time as showrunner on The Walking Dead has been an amazing experience, but after I finish season 3, it’s time to move on. I have told the stories I wanted to tell and connected with our fans on a level that I never imagined. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey." – Glen Mazzara
"I am in full support of both AMC and Glen Mazzara in the decision they have come to and believe the parties came to this decision in the best interest of the future of the show. I thank Glen for his hard work and appreciate his many contributions to The Walking Dead and look forward to working with him as we complete post production on Season 3. I am also excited to begin work on another spectacular season of this show that I know means so much to so many people. This show has always been the result of a wide range of extremely talented men and women working tirelessly to produce their best work collectively. I believe the future is bright for The Walking Dead. Thank you to the fans for your continued support." – Robert Kirkman
"I am appreciative and grateful to Glen for his hard work on ‘The Walking Dead.’ I am supportive of AMC and Glen’s decision and know that the series is in great hands with one of the most talented and dedicated casts and crews in the business. I look forward to the show’s continued success." – Gale Anne Hurd
This is not the first time the show, or AMC in general, has had troubles with its showrunner. In the middle of Season two Frank Darabont abruptly left the show leaving Mazzara to fill in for him. Trouble with Mazzara allegedly started when AMC started dragging its feet with the renewal of the show following record numbers. No word yet on who will replace Mazzara, but keep checking here at CBM for the latest.