Much like the zombie plague, the appeal of The Walking Dead is unstoppable, as AMC is now set to expand its undead universe into a spin-off show. The new series will be set in another pocked of TWD universe, with completely separate characters and storylines. Robert Kirkman, the creator of the comic book series that the show is based on, will executive produce the new show, alongside series EPs Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert.

Andrew Lincoln, Paley Center
It looks like the new series will not feature everyone's favorite Deputy Rick Grimes.

The as of yet unnamed project is geared for a 2015 premiere, but besides this, there has been precious little information released by AMC and Kirkman himself. The writer/executive producer expressed his excitement about the new creative endeavor in a statement, quoted by Newsarama.

“After 10 years of writing the comic book series and being so close to the debut of our fourth, and in my opinion, best season of the TV series, I couldn't be more thrilled about getting the chance to create a new corner of The Walking Dead universe,” said Kirkman in a press release. “The opportunity to make a show that isn't tethered by the events of the comic book, and is truly a blank page, has set my creativity racing.”

Walking Dead Premiere, Times Square
But of course there will be zombies galore.

That sounds exciting enough, although Kirkman didn’t make it entirely clear how exactly the new series will differ from the original in terms of plot. Zombie enthusiasts will have to wait awhile to find out, but at least the wait for the original show is almost over. The Walking Dead season 4 premieres on October 13.

Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead Premiere
Kirkman is excited about the creative opportunity.