News From 'The Walking Dead'

Glen Mazzara, the showrunner for the wildly popular “Walking Dead,” has announced that he is leaving the show.

“My time as a 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,” Mazzara said.

Mazzara has cited a “difference of opinion” with AMC as the reason for splitting from the show.

In more positive news, AMC has announced that season 4 of the show has been picked up, so Mazzara’s removal won’t necessarily mean the death of the show.

AMC says, in a joint announcement, “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.”

The news comes as a surprise to many. Mazzara took over from Darabont, and since his addition to the show, viewership and critical acclaim have increased substantially. The show is breaking ratings for cable, as well as beating out most other shows on network television.

No word yet on who will be stepping in to pick up the reins.