'The Walking Dead' Renewed for Third Season! Watch an Episode 3 Preview

Despite undergoing brutal pre-season-two discussions that led to the rather unceremonious firing of former show-runner Frank Darabont, AMC's original dramatic zombie series "The Walking Dead" has been renewed for a third season, the network announced today.

"Today we are pleased to announce that the ‘dead’ shall live as we proudly renew ‘The Walking Dead’ for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels," said AMC President Charlie Collier. 

“We are thankful for everyone’s contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make ‘The Walking Dead’ a unique television experience. And, we are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world,” said Collier.

Ratings for the phenomenally popular zombie show have exceeded pretty much everyone's expectations so far.

"Season two continues to deliver the strongest telecasts for any drama in basic cable history against Adults 18-49 shattering a basic cable record set nearly 10 years ago," according to the network.

While the show is experiencing a strong following so far, it's worthwhile to note that the first two episodes were in fact the work of Frank Darabont and not his predecessor Glen Mazzarra. By all accounts, Mazzarra is a talented showrunner who commands respect from cast and crew, and he's got great source material and talent to work with, so surely the show will continue to be great in future episodes.

Still, it is Darabont, who was shown the door by AMC over budget disputes for the record-breaking show, who deserves credit for the shows to date. His treatment by AMC is a potent reminder that in Hollywood, loyalty means nothing, money means everything and no one is indispensable.

Watch a preview for the episode 3 of "The Walking Dead":