The Walking Dead Comes to Television
Just yesterday I had read Comic Book Resources article on Robert Kirkman‘s Comic-Con International panel where he was asked whether or not his zombie epic The Walking Dead, would ever become a film or tv series. While he confirmed there were talks about a tv show, nothing was concrete. Less than 24 hours later it’s been confirmed that AMC, who’s been on a roll with their original content such as Mad Men and Breaking Bad, have acquired the rights to make The Walking Dead a television series. I have read maybe half of the series at this point, but it’s easy to see that this is a great decision. The comic is well written, suspenseful, scary, and just all sorts of awesome. Plus it will be on cable, where all the best television lives!
In the Hitfix article, AMC won out over NBC to make the series. NBC, for anyone not keeping track, is in bad shape at the moment. Besides 30 Rock and The Office, the network has been taking a beating in ratings and popularity. Sure Law Order is still gets viewers, but it’s Law and Order. They will always be around. They need more original hit shows. At the very least, one original hit show. While the Joel Mchale starring comedy Community, whose pilot can be watched by joining their facebook fanpage, has been getting good buzz, they definitely need a hit drama more than, say, five nights of Jay Leno at 10pm. Who knows, maybe their fortune will turn around.
Also worth noting is that Frank Darabont, director of “The Shawshank Redemption“, will write and direct the pilot. This means that maybe, just maybe, Morgan Freeman might narrate the story. Since this is all just happening, I doubt there will be anything to see until next year. Maybe a San Diego Comic-Con debut next July? Until then, catch up on The Walking Dead like I will. Either pick up the trades, or the ridiculous murder brick they released recently.
What do you guys think of this development? Good idea? Bad idea? Are you happy it’s not more vampires? Let us know.
Via Hitfix, Variety, CBR, and Entertainment Weekly
This might be the best TV news I’ve heard in a long time.
Amazing comic book, I’m looking forward to it.
This is freaking awesome news!
I hope it airs on basic cable! Man, I’m soooo excited!
Defiantly want to see it, but how well will they be able to follow the actually story, I mean with kids being decapitated, and such. I don’t care that much though because it will be ridiculously awesome anyways.
Damn, they beat me to it!
Still, I hope it does well. I’ll be watching.