AMC has renewed "The Walking Dead" for a sixth season. The news comes mere days before the October 13 premiere of the series' anticipated fifth season. While no details about plot were revealed for the fifth or sixth season, the network confirmed that current showrunner Scott Gimple will return for the series' sixth season, which will make him the longest-tenured "The Walking Dead" showrunner to date. (Frank Darabont held the position during the first season, Glen Mazzara for the second and third.)

"We could not be more excited for October 12th as we share new episodes of 'The Walking Dead' with fans around the globe," AMC President Charlie Collier said via press release. "In advance of Sunday's season five premiere, AMC proudly confirms a sixth season order of this extraordinary series. Thank you to Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple, the terrific executive producers, and the entire team who brings this compelling world and these rich characters to life. There's plenty more Dead ahead thanks to their impressive, collective effort."

The move to renew "The Walking Dead" should come as little surprise given the series' pedigree. The AMC drama has broken numerous records and is consistently a high ratings draw for the network. Plus, theres the matter of the companion series that got a pilot order in September, effectively extending the franchise's reach on television.

"The Walking Dead" returns to AMC on October 13.