Christmas is not being kind to a mastermind of the hit show, The Walking Dead. Early Friday morning, AMC announced that while they have opted (rightfully so) to renew the show for a fourth season, there is a major twist. Executive Producer Glen Mazzara is stepping down as showrunner.
According to AMC, this is a mutual decision based on creative differences. The network sees the show going in one direction that Mazzara does not agree with. In a statement AMC released this morning,
“Glen guided the series creatively for Seasons 2 and 3,” AMC said in a statement. “[We’re] 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.”
Mazzara calls his experience with TWD “amazing,” but notes that 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.”