Dave Erickson is switching gears from zombies while sticking around with AMC.
Deadline reports that the Fear The Walking Dead showrunner will be leaving the series at the end of season 3 in order to focus on creating new projects for AMC under his new multi-year overall deal. Though Erickson won’t be showrunning past season 3, he will stay on as an executive producer.
“I have truly enjoyed working with the writers and directors, cast and crew on Fear and am so proud of what we have accomplished over our first two season,” Erickson said. “I look forward to completing work on season three, sharing it with the fans and developing new projects with my partners at AMC.”
Erickson, who has previously worked on Sons of Anarchy and Marco Polo, worked alongside The Walking Dead and Outcast creator Robert Kirkman when developing the LA-based spin-off series. Fear The Walking Dead had big shoes to fill ratings-wise, but is now comfortably sitting right behind The Walking Dead as the No.2 drama in ad-supported cable in the 25-54 demographic.
“We’re beyond grateful for Dave’s amazing work on the first three seasons of Fear The Walking Dead,” said Joel Stillerman, President of Original Programming and Development for AMC and SundanceTV. “With Dave as showrunner, the series fulfilled its creative promise to expand The Walking Dead universe in a way that was totally unique from the original series, and has gone on to become the #2 drama series in ad-supported cable, behind only The Walking Dead. We are also incredibly excited that Dave has chosen to stay in the AMC family to pursue his next passion project. We looked forward to many more successful collaborations.”
Fear The Walking Dead stars Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Mercedes Mason and Colman Domingo. Erickson, Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero and David Alpert executive produce the series.