The Walking Dead, AMC's all new zombie drama wrapped up its debut season on Sunday, (5th December 2010) but rumours that the entire writing staff are to be fired in favour of freelancers for series two had soured the mood after the season finale was met with rave reviews.
However, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer of the show Gale Anne Hurd denied reports that director Frank Darabont is set to fire the writing staff. It had been reported earlier this week that the director had 'let go' the show's writers, including 'Murder One' co-creator CHARLES EGLEE, however, Hurd rubbished the speculation, calling it "completely inaccurate". The 55-year-old added that Eglee had left of his own accord, saying, "In the writers' room, there are people that have set up other projects that will be their first priority if their own series is picked up as a pilot or if it's a series. I think Eglee just decided that he wants to run his own show". She also confirmed that the current primary cast have signed up for 'multiple seasons' of the zombie show.
Six-million people tuned in for Sunday night's season finale which was the highest audience for the show so-far. Hurd confirmed that season-two will probably air in October 2011, adding, "I think Frank and Robert Kirkman will sit down early next year, to begin mapping it out".