The Walking Dead is returning to AMC for its fifth season in a few days, but this will definitely not be the last of the crew! Before the premiering episode even airs, the network has announced the post-apocalypse drama was renewed for yet another one, its sixth consecutive season.

It’s no surprise the series has become a television phenomenon, with the ratings going strong. It seems there are actually a lot of zombie fans out there, who have now turned out to be The Walking Dead fans. The success of the show so far gives AMC a great reason to add a sixth season to it, still based on Robert Kirkman’s comic books. Despite the news arriving early, no further details were given, regarding the episodes or anything. An official statement from the network was released and it reads:

“We could not be more excited for Oct. 12 as we share new episodes of The Walking Dead with fans around the globe,” AMC president Charlie Collier said. “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 bring this compelling world and these rich characters to life. There’s plenty more Dead ahead thanks to their impressive, collective effort.”

Actually, the renewal for a sixth season is a totally expected event, only no one thought it would be announced so early–let alone before the ratings for the fifth season had come in! But it comes as no surprise, since AMC has ordered a pilot for a brand-new series based on The Walking Dead and Kirkman’s comics – to put it simply, a spin-off.

The Walking Dead will return to AMC with its fifth season on October 12.