AMC comes on board for Frank Darabont's 'The Walking Dead' TV series

AMC announced plans today to build on the success of Mad Men and Breaking Bad by developing dramas based on the comic book series The Walking Dead and another inspired by the Danish TV series Forbrydelsen called The Killing. Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption) will write, direct and executive produce the previously announced The Walking Dead, which follows a group of survivors after a zombie apocalypse, while The Killing, from writer and executive producer Veena Sud (Cold Case), is a Seattle-based drama that follows the investigation of a murder.

Both pilots will go into production this spring, and if ordered to series, will help shore up the network’s original lineup of dramas that are both critical favorites and repeat winners at the Emmy and Golden Globes.