"The Walking Dead" renewed for fifth season

AMC has renewed "The Walking Dead" for a fifth season -- news that should surprise no one, since the drama keeps breaking its own ratings records.

"We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever: 'The Walking Dead' is renewed for a fifth season," AMC president Charlie Collier said Tuesday. "This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently -- and most notably -- with the season-four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history. On behalf of the incredible team on both sides of the camera, thank you to the fans and here's to more 'Dead.'"

The announcement added that new showrunner Scott Gimble will continue in that post for season 5.

The zombie drama's fourth season premiered earlier this month to 16.1 million viewers, shattering the show's previous ratings record of 12.4 million. It's also served as the inspiration for a college course, an upcoming fan convention in Atlanta and a one-man play performed by former cast member Robert "IronE" Singleton.

And if that's not enough zombies for you, AMC is also developing a "Walking Dead" spin-off, targeted to air in 2015.

Tell us: Are you glad "The Walking Dead" will be back for another season?