US network AMC has ordered a pilot episode for a companion series to its hit zombie show The Walking Dead.
Deadline.com reports that The Walking Dead's executive producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert, will also work on the new show which, like The Walking Dead, is being produced by AMC Studios.
Dave Erickson, the co-creator and co-writer of the pilot with Kirkman, will be the executive producer and showrunner.
AMC President Charlie Collier said: "Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most."
He continued: "Obviously, we all take our stewardship of the original franchise incredibly seriously and we, along with Robert, Gale, David and now Dave, are all proceeding with extreme care in order to ensure that we are offering fans something truly compelling, engaging and distinct."
Kirkman added: "There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows. Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill."
Production is due to begin on the pilot later this year.
The fifth season of The Walking Dead premieres in the US on October 12 and on RTÉ Two at a later date.
