The news comes as the companion went through development season -- and was picked up to series and preemptively renewed for a second season — under code names including "Cobalt" and "Fear The Walking Dead."On March 9, AMC announced the series pickup and renewal for the then-untitled series.
Kirkman, who created "The Walking Dead" comic series, co-wrote the pilot with Dave Erickson of "Sons of Anarchy." Kirkman and Erickson will executive produce alongside "Walking Dead's" Gale Anne Hurd and Dave Alpert. Erickson will serve as showrunner, and Adam Davidson will direct the pilot. "Walking Dead" visual effects guru Greg Nicotero will also executive produce the series.