Jon Bernthal returns to The Walking Dead

There was a time when I wouldn't miss an episode of AMC's The Walking Dead on FOX UK.

Alas, not so now. We're living in an era of so-called peak TV. From Doctor Who to Westworld, there's only so much anyone can watch and The Walking Dead, along with prequel spin-off Fear the Walking Dead, is one of several series that I no longer follow due to narrative repetition and lack of character development.

However, Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) is set to return to the ailing series in an effort to bolster ratings and rekindle fan interest. Bernthal's character Shane Walsh seemingly died (twice) in the divisive second season that witnessed original series showrunner Frank Darabont's departure.

Meanwhile, co-star Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) is leaving the series. “There needs to be an end game and that is something that is definitely being talked about,” Lincoln said. “There’s certainly an endgame in my head. Whether or not that’s the same endgame that’s in the producers’ heads or the people I work with, is another matter. That’s open for discussion.”

Bernthal is expected to appear alongside fellow cast members at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) this July.

The Walking Dead Season 8 first look trailer at SDCC

The Walking Dead returns to television screens this October only on Fox.

A new 5-minute trailer for season 8 premiered during a panel with cast and crew at SDCC. It teases a time jump and promises more action. Season 7 lost dramatic impetus in a reprise of the second season (the first time I stopped watching the apocalyptic soap noir). So much so, I didn't bother continuing after the mid-season break. By this time, DCTV had my exclusive attention.



On the strength of this trailer, I'll resume The Walking Dead when all box sets start streaming again on NOW TV this September.

In related news. During the quieter summer months - the return of Game of Thrones notwithstanding - I'm catching up with genre series that didn't warrant immediate viewing.

Fear the Walking Dead seemingly continues to struggle to find a voice despite an impressive cast. Oftentimes the production is middling and there's a palpable lack of fear factor despite a promising start. Presumably, AMC has invested too much in the brand to mothball the prequel series for now. Fear the Walking Dead requires a soft reboot.

The Walking Dead shuffles back on 23rd October on Fox.

Synths strike back: Humans renewed for second series

Humans, an Anglo-American sci-fi series based on the award-winning Swedish drama Real Humans, is to be renewed for a second series by Channel Four and AMC ahead of this weekend's season finale.

Best surmised as an alternate universe mashup of Dollhouse, Caprica and Blade Runner for generation selfie. Humans is possibly the best genre series on Channel Four since the heyday of Misfits.

Channel Four's head of drama Piers Wenger said: "Humans has proved a huge hit with both audiences and critics alike this summer and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley and to the team at Kudos for bringing a truly unmissable show to life.

"It also marks a key moment for Channel 4 as we expand our remit for bold and original drama into the international, co-production space. We look forward to working with our partners AMC on series 2 of Humans and to more Synth-related adventures to come".

Will the Synths strike back in series 2? Let me know in the comments below.

The Walking Dead spin-off gets two-season order

AMC has commissioned two-seasons of The Walking Dead spin-off, which serves as a prequel to the hit apocalyptic series.

“We feel empowered by this two-season commitment, a serious show of faith from our network partner AMC,” Robert Kirkman said. "I personally take it as a sign that they believe, like we do, that we've accomplished our goal of developing something original that can pay tribute to the original show and expand the world I created while at the same time having something new to say with this story. I’m very grateful that we now have the opportunity to tell this amazing story and show the fans that we really haven't scratched the surface yet when it comes to The Walking Dead.”



The new series will be shown internationally 24 hours after its US premiere. This follows what Fox does with The Walking Dead. Thus diminishing spoilers and piracy to an extent.

The Walking Dead is now in its fifth season on Fox and has taken a compelling philosophical turn since the mid-season premiere.

You can watch the latest series on NOW TV for just £6.99 a month. No contract.

AMC spoils The Walking Dead and ignites fan fury

AMC's Facebook page whipped up a frenzy of anger from fans when it posted a major spoiler for the mid-season finale for The Walking Dead S5 before the episode was aired around the world. The company has subsequently apologised.

Again, this highlights the subject of spoilers and it's worth pointing readers to a series of blog posts, co-written with Andrew Lewin, in which we discuss Doctor Who and Game of Thrones amongst others.

I'm not going to spoil the mid-season finale for fans who've yet to see it. However, this series, despite the occasional creative misstep, has been audacious. February seems so far away...

The Walking Dead renewed for sixth season

The Walking Dead has been renewed for a sixth season ahead of the fifth season premiere this Sunday on Fox. The episode will be shown the following day in the UK. There's no news on whether or not there'll be a simulcast as with 24: Live Another Day and Game of Thrones, which is a missed opportunity.

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

A spin-off to The Walking Dead is currently in production and will be set in another part of the world. The pilot is penned by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson.

The Walking Dead S1-4 box sets are available to binge-view on NOW TV as part of the Entertainment Month Pass for just £4.99 a month until 16th October, £6.99 a month thereafter. No contract.