AMC has officially given the green light for a fourth season of the hit television program "The Walking Dead." 

While the respective news will most certainly go over well with its fans, it does come shortly after the recent announcement that showrunner Glen Mazzara won't be returning after season three wraps in 2013. 

Mazzara had originally taken the position over from Frank Darabont, who left the show in 2011. Mazzara issued the following statement regarding his voluntary departure, cited by Entertainment Weekly:

"My time as showrunner on The Walking Dead has been an amazing experience, but after I finish season 3, it's time to move on. I have told the stories I wanted to tell and connected with our fans on a level that I never imagined. It doesn't get much better than that. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey."

Robert Kirkman, writer of the original comic book series, also spoke to the entertainment website about Mazzaro's decision to part ways, and wished him nothing but the best.

"I am in full support of both AMC and Glen Mazzara in the decision they have come to and believe the parties came to this decision in the best interest of the future of the show," he said. "I thank Glen for his hard work and appreciate his many contributions to The Walking Dead and look forward to working with him as we complete post production on season three."

"I am also excited to begin work on another spectacular season of this show that I know means so much to so many people," he added.

The news regarding Mazzaro's upcoming exit will inevitably shock many fans, as "The Walking Dead" is currently at its peak and performing extremely well. For the fall television season, it toppled all other shows in the 18-49-year-old adults category. 

Then again, the series was also popular around the time Darabont left in the midst of season two.  As of yet, no replacement has been named to fill the role of showrunner for season four.

Tags: The Walking Dead television