Hey, remember that time we were very briefly concerned about the ratings for AMC's "The Walking Dead?" Yeah, what a bunch of malarkey.

AMC announced today that it has renewed the smash hit "The Walking Dead" for a seventh season. The network has also renewed "Talking Dead," which is a live-after show that interviews special guests and discusses the main plot points of the evening's episode, for another season. If ever there was a picture of "The Walking Dead's" influence, it's the existence of "Talking Dead."

"Thank goodness someone had a Magic 8-Ball with them in our many long internal meetings about these renewals. When, on the third shake, 'without a dougt' filled the murky blue screen, we knew we had to proceed with new seasons of 'The Walking Dead' and 'Talking Dead," said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, AMC Studios and SundanceTV. "All joking aside, we are so proud to share these shows with fans who have been so passionate, communicative and engaged. We are grateful for and continually impressed by the talent, effort and excellence on continuous display by Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple, Chris Hardwick and the many people with whom we partner to make these unique shows possible. The result: More Walking and Talking. Hooray."

Scott M. Gimple will return as showrunner and executive producer, a very good sign for the show's future success if you've been following my opinions on the show. In addition to Gimple, comic book creator Robert Kirkman, producer Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Greg Nicotero and Tome Luse will also be returning.

Although the cast members are facing constant peril, it is believed that the core actors and actresses will be returning for a seventh season.