Score another one for the undead: AMC has announced today that it has greenlit 'The Walking Dead,' the network's fourth original series.

The basic cable network behind 'Mad Men,' 'Breaking Bad' and the upcoming conspiracy thriller 'Rubicon' has given a six-episode order to this new one-hour drama, based on Robert Kirkman's comic book series of the same name. 'The Walking Dead' follows a group of human survivors, headed by small-town Kentucky police officer Rick Grimes, as they attempt to find a safe haven amidst a post-apocalyptic landscape overrun by zombies.

Oscar-nominated writer-director Frank Darabont ('The Shawshank Redemption,' 'The Green Mile') has signed on to write and direct the pilot. Darabont (pictured) will also serve as executive producer of the series, along with Kirkman and fellow industry heavyweights Gale Ann Hurd ('Terminator,' 'Aliens') and Charles Eglee ('Dark Angel,' 'The Shield').

Casting is still in the works, with no word yet on who will play Rick Grimes (rumors that 'Eli Stone''s Jonny Lee Miller would fill the part are not correct, according to an AMC spokesperson), though Jon Bernthal ('The Pacific') has already signed on to play Grimes' friend and fellow officer Shane.

Production on the series begins in Atlanta this June for a projected October premiere, set to coincide with Fearfest, AMC's annual marathon of thriller and horror films.

The Walking Dead seasons 1-3 DVD box set is hot on sale!