AMC will debut the seventh season of its hit zombie drama “The Walking Dead” in October 2016, the cable network announced Friday.

“Talking Dead,” the “Walking Dead” after-show hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick, has also been renewed for another season. The news comes just after last Sunday’s much-discussed episode provided a ratings boost for both programs.

“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 doubt’ filled the murky blue screen, we knew we had to proceed with new seasons of ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Talking Dead,'” AMC president Charlie Collier said. “All joking aside, we are so proud to share these shows with fans who have been so passionate, communicative and engaged.”

Yep, there’s still time for that one character — you know the one — to make some kind of glorious, against-the-odds comeback. Fingers crossed.

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