While information is still coming in, it's now been confirmed: Alan Ball is stepping down as the True Blood showrunner.

The news was broken by Forbes, which cites exhaustion as the basis for Ball's departure. He'll reportedly still be involved with the show in some other capacity - a "supervisory" role, the network says - but a new regime will come in to take charge after season five.

"True Blood has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life," Ball said in a statement. "Because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive as I look forward to new and exciting ventures."

What do you think of this news? Was it time for a change? Dare we say, a transfusion of fresh writing blood? Sound off now!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.