The Walking Dead is alive and well.

AMC announced today that the dramatic smash has been renewed for a fifth season and will air 13 new episodes in the fall of 2014.

Considering the ridiculous ratings for The Walking Dead Season 4 - it's the number-one series on ALL of television among 18-49-year olds - this news doesn't exactly come as a shock.

“We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever:  The Walking Dead is renewed for a fifth season,” said Charlie Collier, AMC president.

“This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently – and most notably – with the season four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history. On behalf of the incredible team on both sides of the camera, thank you to the fans and here’s to more Dead.”

Scott Gimple will return showrunner for Season 5 and he'll be flanked by executive producers Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Greg Nicotero and Tom Luse.

The series airs a new episode this Sunday at 9/8c and remember to watch The Walking Dead online at TV Fanatic any time you miss an installment.

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