I was lucky enough to screen the premiere episode of 'The Walking Dead' Season 2 today, and the first words out of my mouth when it ended pretty much say it all: holy sh*t.

Now I was one of the ones on the fence about this show after its way too short first season, and I know a lot of fans are worried about the series being in new hands since Frank Darabont passed the showrunning torch off to Glen Mazzara.



But after seeing the 90-minute premiere (Sun., Oct. 16, 9PM ET on AMC), I can safely say that we can all stop worrying. This is non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, pulse-pounding zombie action and suspense at its best. Now they just have to keep that up for the second season's full 13-episode order ... no biggie.

I caught up with Mazzara and fellow executive producers Gayle Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman and Dave Alpert to find out more about Season 2's drama, the introduction of new characters Herschel and Maggie, Andrea's eventual evolution and giving back to the fans. Keep reading for more ...