EXCLUISVE: True Blood co-executive producer Mark Hudis will take the reins of the hit HBO vampire drama if it gets renewed for a sixth season. With True Blood creator/executive producer Alan Ball stepping down as showrunner at the end of the upcoming fifth season, Hudis would be upped to executive producer/showrunner for Season 6 as part of an overall deal he has signed with HBO. The two-year pact also includes a development component.

Hudis has been on True Blood for the past two seasons — last year’s Season 4 and Season 5, which premieres June 10. While his and Ball’s paths previously crossed on the CBS comedy series Cybill, where they co-wrote several episodes during the 1997-98 season, the two first met two decades ago working at trade publication AdWeek. UTA-repped Hudis’ series credits also include Fox’s That ’70s Show and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. While leaving True Blood full-time after Season 5, Ball is staying in business with HBO through his overall deal there. He will continue to be involved in True Blood and also executive produces new series Banshee for HBO sibling Cinemax.