AMC has ordered a third series set in the Walking Dead universe, the cable network announced Monday.

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Like Fear the Walking Dead, the untitled show is not being described as a spinoff of the original series but a separate story, which, according to AMC, will "feature two young female protagonists and focus on the first generation to come-of-age in the apocalypse as we know it. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever. Grown-up and cemented in their identities, both good and bad."The new series will consist of 10 episodes and will be filmed in Virginia this summer for a 2020 premiere date (since the original show films in Atlanta and Fear the Walking Dead films in Austin, we probably shouldn't expect a crossover any time soon). Walking Dead writer Matt Negrete will serve as showrunner, and co-created the project with Scott Gimple, chief content officer of The Walking Dead universe.“We’re thrilled that the Dead will keep walking into a new corner of the post-apocalyptic world, a corner that will present stories and characters unlike any that The Walking Dead has dramatized thus far, and that is bound to excite one of the most passionate fanbases in television,” said David Madden, president of programming for AMC Networks and AMC Studios, in a statement. “Scott has been an invaluable leader for the Universe since taking on the role of chief content officer, with a distinct and innovative vision for the franchise. Likewise, we’re excited to have Matt, who has been a crucial part of The Walking Dead family for over five years and penned many memorable episodes of TWD, at the helm of this original series.”“On the heels of an incredible ninth season of The Walking Dead and as we approach an anticipated new season of Fear the Walking Dead on June 2, this is an exciting moment for the Dead franchise, which continues to thrive in a highly competitive environment,” said Sarah Barnett, president of the entertainment networks group for AMC Networks. “We are thankful to be working with some of the best creatives in the business to expand this Universe in new and exciting ways for our fans.”“Showing audiences an unseen pocket of The Walking Dead Universe steeped in a new mythology is a very cool way to celebrate a ‘Decade of the Dead’ on TV and over fifteen years of Robert Kirkman’s brilliant comic,” said Gimple. “Matt Negrete is one of the best writer-producers in TWD’s long history -- I'm thrilled to be working beside him to tell stories unlike we’ve seen before, taking our first step into an even larger world.”“I’m beyond excited to be a part of this new show set in The Walking Dead Universe,” said Negrete. “Writing and producing for the original series has been the job of a lifetime and I’m honored to be working with Scott and all the fine Dead folks at AMC in this new capacity. I can’t wait for the fans of the franchise to see what we’ve been cooking up!”The Walking Dead universe hasn't been particularly lucky with its youthful characters outside of the Grimes family - TWD's recently departed Henry and the "too cool Hilltop teens," as reviewer Matt Fowler calls them, have been described as a weak point for much of Season 9 , while younger female characters like Enid (RIP) and the Oceanside crew have remained underdeveloped over multiple seasons. Will the next generation of Walking Dead survivors avoid the narrative pitfalls of those who came before them? We'll find out next year.The Walking Dead wrapped up its ninth season last week, and AMC is currently developing three Walking Dead films that will focus on Rick Grimes' adventures following his departure from the show. Danai Gurira is also reportedly exiting the show after Season 10 but may appear in the Rick Grimes films. Season 5 of Fear the Walking Dead will debut in June - refresh your memory of where it left off with our Season 4 finale review