AMC has built a reputation for leaning into dark, atmospheric storytelling, whether through crime dramas or supernatural series. In recent years, the network has doubled down on gothic-inspired narratives. A good example is Anne Rice's Immortal Universe, which includes shows like Interview with the Vampire, Mayfair Witches, and the recently launched Talamasca: The Secret Order. Now, AMC appears ready to explore another dark corner of storytelling rooted in the American South.
This time, the project is coming from a familiar face within the AMC family. Hilarie Burton Morgan, who fans may recognize from her appearances in The Walking Dead universe, is developing a new drama series for the network titled The New Gothic.
According to Deadline, Burton Morgan is penning the series as well as executive producing alongside her long-time collaborator Nick Gray. The series is being produced under Mischief Farm, the production banner she founded with her husband, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who famously played Negan in The Walking Dead and its spinoff The Walking Dead: Dead City. However, it's currently unknown who will be directing.
The New Gothic reimagines classic Southern storytelling through a modern crime drama lens. It's set against the tense backdrop of the American South in a region full of tension, history, and unresolved conflicts. We follow the ambitious Bloom family as they find themselves in conflict with a revived Mississippi Mafia.
At this moment, no actor has been cast in The New Gothic. Since the project is still in the early stages of development at AMC, casting decisions will likely come later. With Burton Morgan behind it, we're hoping that she might have some pull to possibly cast a few recognizable faces. Her husband might be too busy with Dead City and/or Destination X, but perhaps some other Walking Dead alums could end up joining the project. That's our hope, at least, as we wait to see how the series develops.
The New Gothic continues Burton Morgan’s growing relationship with AMC Networks beyond acting. She currently hosts and executive produces the true crime docuseries True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here. The series recently entered its third season, further cementing her ongoing collaboration with the network.
Below, we shared the show's official logline via Deadline:
"The New Gothic redefines the legendary storytelling of the American South as it follows the collision of the enterprising Bloom family with the resurrected Mississippi Mafia. Set in a landscape stained by red clay and bad blood, villainy is commonplace. But power is singular."
Previously, Burton Morgan starred in The Walking Dead as Lucille Smith, the late wife of Negan. She also reprised this role in an episode of Dead City. Other acting projects that Burton Morgan is known for are TV shows such as One Tree Hill, Council of Dads, Lethal Weapon, and Extant.
While The New Gothic is still in development and has yet to receive an official series order, the project signals Burton Morgan’s continued expansion into producing and writing. If it moves forward, the show could add another dark, character-driven drama to AMC’s growing lineup of gothic and Southern-inspired stories.
Stay tuned to Undead Walking as we will continue to share what The Walking Dead cast is working on next!