We're a bit surprised that AMC hasn't officially announced The Walking Dead Season 4 yet. After breaking numerous records with the first eight episode of Season 3, a fourth season is inevitable and we'll pass on the official announcement as soon as it's made.

Until then, we have the next best thing to AMC issuing a press release. Last week, Stalwart Films spokesman Mike Riley announced to the Coweta County Commission that The Walking Dead would return to Senoia next year for filming of The Walking Dead Season 4:

Via TheCitzen.com: "Stalwart Films spokesman Mike Riley made the announcement Thursday at the meeting of the Coweta County Commission as he thanked the county and its residents for their support of the AMC network’s hit show, 'The Walking Dead.'

'The Walking Dead' will be coming back for a fourth season and will be associated with Senoia’s Raleigh Studios, Riley said, adding that pre-production for the show will probably begin in March.

...Riley was at the commission meeting, as he had been earlier in the week at the meeting of the Senoia City Council, to thank Coweta commissioners, Senoia council members, the Coweta County Board of Education, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and Coweta residents for their support.

Riley’s thanks were on behalf of the cast and crew, Stalwart Films and the AMC network.

'It was a very successful season and we couldn't have done it without you,' Riley said. 'It’s a big success and you guys are a part of it.' "

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AMC officially announced that The Walking Dead Season 3 will return with episode 9 on Sunday, February 10th at 9pm EST. It has also been announced that Talking Dead will be expanding to a one-hour program format and will immediately follow The Walking Dead at 10pm EST. Here are links to our recent features and the first photos/videos from episode 3.09: