AMC Developing 'Area 51' Drama With 'Walking Dead' EP

AMC is heading to Area 51.

our editor recommends

AMC Developing 'Goodfellas' TV Series

AMC Developing Football Drama 'The Real All Americans' (Exclusive)

'Walking Dead' Creator Robert Kirkman Developing New Show for AMC (Exclusive)

AMC Cancels 'The Killing'

The cable network home to zombies is looking to add some extraterrestrials to its roster, putting author Annie Jacobsen's best-seller Area 51 in its development pipeline, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Published in May, Jacobsen's book revolves around the famed military installation in the world that has never been acknowledged by the U.S. government and explores the myths about the area and those who believe that region is home to aliens, underground tunnel systems and nuclear facilities. Jacobsen interviewed 19 men who served on the base and additional servicemen who were employed there.

STORY: AMC Gives Pilot Orders to Two Scripted Dramas

Walking Dead executive producer Gale Anne Hurd is on board to executive produce with Todd E. Kessler (The Good Wife) attached to pen the script; Jacobsen will serve as a co-producer on the effort, which is in development. Hurd will produce through her production company, Valhalla Entertainment (which has a pod deal with Universal Cable Productions), with AMC Studios.

AMC's entry will take place in the 1950s-1960s and will focus on those who work at the base and protect the country's secrets -- including the remains of the alleged alien crash at Roswell.

STORY: 'Walking Dead' Creator Robert Kirkman Developing New Show for AMC (Exclusive)

The Area 51 entry joins the network's other development properties which also include Thief of Thieves, an adaptation of The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman's latest comic. Other entries include football drama The Real All Americans, a potential Goodfellasseries and a diamond drama from Ridley and Tony Scott, among others.

The network in May gave pilot orders to two scripted dramas -- Low Winter Sun and an untitled Richard LaGravenese and Tony Goldwyn entry.

STORY: AMC Developing Football Drama 'The Real All Americans' (Exclusive)

AMC, which canceled The Killing after two seasons on Friday, is nearing the end of two of its prized franchises with the conclusion in sight for both Breaking Bad and, after two more seasons, critical darling Mad Men.

The New York Post first reported the Area 51 news.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit