It’s been nearly a year since AMC’s zombie drama first premiered, and much has changed in the world created by Robert Kirkman.

Frank Darabont has been replaced as showrunner by the No. 2 he brought in, Glen Mazzara, and the series now has a 13-episode season and a legion of new fans.

STORY: ‘The Walking Dead’: Glen Mazzara on Frank Darabont and His Fears as the Drama’s New Showrunner (Q&A)

Walking Dead returns Oct. 16 for its long-awaited second season, which kicks off with a 90-minute installment followed by AMC’s new Chris Hardwick-hosted post-show Talking Dead wrap up.

STORY: ‘The Walking Dead’: What Really Happened to Fired Showrunner Frank Darabont

During a screening and Q&A with producers, Mazzara noted that Darabont had already mapped out the course for the season and didn’t plan to deviate from that and that his transition to showrunner has been a smooth one.

Part of that plan will see Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and his band of survivors looking for a new home after the CDC's fiery destruction in the Season 1 finale.

To find out what's next and see photos from the Season 2 premiere, titled “What Lies Ahead," click here.

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

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