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Oct 30, 2019

For “The Walking Dead’s” Scott Gimple, a story needs sadness to make the happiness real

The zombie apocalypse series doesn’t pull punches. According to the franchise’s chief content officer, that’s by design.

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Scott Gimple speaks during "The Walking Dead" panel during New York Comic Con in 2018.
Scott Gimple speaks during "The Walking Dead" panel during New York Comic Con in 2018.
Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York Comic Con

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Rick Grimes. Michonne. Negan. For a good chunk of TV watchers, those names have a lot of meaning because they’re some of central characters in AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” Based on the comic series written by Robert Kirkman, the show has been hit. In the 10 seasons since its premiere, it’s evolved into a content universe, including a spinoff series, video games and additional projects in the works, including a movie.

Scott Gimple is the chief content officer for “The Walking Dead,” a job he’s had since early 2018. Before that, Gimple was the showrunner for five seasons of the flagship show.

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal visited Gimple’s Burbank office, where they chatted about horror movies (Ryssdal is not a fan) and the business of making a show that can be tough to watch — which may be the key to its success.

Click the audio player above to hear the interview.

The Team

For “The Walking Dead’s” Scott Gimple, a story needs sadness to make the happiness real