The end of The Walking Dead Season 8 is upon us. The show is always making hard choices about who lives and who dies. Carl’s midseason death upset so many people that there were calls for the firing of showrunner Scott Gimple.

It seems like the fans’ voices were heard because there are some huge changes being made after the disastrous first half of Season 8. There will be new leadership, which means a focus on different characters and hopefully a new direction for the show altogether.

So what do The Walking Dead fans have to look forward to? Here are seven things to know about the differences that will be made to the show — including the one really big change that can turn things around.

1. Scott Gimple is replaced by Angela Kang for showrunner

Scott Gimple has been the showrunner of the zombie series since 2013. But lately, he has taken a lot of heat from angry fans who hate the direction of where the show is going. It’s showing in the falling number of viewers.

The show is still No. 1 when it comes to television dramas that have the coveted 18-49 demographic. But Season 8 ratings have fallen to a 3.4 rating which is the lowest since Nov. 20, 2011, according to Deadline. Fans have also been outspoken and blame Gimple calling for his firing with a petition.

They didn’t exactly get what they want. Gimple is being promoted to chief content officer and writer/co-executive Angela Kang will replace him as showrunner.

Next: This is what the president of AMC had to say about Kang.

2. AMC’s announcement of the change seemed positive

The announcement of the change didn’t acknowledge any of the fan backlash and had a positive tone. Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios said:

This is an enormously important day for the entire The Walking Dead television universe. We are proud to acknowledge Angela’s significant contribution to the series and to set a clear path forward for a ninth season under her direction. Further, with gratitude and admiration, we also recognize Scott’s broad impact on, and leadership of, the content that fuels our TWD universe. Together, we will dream bigger and more broadly than ever before.

He then continued, “I know I speak for Angela, Scott and everyone at AMC when I say thanks most of all to the fans and the many talented people who have helped AMC play Dead.”

Next: Gimple continues to talk about this plan for The Walking Dead universe.

3. Gimple talks expanding The Walking Dead universe

In the former showrunner’s announcement about the news, he also reminded people about the plans to expand the universe of the show.

“As the show closes in on its tenth year, I’m honored to keep working with the talented, dedicated people behind and in front of the camera to make it all it can be, while expanding the world of it with new narratives like Fear the Walking Dead and a whole host of truly cool stories ahead,” Gimple said.

Next: These two actors are reportedly returning to the show next season.

4. Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus are renegotiating deals

The show veterans are reportedly in talks about new deals with the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Fans shouldn’t worry because they are reportedly expected to be back next season.

Next: Fans believe Kang will be good for the writing of this one character.

5. Many believe Kang’s hiring is good news for Daryl

Many Daryl Dixon fans have been happy about the hiring of Kang because she wrote the episodes “Still” and “The Cell.” Both episodes were really focused on giving Daryl more depth via his relationships with Beth and Dwight.

We have recently seen the show take Daryl down a dark path, so this might be a good sign for him.

Next: This one thing has been confirmed for Season 9.

6. The war with Negan will end by Season 9

Another thing that gives hope to the show’s future is that a drawn-out story will finally be wrapped up. “The war will absolutely be resolved by the end of Season 8,” Gimple told Entertainment Weekly. “Absolutely.”

So we will see Kang’s entirely new vision for Season 9.

Next: Next season will start off this way.

7. Season 9 will have a time jump

A good hit on the refresh button also means giving the characters some time after a disastrous war. This was the case in the comics, and it has been confirmed that it will also be the case for the show.

“It might not be the same sort of jump, or we’ll do that two to five years in real time,” explained Gimple to The Hollywood Reporter.

Follow Nicole Weaver on Twitter @nikkibernice.

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