True Blood was officially renewed for a fifth season on August 11, 2011. In February, 2012 it was announced that creator
Alan Ball would be stepping down as showrunner at the end of the fifth season. Ball will continue on as executive producer in a more advisory role and leave the day-to-day production of the series to others. "Because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive," said Ball in a statement.
D.E.B.S. writer/director and former
The L Word producer
Angela Robinson has joined the writing staff. She wrote episodes five and eleven. Series co-star
Rutina Wesley confirmed that the character Tara would be returning. == Ratings ==