The "Walking Dead" returns this Sunday at 9:00 pm. The winter season debut is not only important for fans, but could have semi-significant implications for the future of AMC.

Because there's another one hour drama (aren't they all) that's demanded the nation's attention: "True Detective." It's also on Sunday's at 9:00 and picked up a marginally satisfied but highly intrigued 2.3 million users its opening weekend. So is CBS's "The Good Wife," which has a loyal fan base and was named one of the ten best shows of 2013 by AFI. ("Walking Dead" was not.)

Of course, "Walking Dead" is cable television's most watch show at 5 million plus viewers per week (on a bad week), including a staggering 12.1 million for the December mid-season finale. Even if "True Detective" and "The Good Wife" retain every crossover fan, that's still only about a million at best. "Walking Dead" could handle such a hit in stride.

Plus, "True Detective" is on HBO, subscribers of which are privy to free access to its shows via HBO Go. Dead/TD fans will most likely tape TD and choose the live version of the show that's now in its fifth season, even if it's frustrated some of its fan base (as most long-running programs eventually do, besides "Breaking Bad").

When eveyone on "The Walking Dead" becomes zombies and the show eventually ends, what else will AMC have? Not "Breaking Bad." "Mad Men" is still a ratings monster, but the network seems to be stretching its reign for as long as possible (the final season will pick up this spring and end in the spring of 2015), perhaps as a way to stay relevant while waiting for the network's next hit.

The channel formerly known as American Movie Classics is hoping "Breaking Bad" spin off "Better Call Saul" (Saul being Walter White's lawyer) is a hit. Or else they'll be left living off the riches of their golden trio of "Breaking Bad," "The Walking Dead," and "Mad Men." It was a good run, AMC. For TV's sake, I hope you find a way to keep it going.