Back in February, we reported that True Blood series creator and showrunner Alan Ball was leaving the show after Season 5, which debuts on HBO Sunday, June 10. Today it was announced that executive producer Mark Hudis will step in as showrunner, if the network renews the hit vampire series for a sixth season.

Mark Hudis joined the series in Season 4 as an executive producer. He previously worked with Alan Ball on the CBS sitcom Cybill, where they both wrote several episodes during the 1997-1998 season. He has also written for and produced That '70s Show and Nurse Jackie.

Alan Ball will retain his executive producer title on True Blood to consult on the show, although he will not be involved in the day-to-day workings of this hit series. He also remains in business with HBO through his overall deal with the network. He is currently developing Banshee for HBO's sister network, Cinemax.