HBO has confirmed that True Blood showrunner Alan Ball will be moving to a consultative role if series moves into a sixth season and beyond.

When Ball renewed his contract with HBO in July 2011, “we always intended that if we proceeded to True Blood’s sixth season that Alan would take a supervisory role on the series and not be the day-to-day showrunner,” HBO said in an official statement. “If we proceed to season six, the show will remain in the very capable hands of the talented team of writers and producers who have been with the show for a number of years.” Ball will remain executive producer and will “consult and advise” on the series.

Ball added: “True Blood has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life.  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 as I look forward to new and exciting ventures.”