For the upcoming sixth season of HBO's uber successful show, "True Blood", Alan Ball will be sitting in a different seat. The producer will now have less control over the show, a move that was made back in July. Ball will still produce "True Blood", but will also be producing "Banshee" for Cinemax.

Both Ball and HBO commented about the upcoming sixth season change.

HBO stated, "When we extended our multi-year overall deal with Alan Ball 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.  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.  This is the best possible world for both HBO and Alan Ball.  Alan will remain available as executive producer to consult and advise on True Blood and he will be free to develop new shows for both HBO and Cinemax.  Banshee, on which Alan serves as executive producer, is the first in house series for Cinemax and is expected to begin production this spring."

Ball's said in his statement, "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."

Season five of "True Blood" will be airing this summer on HBO.