"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," reads a statement from the network. "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." "True Blood," which is based on the "Southern Vampire" series of novels by Charlaine Harris, has completed its fourth season and is preparing for its fifth; HBO has not officially announced a sixth season.

Ball, who will remain available as executive producer to consult and advise on "True Blood," will serve as an executive producer on a new Cinemax series, "Banshee."

Ball's playwriting credits include All That I Will Ever Be and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, among others. He won an Academy Award for writing "American Beauty" and an Emmy for directing the pilot episode of his HBO series "Six Feet Under."