Fans of Eric Northman can breathe a sigh a relief. In an interview with TVLine creator Michael Ausiello, 'True Blood' showrunner Brian Buckner confirmed that Alexander Skarsgard will return for Season 7 (Warning: contains spoilers from the Season 6 finale).

In the season finale that aired this past Sunday, the viking vampire was shown burning to a crisp and his fate was left unknown. Skarsgard went full-frontal for the provocative scene, which made headlines earlier this week.

In the interview, Buckner said that Skarsgard would be returning as a series regular next season. "I'm not going to take Alex Skarsgard out of people's living rooms," Buckner told Ausiello. When asked about the nude scene, Buckner said that Skarsgard was completely fine with baring all.

Buckner didn't mention in what capacity Skarsgard would be back, but he did hint at the idea that his character's progeny Pam could be the one to save him. Buckner also discussed his decision to put a time jump in the season finale, which had many major characters in very different relationships and situations from the previous six seasons.

He mentioned that the time jump provided a refreshing jolt for the series, which is known for its very short timeline. He also provided hints at how the new relevations in the season finale will provide for new pairings between human and vampire characters next season. In other words, the show seems to be going back to its roots.

"The show started out as, 'Let's see if vampires and humans can get along,'" Buckner told Ausiello. "We're returning to that original promise of the show."

In an interview with Vulture, Buckner said that the show's numerous story lines would be trimmed down for Season 7 and that viewers can expect more of the show's signature sexy dream sequences.

As for the new villain of next season, it seems that 'True Blood' is the latest show to be jumping on the zombie bandwagon. The Season 6 finale ended with a horde of zombie-like vampires ready to feast on a group of unsuspecting humans.

Since premiering in 2008, 'True Blood' has become one of HBO's highest rated shows of all time. The supernatural series was renewed for a seventh season last month.