The Walking Dead is one of television’s most successful zombie apocalypse franchises, originally based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman. Spanning over a decade, the franchise has grown into multiple television series, web content, novels, and video games, all centered around a shared fictional universe. From the iconic run of the flagship show to new spin-offs like Dead City and The Ones Who Live, the franchise continues to evolve with fresh stories, complex characters, and global stakes.
The Walking Dead Franchise – All New Trailers
What Is The Walking Dead Franchise?
The franchise is built around the central theme of survival during a worldwide zombie outbreak. The undead, referred to as “walkers,” are a constant threat—but often, it’s the living who pose the greatest danger. The mainline series and its spin-offs explore the moral challenges of life in a collapsed society, how communities rebuild, and how individuals retain their humanity amid horror.
It all began with The Walking Dead (2010–2022), which introduced Rick Grimes and a core group of survivors. Over time, the franchise expanded through multiple spin-offs, including:
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- Fear the Walking Dead
- World Beyond
- Tales of the Walking Dead
- Dead City
- Daryl Dixon
- The Ones Who Live
- More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe (in development)
Is The Walking Dead Franchise Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Here’s why the franchise continues to captivate audiences:
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- Expansive Worldbuilding: Each series adds depth to the universe, from urban ruins to hidden military operations and new survivor colonies.
- Character Evolution: Long-running characters like Daryl, Maggie, and Negan undergo profound arcs across multiple series.
- Diverse Storytelling: The anthology format (Tales of the Walking Dead) and location changes (Daryl Dixon in Europe, Dead City in Manhattan) keep the narrative fresh.
- Genre Flexibility: The series explore action, horror, drama, and even political intrigue (seen in World Beyond and The Ones Who Live).
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic narratives with evolving characters, ethical dilemmas, and survival-driven plotlines, this franchise is essential viewing.
Watch Order – Chronological Timeline of The Walking Dead Series
| Series | Years Aired | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| The Walking Dead | 2010–2022 | The original series follows Rick Grimes and others fighting for survival. |
| Fear the Walking Dead | 2015–2023 | Begins as a prequel, later overlaps and crosses over with the main series. |
| The Walking Dead: World Beyond | 2020–2021 | Focuses on the first generation raised during the apocalypse. |
| Tales of the Walking Dead | 2022 | Anthology series featuring standalone stories within the universe. |
| The Walking Dead: Dead City | 2023–present | Centers on Maggie and Negan in post-apocalyptic Manhattan. |
| The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon | 2023–present | Follows Daryl’s journey across France and beyond. |
| The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live | 2024 | Concludes the story of Rick and Michonne. |
| More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe | TBA | Upcoming anthology exploring new characters and stories. |
The Walking Dead Franchise FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to watch every spin-off to understand the main story?
A: No. While interconnected, each series tells its own story. However, some crossover events and characters—especially in Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and The Ones Who Live—benefit from prior knowledge of the original series.
Q: What happened to Rick Grimes?
A: Rick was presumed dead but secretly taken by the CRM. His story continues in The Ones Who Live, which reunites him with Michonne.
Q: Are the films still happening?
A: No. The originally planned Rick Grimes film trilogy was reworked into the miniseries The Ones Who Live.
Q: Is the franchise still ongoing?
A: Yes. Daryl Dixon and Dead City are active series with upcoming seasons, and More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe is currently in development.
Expanded Overview – The Shows That Built the Franchise
The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
The original series that launched the universe. It focuses on Rick Grimes as he navigates the fall of civilization. With 11 seasons and 177 episodes, it became AMC’s flagship show and redefined zombie TV drama.
Fear the Walking Dead (2015–2023)
Starting as a prequel in Los Angeles, this series gradually overlaps with the main series and includes crossovers like Morgan and Dwight. It explores survival along the U.S.-Mexico border and internal community politics.
World Beyond (2020–2021)
A limited two-season series that reveals more about the Civic Republic Military (CRM), a powerful organization controlling large parts of the U.S. It focuses on teenage survivors venturing into the unknown.
Tales of the Walking Dead (2022)
An episodic anthology that explores untold stories in the universe. Some episodes revisit familiar characters, while others introduce completely new ones. A second volume is in development.
Dead City (2023–present)
Set in Manhattan, Maggie and Negan form an uneasy alliance to rescue her son. The setting introduces vertical zombie horror and new factions. Season 2 aired in 2025; Season 3 is in pre-production.
Daryl Dixon (2023–present)
Daryl awakens in France with no memory of how he arrived. The series explores the origins of the virus and introduces new French factions. Season 3 releases in 2025; Season 4 is filming.
The Ones Who Live (2024)
The long-awaited return of Rick and Michonne. This six-episode miniseries delivers closure to their arc and expands the CRM’s role in the world. It’s billed as an “epic love story” in a brutal world.
More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe (TBA)
A new anthology project that expands on the Tales format. Still in development, it’s expected to tell more stories set throughout the timeline, including possible new locations and survivors.
Conclusion – An Undead Legacy That Refuses to Die
The Walking Dead began as a comic adaptation and has since become one of the most influential multimedia franchises in modern television. From grounded human drama to sprawling political conspiracies, each installment offers a new take on the apocalypse. With more stories in development, the franchise continues to grow even after the fall of civilization.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the undead world, there’s never been a better time to dive into The Walking Dead universe.
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