What Happened to The Walking Dead (franchise)?
The Walking Dead franchise originated from Robert Kirkman's comic book series, evolving into a highly successful flagship television show that concluded in 2022 after 11 seasons. Despite the main series ending, the universe has significantly expanded with numerous spin-off shows focusing on beloved characters, an anthology series, and new video game adaptations, continuing to release new content and explore its post-apocalyptic world well into 2026.
Quick Answer
The Walking Dead franchise, initially a comic book series, saw its flagship AMC television show conclude in November 2022 after 11 seasons. However, the universe is far from over, having strategically expanded into a 'TWD Universe' with multiple ongoing and upcoming spin-off series like 'The Walking Dead: Dead City,' 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,' and 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.' As of June 2026, new seasons for 'Dead City' and 'Daryl Dixon' are slated for release, alongside the announcement of a new video game, demonstrating AMC's continued commitment to the expansive zombie apocalypse narrative.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
The Walking Dead Comic Book Series Begins
Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard's 'The Walking Dead' comic book series, the foundation of the franchise, begins publication.
The Walking Dead TV Series Premieres
The highly anticipated television adaptation of 'The Walking Dead' comic book series debuts on AMC, becoming an instant hit and cultural phenomenon.
Fear the Walking Dead Premieres
The first companion series, 'Fear the Walking Dead,' expands the universe by exploring the initial days of the zombie apocalypse in a different location.
The Walking Dead Comic Book Concludes
The original comic book series unexpectedly ends with its 193rd issue, 'The Farm House and The End,' surprising readers and critics alike.
Main Series Finale Announced, Spin-offs Confirmed
AMC announces that the flagship 'The Walking Dead' series will conclude after its eleventh season in late 2022, while simultaneously greenlighting multiple new spin-off projects.
The Walking Dead Flagship Series Concludes
After 11 seasons and 177 episodes, the original 'The Walking Dead' television series airs its grand finale, 'Rest in Peace.'
The Walking Dead: Dead City Premieres
The first major post-main series spin-off, focusing on Maggie and Negan's journey to New York City, debuts on AMC.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Premieres
Daryl Dixon's solo adventure, set in France, begins, further expanding the geographical scope of the TWD Universe.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live Premieres
The highly anticipated limited series reuniting Rick Grimes and Michonne airs, aiming to conclude their long-separated storyline.
Daryl Dixon Season 2 ('The Book of Carol') Premieres
The second season of 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,' subtitled 'The Book of Carol,' premieres, featuring the return of Melissa McBride's character.
Dead City Season 2 Premieres
The second season of 'The Walking Dead: Dead City' begins, continuing Maggie and Negan's story in Manhattan.
Daryl Dixon Season 3 Premieres
The third season of 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' premieres, with the story reportedly moving to Spain and England.
New Video Game 'Streets of Survival' Announced
AMC and Trailmark Games announce 'The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival,' a new single-player beat-'em-up video game set during the 'All-Out War' arc, slated for Fall 2026.
Dead City Season 3 Premieres
The third season of 'The Walking Dead: Dead City' is set to premiere, with a new showrunner and a teased shift in narrative direction for Maggie and Negan.
Daryl Dixon Season 4 (Final Season) Expected
The fourth and final season of 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' is anticipated to premiere, potentially bringing Daryl back to the US and hinting at a reunion with Rick Grimes.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Walking Dead franchise began its journey in 2003 with Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard's comic book series, which quickly garnered a dedicated following. The comic, known for its brutal realism and character-driven narrative, unexpectedly concluded with issue #193 on July 3, 2019, with creator Robert Kirkman opting for a surprise ending on his own terms.
The franchise truly exploded into mainstream consciousness with the premiere of 'The Walking Dead' television series on AMC on October 31, 2010. The show became a ratings juggernaut, particularly during its early to mid-run, cementing its status as one of the most-watched cable shows of all time. The flagship series, after 11 seasons and 177 episodes, concluded on November 20, 2022.
Anticipating the end of the main series, AMC strategically began expanding the 'TWD Universe' with various spin-offs. This included 'Fear the Walking Dead' (2015-2023), 'The Walking Dead: World Beyond' (2020-2021), and the anthology series 'Tales of the Walking Dead' (2022). The post-main series strategy heavily focused on character-specific spin-offs featuring fan-favorite survivors. 'The Walking Dead: Dead City,' starring Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), premiered on June 18, 2023, exploring their uneasy alliance in post-apocalyptic New York. 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,' following Daryl (Norman Reedus) in France, debuted on September 10, 2023. The highly anticipated limited series 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,' reuniting Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira), premiered on February 25, 2024, concluding their long-separated love story.
The franchise continues to be highly active in 2026. 'The Walking Dead: Dead City' was renewed for a third season, which is set to premiere on July 26, 2026, with a new showrunner, Seth Hoffman, aiming to take the story in a fresh direction. 'The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon' saw Melissa McBride's Carol Peletier rejoin as a series regular for its second season, subtitled 'The Book of Carol,' which premiered on September 29, 2024. The series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on September 7, 2025, and a fourth and final season is expected in Fall 2026. There are ongoing discussions and fan speculation about a potential return of Rick Grimes in the final season of 'Daryl Dixon,' hinting at a possible convergence of storylines.
Beyond television, the franchise is also expanding into other media. On June 13, 2026, AMC and Trailmark Games announced 'The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival,' a new single-player beat-'em-up video game set during the 'All-Out War' storyline, featuring iconic characters like Rick, Michonne, and Daryl, with a Fall 2026 release. While some critics suggest the franchise needs a major reset after 2026 to avoid stagnation, AMC's Chief Content Officer, Scott M. Gimple, has expressed positivity about the future, hinting at potential convergences of the spin-offs and further exploration of the universe for years to come.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Walking Dead (franchise) made different choices?