The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptichorrortelevision series for AMC based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The series features a large ensemble cast as survivors of a zombie apocalypse, trying to stay alive under near-constant threat of attacks from the mindless zombies, colloquially known as 'walkers'. However, with the fall of humanity, these survivors also face conflict from other living survivors who have formed groups and communities with their own sets of laws and morals, often leading to hostile conflict between the human communities. Andrew Lincoln played the series' lead character, Rick Grimes, until his departure during the ninth season. Other long-standing cast members have included Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan, and Danai Gurira.
The series is exclusively broadcast on AMC in the United States and internationally on Fox International Channels prior to the 2019 Disney-Fox merger, and then subsequently on Disney Channels Worldwide. The series premiered on October 31, 2010, and in February 2019, AMC renewed the series for a tenth season, which is expected to premiere in October 2019, and stated their intent to continue further development of the series and related media. A spinoff series Fear the Walking Dead first broadcast on August 23, 2015, and is renewed for a fifth season. AMC has announced plans for three films to follow Rick's story after Lincoln's departure. The Walking Dead is produced by AMC Studios within the state of Georgia, with most filming taking place in the large outdoor spaces of Riverwood Studios near Senoia, Georgia. The series was adapted from the comic by Frank Darabont, who also served as the showrunner for the first season. However, conflicts between Darabont and AMC forced his departure from the series, and which is currently subject to multiple lawsuits by Darabont and others. Following Darabont, Glen Mazzara, Scott M. Gimple, and Angela Kang have all served as showrunners. Beginning with its third season, The Walking Dead has attracted the most 18- to 49-year-old viewers of any cable or broadcast television series, though viewership has declined in later seasons. The series has been well received by critics, although reception has become more mixed as the series has progressed.[3] It has been nominated for several awards, including the Writers Guild of America Award for New Series and the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series â Drama.[4][5]
Series overviewThe Walking Dead Pentium e5400 review. takes place after the onset of a worldwide zombie apocalypse. The zombies, colloquially referred to as 'walkers', shamble towards living humans and other creatures to eat them; they are attracted to noise, such as gunshots, and to different scents, e.g. humans. Although it initially seems that only humans that are bitten or scratched by walkers can turn into other walkers, it is revealed early in the series that all living humans carry the pathogen responsible for the mutation. The mutation is activated after the death of the pathogen's host, and the only way to permanently kill a walker is to damage its brain or destroy the body, such as by cremating it. The series centers on sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes, who wakes up from a coma to discover this apocalypse. He becomes the leader of a group of survivors from the Atlanta, Georgia, region as they attempt to sustain and protect themselves not only against attacks by walkers but by other groups of survivors willing to use any means necessary to stay alive.
Season 1 (2010)Sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes wakes from a coma discovering a world overrun by zombies. After befriending Morgan Jones, Rick travels alone to Atlanta to find his wife Lori, his son, Carl, and his police partner and best friend, Shane Walsh, encountering other survivors. The group travels to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), but find from the sole remaining CDC member that no cure exists for the epidemic.[6][7] Season 2 (2011â12)Traveling from Atlanta, Rick's group takes shelter at Hershel Greene's farm while they search for Carol's missing daughter, Sophia. Tension between Rick's group and Hershel's family worsens after it is discovered that Hershel has kept friends and family turned into zombies, including Sophia, in his barn. Rick learns that Shane and Lori had a romantic relationship at the outset of the apocalypse, and Shane and Rick's friendship becomes increasingly unhinged when Lori reveals that she is pregnant. Rick is eventually forced to kill Shane in self-defense. Carl then shoots Shane in the head after he reanimates. The noise draws zombies, forcing Rick's group and Hershel's surviving family to evacuate the farm.[8] Season 3 (2012â13)Eight months after fleeing Hershel's farm, Rick's group finds a prison, which they clear of zombies to make their new home. Lori dies in childbirth, and Rick becomes withdrawn. Meanwhile, Andrea is rescued by Michonne and the two discover Woodbury, a fortified town led by a man known as the Governor. He learns of Rick's group at the prison, leading to conflict between them. Rick's group eventually raids and destroys Woodbury, but the Governor ultimately has Andrea killed and escapes. Woodbury's citizens live with Rick's group at the prison.[9] Season 4 (2013â14)Several months after the Governor's attack, a deadly flu kills many of the people at the prison. The Governor finds his former right-hand men and kills them, taking over their group and destroys the prison. Rick's group are forced to separate and flee, but not before Hershel and the Governor are killed. The survivors divide, face their own trials and meet new faces before finding signs pointing to a safe haven called Terminus. One by one, they reunite at Terminus, but all the group are captured for some unknown purpose.[10] Season 5 (2014â15)Rick discovers the residents of Terminus engage in cannibalism, but the group manage to destroy Terminus and reunite. Some are injured and kidnapped to Grady, a hospital run by corrupt cops and doctors. When the remaining survivors regroup, they are approached by Aaron, inviting them to join a fortified community called Alexandria. They are initially welcomed, but Rick's group realize the residents have not faced the zombie threat directly. Morgan, who has been searching for Rick, arrives and is shocked to see Rick killing an Alexandrian, who has been abusing his wife, in anger.[11] Season 6 (2015â16)The residents of Alexandria put more trust in Rick's group to protect the town better. A group known as the Wolves use a zombie horde to attack Alexandria, and many lives are lost before the living regain control. While recovering, they learn of a community called the Hilltop, who offer to help trade supplies if they can end the threat of the extortionist Saviors led by a man named Negan. Although Rick's group decimate one Savior outpost, they are later caught by Negan, and forced to swear loyalty to him. Season 7 (2016â17)Negan brutally murders Glenn and Abraham, and confiscates all of the Alexandrians' guns, along with a substantial amount of their goods. His actions initially lead Rick to submit. Later, Michonne persuades Rick to fight back, and they recruit a community called the Scavengers to help. Meanwhile, Rosita and Eugene make a bullet for the purpose of killing Negan. When their attempt fails (the bullet is blocked by Lucille, Negan's baseball bat), Negan forcibly recruits Eugene as a Savior. Separately, Carol and Morgan befriend King Ezekiel, the leader of another community, while Maggie and Sasha rally the Hilltop. Negan, the Saviors, and the turncoat Scavengers attack Alexandria, but are repelled by Sasha's sacrifice and the aid of Kingdom and Hilltop soldiers. Season 8 (2017â18)Rick, Maggie, and Ezekiel rally their communities into war against Negan and the Saviors. Losses are heavy on both sides. Many of the Kingdom's soldiers are killed, Alexandria falls to a Savior attack, and Carl is bitten by a walker. Before euthanizing himself, Carl convinces Rick to end the war and restart society anew. Negan attempts to wipe out Rick and his allies in a final battle, but Eugene thwarts his plan by sabotaging the Saviors' bullets. Negan is then wounded and captured by Rick. Against Maggie's wishes, Negan is spared and imprisoned, ending the war. Season 9 (2018â19)The first half of the season talks place about a year and a half after Negan's defeat. Rick suggests building a bridge to help with movement between the communities, but this ultimately leads to more resentment between them. While trying to lead a horde of walkers away from the construction camp, Rick is seemingly killed while blowing up the bridge, but in actuality is found by Jadis and taken to parts unknown by helicopter. Six years later, the apparent death of Rick has left some discourse between the communities, but they find themselves up against a new common threat in the form of masked Whisperers and their leader Alpha, who feel the communities are weak and demands they do not trespass on her lands. Season 10In February 2019, the series was renewed for a tenth season which is expected to premiere in October 2019.[12]Danai Gurira, who has starred as Michonne since the third season, stated that she has signed on for only a recurring role in the tenth season, which will also serve as her final season in the series; however, she will likely join Andrew Lincoln in the three follow-up films.[13] Future seasonsExecutive producer David Alpert said in 2014 that the original comics have given them enough ideas for Rick Grimes and company over the next seven years. 'I happen to love working from source material, specifically because we have a pretty good idea of what season 10 is gonna be,' Alpert said. 'We know where seasons 11 and 12 [will be].. we have benchmarks and milestones for those seasons if we're lucky enough to get there.'[14] In September 2018, AMC CEO Josh Sapan stated that they plan on continuing The Walking Dead franchise for another 10 years, including new films and television series based on the original comic book series.[15] Cast and characters
From left to right: Andrew Lincoln (Rick), Greg Nicotero (producer), Norman Reedus (Daryl), Melissa McBride (Carol), Lennie James (Morgan), Chandler Riggs (Carl), Danai Gurira (Michonne), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan), Lauren Cohan (Maggie), Alanna Masterson (Tara), and Seth Gilliam (Gabriel) on a panel for the series at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2017
The list below contains those that have been credited within the series' title sequence and those who are credited as 'also starring'. Recurring and guest stars are listed on the individual season pages.
Darabont connectionsThe series features several actors whom Walking Dead developer Frank Darabont has worked with previously, including Laurie Holden (Andrea), Jeffrey DeMunn (Dale Horvath), Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier), Sam Witwer (the dead soldier in the tank where Rick hides in 'Days Gone Bye'), and Juan Pareja (Morales). All five appeared in his 2007 film The Mist, along with Thomas Jane, who originally was set to star in the series when it was pitched to HBO. Jane was later in talks with Darabont to possibly guest star on the series as of fall 2010,[20] but with Darabont's departure,[21] it is unknown whether the guest spot will happen or not. Laurie Holden also appeared in the 2001 film The Majestic (as Adele Stanton, Jim Carrey's character's love interest), which Darabont directed. DeMunn has also appeared in several of Darabont's films; in addition to The Mist and The Majestic, he appeared in The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and The Green Mile (1999). It was planned that Witwer (Private Jessup in Darabont's The Mist) would reprise his 'Days Gone Bye' role in the original conception of The Walking Dead's second-season premiere[22] and in a webisode,[23] but both plans were discarded.[24] ProductionDevelopment
The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is also an executive producer and writer of the television series.
On January 20, 2010, AMC officially announced that it had ordered a pilot for a possible series adapted from The Walking Dead comic book series, with Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd acting as executive producers and Darabont writing and directing.[25] The entire series was pre-ordered based just on the strength of the source material, the television scripts, and Darabont's involvement.[26] In January 2010 a review of the pilot episode's script attracted further attention.[27] The pilot began filming in Atlanta, Georgia on May 15, 2010[28] after AMC had officially ordered a six-episode first season.[29] The series' remaining episodes began filming on June 2, 2010 with Darabont serving as showrunner.[30][31] On August 31, 2010, Darabont reported that The Walking Dead had been picked up for a second season, with production to begin in February 2011. On November 8, 2010, AMC confirmed that there would be a second season consisting of 13 episodes.[32] He would also like to include some of the 'environmental elements' that take place during Volume 2 of Kirkman's book.[33] CrewThe first season writing staff consisted of series developer and executive producer Frank Darabont (who wrote/co-wrote four of the six episodes), executive producer Charles H. Eglee, executive producer and creator of the comic book Robert Kirkman, co-executive producer Jack LoGiudice, consulting producer Adam Fierro and Glen Mazzara, all of whom contributed to one episode each. Along with Darabont, who directed the pilot episode, the remaining five were directed by Michelle MacLaren, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Johan Renck, Ernest Dickerson, and Guy Ferland, respectively.[34] On December 1, 2010, Deadline Hollywood reported that Darabont had fired his writing staff, including executive producer Charles 'Chic' Eglee, and planned to use freelance writers for the second season.[35] Kirkman called the announcement 'premature' and clarified that Eglee left to pursue other projects when Darabont decided to stay on as showrunner, and no definitive plans had been made regarding the writing staff for the second season.[36] [Chic Eglee] was brought onto The Walking Dead with the idea that Frank was going to work on the first season and then go off and do movies [..] Chic didn't want to be second-in-command on a show when he's used to being a top dog, and so he decided to go off and do something else, which is something that happens and is not a big deal.
ââRobert Kirkman, TV Guide[36]
After the departure of Frank Darabont, the role of showrunner was assumed by Glen Mazzara (left) for the second and third seasons, Scott M. Gimple (middle) from the fourth to the eighth season, and Angela Kang (right) for the ninth season.
On December 3, 2010, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd commented: 'It's completely inaccurate. [In] the writers' room, there are people that have set up other projects that will be their first priority if their own series is picked up as a pilot or if it's a series. I think [Eglee] just decided that he wants to run his own show.' She revealed that it would be likely for the series to return in October 2011, as Darabont and Kirkman planned on mapping out the next season early in 2011. She also confirmed that, 'every one of the principal cast is signed up for multiple seasons.'[37] In July 2011, series developer and showrunner Frank Darabont stepped down from his position as showrunner for the series, over unclear circumstances (see Lawsuits below).[38] Executive producer Glen Mazzara was appointed the new showrunner in Darabont's place.[39] New writers joined the writing staff in the second season, including co-executive producer Evan Reilly, producer Scott M. Gimple, story editor Angela Kang, and David Leslie Johnson. New writers in the third season included producers Nichole Beattie and Sang Kyu Kim, with Frank Renzulli contributing a freelance script. After the conclusion of the third season, Glen Mazzara stepped down from his position as showrunner and executive producer for the series, per a mutual agreement between Mazzara and AMC. The press release read, 'Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part ways.'[40] Scott M. Gimple succeeded Mazzara as showrunner for the fourth season,[41] with new writers joining the writing staff, such as Curtis Gwinn, Channing Powell, and Matt Negrete.[42] In January 2018, it was announced that Gimple would be promoted to the newly created position of Chief Content Officer of the entire Walking Dead franchise, and that Angela Kang would replace him as showrunner beginning with the ninth season.[43][44] WritingThe television series generally tends to follow Kirkman's comic series across major characters and plots; for instance, events of the premiere episode of the seventh season correlate to events in issue #100 of the comics.[45][46] The series does not attempt to go step-by-step with the comics, and has leeway in the narrative. In particular, the series' writers, along with Kirkman, often 'transfer' how a character has died in the comics to a different character in the series. For example, in the fourth season, where Hershel Greene is beheaded by the Governor in the standoff with Rick's group at the prison; in the comic, Tyreese is the one who suffers this fate.[45] Some of the television characters, like Carol, have far outlived their comic counterparts, while others that have already been killed off, like Sophia and Andrea, remained alive for some time in the ongoing comic series.[46] In addition, the writers have included characters wholly novel to the series such as Daryl Dixon, which producer Gale Anne Hurd says helps to create a new dynamic for the series, and keeps the audience guessing from what had already been established in the comic series.[47] CastingThe Walking Dead has featured a large rotating ensemble cast. In most cases, because of the nature of the show, departure of actors from the show are determined by the writing, with characters either killed off or written off the show as necessary to develop the story. Cast members are generally told ahead of time if they have been written off the show, but otherwise kept to secrecy. For example, Steven Yeun, who played Glenn Rhee since the pilot through the season seven premiere, knew of his character's death for a year but had to keep quiet,[48] while Chandler Riggs, playing Carl Grimes through the eighth season, was told of his character's departure during the filming in the weeks leading into his final episodes.[49] A few actors have left the show under their own terms due to other commitments or changes, with the writings adopting the plot around these changes:
Casting salaries for the principle actors have grown significantly over the course of the show, up through the seventh season. Overall, the salaries had been lower compared to other similar dramas, including AMC's own Mad Men, but this was justified due to the volatility of any character being potentially written off the show. Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, playing Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier respectively, had made around US$9,500 per episode during the first season, and by the seventh season, had gotten up to US$80,000 per episode. Lincoln himself was only earning US$90,000 per episode in the seventh season.[57] By season nine, with the departure of Lincoln, Reedus had repeated secured a US$350,000 per episode pay plus additional incentives, potentially earning him US$50-90 million over three seasons. McBride similarly had gotten a extended contract in season nine worth US$20 million over three seasons. Both of these were intended to secure the pair as central figures for the show going forward in Lincoln's absence.[58] Music
Bear McCreary composes The Walking Dead score
Bear McCreary was hired to compose the score for the series. McCreary stated that the main theme was based on his viewing of production designs for the opening title sequence. Instead of doing a full theme song as with his earlier works, McCreary chose to use a simple, repeating motif from the strings section.[59] It repeats over and over, and in fact in the pilot episode, you start hearing it before the main title begins, and this is something that continues episode to episode. You hear the main title music before the main title begins, so you know it's coming. That, to me, was the little hook â that little thing that, whenever you hear it, it takes you to the series.
ââBear McCreary[59]
SoundtracksFour soundtracks for The Walking Dead have been released to date. The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1 was released on March 17, 2013.[60] The second volume was released on March 25, 2014.[61]Songs of Survival is a soundtrack for the third season and it was released on August 27, 2013, by Republic Records as a Walmart exclusive for the special edition release of the third season.[62]Songs of Survival, Vol. 2 is a soundtrack for the fourth season and it was released on August 26, 2014, by Republic Records as a Walmart exclusive of the fourth season release.[63] MakeupGreg Nicotero is an executive producer and the key special effectsmakeup artist on the series. Each walker is put through 'zombie school' and is taught how to move like zombies. There are three levels of zombie makeup: Hero, Midground, and Deep Background. Hero zombies are featured walkers and are completely made over from head to toe. Midground zombies get highlights and shadows on the face, but do not get close enough to the camera to require full makeup. Deep background zombies often wear masks and are only meant to be used as a backdrop.[64] Filming
Downtown Senoia, Georgia was used as the setting for Woodbury during the third season
The Walking Dead is mostly filmed in Georgia.[65] Since 2002, the state has offered a tax incentive for large film productions to drive producers to the state and bolster its economy.[66] The first season was filmed primarily in Atlanta, though required a great deal of coordination with the city to shut down streets and parks for film.[66] Production for subsequent seasons moved mainly to Riverwood Studios (doing business as Raleigh Studios Atlanta), a plot of land approximately 120 acres (0.49 km2) outside of Senoia, Georgia. Some existing buildings were used here, such as a subdivision that is used by several families that serves as the Alexandria Safe-Zone, while other buildings are constructed as sets, such as the exterior shots of the main Hilltop mansion, the trash heaps used by the Scavengers, or Father Gabriel's church. Sets are torn down when no longer needed; the church, after its use in the fifth season, was removed and its spot used for the iconic setting for the first meeting between Rick's group and Negan in the seventh season. The property includes sound stages constructed for interior shots, which then may be reused; the interior sets for the prison during the third season were reused to serve as the buildings and sets for the Savior's Sanctuary in the seventh season.[67][68] In July 2017, AMC purchased the studio lot from Riverwood for $8.25 million.[69] Some scenes are shot outside of the studio. Woodbury, during the third season, was filmed in downtown Senoia. Other exceptions include the Kingdom, which is filmed at the former military base Fort McPherson, now converted to studios for Tyler Perry.[67][68] The series is completely shot on 16 mm film.[70]David Tattersall was the director of photography for the pilot episode with David Boyd as the director of photography on the remainder of the episodes. Production design is done by Greg Melton and Alex Hajdu. The effects team includes veteran special effects makeup designers Greg Nicotero and Toby Sells,[71] special effects coordinator Darrell Pritchett, and visual effects supervisors Sam Nicholson and Jason Sperling.[72] MarketingThe Walking Dead debuted during the same week in 120 countries. As part of an expansive campaign to advertise and heighten anticipation for the premiere, AMC and Fox International Channels coordinated a worldwide zombie invasion event on October 26, 2010. The stunt involved invading 26 major cities within a 24-hour period, starting with Taipei and Hong Kong, and ending in Los Angeles for the U.S. premiere.[73] The series' official website released, just prior to the San Diego Comic-Con in 2010, a motion comic based on Issue No. 1 of the original comic and voiced by Phil LaMarr.[74] The site also posted a making-of documentary primarily about the first episode, as well as a number of other behind-the-scenes videos and interviews. In the documentary, comic series creator and television series executive producer Robert Kirkman, as well as artist Charlie Adlard, say they are pleased with how faithful the series is to the comic and remark on the similarities between the actors and the comic's original character drawings.[75] Action figures of characters from the series were created for release in November 2011 and have continued throughout the years with eight line-ups. The figures, which are manufactured by McFarlane Toys, are designed to resemble the actors on the series. Figures created to resemble the characters as drawn in the comic book were released in September 2011.[76] Green initiativesWith a primary objective of reducing the environmental impacts of film and television productions, including The Walking Dead, producer Gale Anne Hurd has directed the cast, crew, production team, suppliers, and bloggers about her series to adopt the Doddle app to make the production almost paper-free; this works by digitally transmitting interactive call sheets and other intra-team and team-supplier communications (such as directions, images, menus, and updates) to people's cell phones and tablets. Hurd said of using Doddle: in addition to conserving paper, 'It's also easier, and it's better for security. People are less likely to leave their smartphone or tablet lying around for someone else to pick up.'[77][78] Hurd describes additional steps taken to increase efficiency and cut production costs: 'If you use vehicles that get better gas mileage, that are electric or hybrids, you're going to pay a lot less in fuel. If you use compact fluorescent bulbs, you're going to save a lot of money in utilities. If you recycle even your own sets, and use them again, that's going to save money. You don't have to buy new lumber. So there are cost savings, absolutely.'[77] Additionally, the production team aims to reduce vehicle idling, which decreases carbon dioxide emissions.[77][78][79] Hurd also cuts down on plastic waste by personally using a refillable, stainless steel EcoUsable water bottle and promoting its use among her colleagues. She shared: 'on a lot of my projects I give them as crew gifts before we start production, and have water stations available, but you can't force people to use them.'[77] Franchise and spin-offsWebisodesTo date, four web series based on The Walking Dead have been released via AMC's websiteâTorn Apart (2011), Cold Storage (2012), The Oath (2013)[80] and Red Machete (2017).[81] Motion comicIn 2011, AMC debuted an animated comic book version of The Walking Dead novel's beginning, featuring the voice of actor Phil LaMarr.[82] Talking DeadA live television aftershow titled Talking Dead premiered on AMC on October 16, 2011, following the encore presentation of The Walking Dead'ssecond-season premiere. Talking Dead features host Chris Hardwick discussing the latest episode with fans, actors, and producers of The Walking Dead.[83] AMC Original FilmsFollowing the departure of Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes during the ninth season, chief content officer Scott Gimple stated that they plan to create three AMC Original Films to explore events related to Rick's character in the future, starring Lincoln, and with the first expected to begin production in 2019. Besides Lincoln, Pollyanna McIntosh (Jadis / Anne) will also star in these films. Gimple stated that these will not simply be extended episodes, nor will attempt to adapt any of the comic stories, but will heavily involve Kirkman in their development.[84][85][86] Fear the Walking Dead and other television seriesFear the Walking Dead is a companion series to The Walking Dead, developed by AMC. AMC started development of the series around September 2013 and committed to a two-season broadcast by March 2015.[87][88][89]Fear the Walking Dead was first broadcast on August 23, 2015.[90] Fear the Walking Dead features a different set of characters, developed by Kirkman. The series starts at the onset of the zombie apocalypse, and follows several people that escape Los Angeles as the military attempts to quarantine the city, and seek refuge along the west coast of the United States and Mexico. The fourth season of Fear the Walking Dead features a crossover with The Walking Dead, specifically through the character Morgan Jones (played by Lennie James) who joins the cast of Fear the Walking Dead after the events of the eighth season of The Walking Dead.[91][92] Similarly, Dwight, played by Austin Amelio, is slated to join Fear the Walking Dead for its fifth season in 2019.[93] AMC's COO Ed Carroll affirmed during the network's investors conference call in February 2019 that the network is currently developing a second spin-off series for The Walking Dead.[94] AMC officially announced it had ordered a 10-episode series, created by Gimple and Negrete, in April 2019 with plans to broadcast in 2020. The series would focus on the first generation of children that have grown up during the zombie apocalypse, taking place within Virginia, and will feature two female leads.[95][96] Parodies and spoofsDue to its popularity, The Walking Dead has inspired dozens of parodies and spoofs featured on YouTube channels like Bad Lip Reading and television series such as Saturday Night Live[97][98][99] and Mad TV.[100] Bad Lip Reading made a widely viewed parody involving Rick and the Governor, entitled 'La-Bibbida-Bibba-Dum'.[101] The series' cast was shown the parody at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2013, and David Morrisseyâwho portrays the Governorâ reacted by saying he now understood why so many people would walk up to him on the street and blurt, 'Hey, La-Bibbida-Bibba-Dum!' Until seeing the video, he had wondered, 'what's wrong with these people?'[102]The Walking Dead has also been represented as a live comedy performance by English comedian Dan Willis at the Edinburgh Festival.[103] Release
Sarah Wayne Callies and Andrew Lincoln in 2010; Robert Kirkman is in the background on the left
Scenes from the pilot were screened July 23, 2010, as part of the San Diego Comic-Con in 2010.[104] It premiered on AMC on October 31, 2010, and premiered internationally on Fox International Channels during the first week of November.[105][106] Almost two weeks before the official premiere on AMC, the pilot episode leaked online.[107] International broadcast rights for the series were sold and announced on June 14, 2010.[108] The series airs on Fox International Channels in 126 countries in 33 languages. The fifth season debuted its first part on October 13, 2014.[109] The second part premiered on February 9, 2015.[110] Home mediaThe first season DVD and Blu-ray was released on March 8, 2011.[111] A three-disc special edition of the first seasonâfeaturing new featurettes and audio commentariesâwas released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 4, 2011.[112] The European versions of the first season DVD and Blu-ray are edited for gore, with cuts to episode two ('Guts'),[113] episode three ('Tell It to the Frogs'),[114] episode four ('Vatos')[115] and episode five ('Wildfire').[116] Until eOne/WVG re-released the first season in D-A-CH in a Special Uncut Version on DVD and Blu-ray on May 31, 2013.[117] The second season DVD and Blu-ray was released on August 28, 2012. It was also released as a limited edition Blu-ray, packaged as a miniature zombie head designed by McFarlane Toys. Special features include audio commentaries, deleted scenes, webisodes, and several featurettes.[118] The third season DVD and Blu-ray was released on August 27, 2013. It was also released as a limited edition Blu-ray, packaged as a miniature version of the Governor's zombie head aquarium tank designed by Greg Nicotero and sculpted by McFarlane Toys. Special features include audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and several featurettes.[119] The fourth season DVD and Blu-ray was released on August 26, 2014. It was also released as a limited edition Blu-ray, packaged with a tree-walker designed by McFarlane Toys. Special features include audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and several featurettes, as well as extended episodes which are exclusive to the Blu-ray.[120] The fifth season was released on August 25, 2015,[121] the sixth season on August 23, 2016,[122] the seventh season on August 22, 2017,[123] and the eighth season on August 21, 2018.[124] Home video release for the first six seasons was distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment, and home video release for the seventh season onwards was distributed by Lionsgate Home Entertainment in the United States for the American home video releases. The international home video release were distributed by Entertainment One. SyndicationMyNetworkTV acquired the broadcast syndication rights to the series, premiering on October 1, 2014.[125] The version that airs on MyNetworkTV is edited to meet broadcast television standards.[126] ReceptionCritical reception
The first six seasons and the ninth season of The Walking Dead have been well reviewed by recognized critics, while the seventh and eighth seasons received more mixed reviews. The series has a 80% approval rating to date on Rotten Tomatoes.[3] For the first season, 88% of 28 Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a positive review, with an average score of 7.53/10. That site's consensus states, 'Blood-spattered, emotionally resonant, and white-knuckle intense, The Walking Dead puts an intelligent spin on the overcrowded zombie subgenre.'[127]Metacritic scored the first season 82/100 based on 25 critic reviews, 23 of which were positive, two mixed, and none negative.[128] Heather Havrilesky of Salon.com included the series on their list of 9 new television series not to miss, giving it a grade of 'A', with the author saying, 'A film-quality drama series about zombies? Somebody pinch me!'[143] For the second season, 81% of 24 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes were positive, with an average score of 8.09/10. The site's consensus states, 'The second season of The Walking Dead fleshes out the characters while maintaining the grueling tension and gore that made the show a hit.'[129] Of 22 Metacritic critic reviews, 18 were positive, four were mixed, and none were negative; their average score was 80/100.[130] Early criticism of the series focused on the slow pace of the second season, particularly the first half. Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly, described the series as 'a nighttime soap', comparing it to 'a parody of a Samuel Beckett play' that had very little sense of direction and few appearances of walkers.[144] Nate Rawlings of Time's online entertainment section noted that 'the pace during the first half of this season has been brutally slow. [..] They've tried to develop individual characters, but each subplot meant to add a layer to a character has been quickly resolved.'[145] Later reviews from other critics, such as Scott Wampler of Collider.com, recognized the increased quality of the second half, stating it 'seemed far more intense, more interesting, better written'.[146] Recognizing the overall season, Kevin Yeoman of Screen Rant offered praise saying 'the writers succeeded in unshackling themselves from the intermittent monotony brought about by the serial nature of the show'.[147] The third season had 88% of Rotten Tomatoes' 33 critics giving it a positive review, with an average score of 7.96/10. The site's consensus states, 'The palpable terror and visceral thrills continue in the third season of The Walking Dead, along with a deeper sense of the people who inhabit its apocalyptic landscape.'[131] Metacritic's 19 critics rated the season 82/100, all of whom gave a positive review.[132] Verne Gay of Newsday claimed that the third-season premiere 'does not disappoint' going on to say that there are 'spots where you will yell out at the screen, 'Oh, my God, that just didn't happen.' Yes, the new season is that good', concluding his review by giving the season an A+ rating.[148] For the fourth season, 83% of Rotten Tomatoes' 31 critic reviews were positive, with an average score of 7.66/10. The site's consensus states, 'Consistently thrilling, with solid character development and enough gore to please grindhouse fans, this season of The Walking Dead continues to demonstrate why it's one of the best horror shows on television'.[133] Metacritic scored the season 75/100 based on 16 critic reviews, 13 of which were positive, three mixed, and none negative.[134] The fifth season had 89% of Rotten Tomatoes' 31 critic reviews rating it positively, with an average score of 7.87/10. The site's consensus states, 'Thanks to a liberal dose of propulsive, bloody action and enough compelling character moments to reward longtime fans, The Walking Dead's fifth season continues to deliver top-notch entertainment.'[135] Metacritic scored the fifth season 80/100 based on 11 critic reviews, all of which were positive.[136] For the sixth season, 77% of Rotten Tomatoes' 23 critic reviews were positive, with an average score of 7.35/10. The site's consensus states, 'Six seasons in, The Walking Dead is still finding ways to top itself, despite slow patches that do little to advance the plot.'[137] Metacritic scored the sixth season 79/100 based on 10 critic reviews, nine of which were positive, one mixed, and none negative.[138] For the seventh season, 63% of Rotten Tomatoes' 12 critic reviews rated it positively, with an average score of 6.97/10. The site's consensus is, 'Increased character depth and effective world-building helps The Walking Dead overcome a tiresome reliance on excessive, gratuitous violence.'[139] For the eighth season, 64% of Rotten Tomatoes' 16 critic reviews rated it positively, with an average score of 6.68/10. The site's consensus states 'The Walking Dead's eighth season energizes its characters with some much-needed angst and action, though it's still occasionally choppy and lacking forward-moving plot progression.'[140] For the ninth season, 90% of Rotten Tomatoes' 18 critic reviews were positive, with an average score of 7.23/10. The site's consensus states, 'Nine seasons in, The Walking Dead feels more alive than ever, with heightened tension and a refreshed pace that rejuvenates this long-running franchise.'[141] Metacritic scored the ninth season 72/100 based on 4 critic reviews, 3 of which were positive, one mixed, and none negative.[142] RatingsThe Walking Dead has the highest total viewership of any series in cable television history, including its third through sixth seasons, during which it averaged the most 18- to 49-year-old viewers of all cable or broadcast television series.[149][150][151] Total viewership for its fifth-season premiere was 17.3 million, the most-watched series episode in cable history.[152] In 2016, a New York Times study of the 50 television series with the most Facebook Likes found that like most other zombie series, The Walking Dead 'is most popular in rural areas, particularly southern Texas and eastern Kentucky'.[153]
Awards and nominationsThe Walking Dead was nominated for Best New Series by the Writers Guild of America Awards 2011[4] and Best Television Series Drama by the 68th Golden Globe Awards.[5] The series was named one of the top 10 television programs of 2010 by the American Film Institute Awards 2010.[180] For the 37th Saturn Awards, the series received six nominationsâfor Best Television Presentation, Andrew Lincoln for Best Actor in Television, Sarah Wayne Callies for Best Actress on Television, Steven Yeun for Best Supporting Actor in Television, Laurie Holden for Best Supporting Actress in Television, and Noah Emmerich for Best Guest Starring Role in Television.[181] The series was nominated for Best Drama Series by the inaugural 1st Critics' Choice Television Awards.[182] The pilot episode 'Days Gone Bye' received three nominations from the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awardsâfor Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series[183] and won for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie, or Special.[184] For the 41st Saturn Awards, the series received its highest number of nominations, with a total of seven, including for the series itself, Andrew Lincoln for Best Actor on Television, Norman Reedus for Best Supporting Actor on Television, Emily Kinney and Melissa McBride for Best Supporting Actress on Television, Andrew J. West for Best Guest Star on Television, and Chandler Riggs for Best Young Performer on Television.[185] LawsuitsDarabont's departure as showrunner in July 2011 during the second season came as surprise to many, as it came shortly after the season's premiere and a few days after that year's Comic-Con, where Darabont helped to promote the series.[186] It was speculated that he was unable to adjust to the schedule of running a television series;[38] however, The Hollywood Reporter reported that AMC had fired him. There had been reported difficulties in the production of the second season, including disputes over planned budget cuts and executive meddling, and it was known that Darabont and AMC had several discussions relating to these factors. Neither Darabont, AMC, nor the cast nor crew of The Walking Dead spoke about the reasons for his firing.[187] In December 2013, Darabont and his agents from Creative Artists Agency (CAA) filed a lawsuit against AMC in a New York court, citing breach of contract. A central part of Darabont's lawsuit accuses AMC of denying him and the CAA the promised profits from the success of the series, based on how AMC had used vertical integration in producing and distributing The Walking Dead.[186] As stated in Darabont's filing, he had initially entered into a contract with AMC to have a third-party studio produce the series, from which he would have obtained 12.5% of that entity's profits, after standard deductions. AMC wanted to produce the series in-house, and for the first season, Darabont's lawyers had been assured that Darabont would be protected from self-dealing fees by having AMC commit to imputed license fees equivalent to those of other independent studios, with Darabont earning profit from that. Darabont's suit contends that when the series' popularity took off, AMC presented a license fee deal to Darabont around February 2011 that used 'an unconscionably low license fee formula' such that AMC could report the series running at a loss and ensuring that Darabont would never see any profit from the series; as an example, the suit references statements in 2012, following the second season, that AMC claimed the series was running at a $49 million deficit, despite being one of the most popular series in broadcast.[186] Darabont's suit contends he was fired just at the start of the second season so that AMC would avoid having to pay him.[186] Initial discovery phase hearings were held in 2014. Darabont's lawyers sought to gain information from AMC on their other series, specifically Breaking Bad and Mad Men, to obtain a 'fair market value' for The Walking Dead. AMC asserted it had done no wrongdoing, had already paid Darabont $3 million upfront for two seasons, and was able to properly set the imputed license fee that worked into the profit formula for Darabont. The network resisted the request to provide otherwise confidential information on the other series.[188] The court granted Darabont's lawyers access to the requested information as part of the discovery phase.[189] Darabont described 'crisis-level problems' during the series' production while under deposition, claiming that AMC had cut the per-episode budget from $3.4 million to $3 million while keeping the tax credit offered by the state of Georgia for filming there, effectively reducing the production budget by 25%.[190] In August 2015, Darabont requested to amend his original complaint that AMC further reduced his profits from the second season as his firing mid-season meant he was not fully vested in the season, allowing AMC to reduce the profits paid him. Darabont's amended request points out that he had written and produced all the episodes in that season already and was entitled to the proper profit share.[191] The judge granted this amendment in February 2016, partially influenced by concerns raised in Darabont's deposition.[192] At the end of the discovery phase in September 2016, Darabont's lawyers stated they are seeking damages of over $280 million; AMC stated they will 'vigorously' defend against the lawsuit.[193] Summary judgement statements were completed in July 2017.[194] While waiting for summary judgement, Darabont and the CAA filed a second lawsuit against AMC, based on further evaluation of material from the discovery phase. The second suit contended that AMC purposely manipulated some of its licensing fees that should go to Darabont, such as revenue from digital sales and from overseas markets.[195] Though AMC had initially refused to provide necessary documents for discovery for this new case, AMC did offer to willingly provide them after Darabont's attorneys threatened further legal action during October 2018.[196] By December 2018, the presiding judge ruled against issuing summary judgement in the case, setting up for a jury trial to hear the full case.[197] Due to the retirement of the judge that had overseen the previous cases, a new judge was assigned to the case in February 2019, who joined both the initial 2013 suit and the 2018 suit into a single case, expected to be heard in May 2020.[198] In August 2017, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Charles Eglee, Glen Mazzara and David Alpert filed similar lawsuits against AMC, citing breach of contract over profits owed to them as a result of AMC's vertical integration. As with Darabont, each had been given a certain percentage of the series' profits based on if the series was produced by a third-party, but when it was transitioned to AMC Studios, their share was dramatically reduced. The Hollywood Reporter estimated that if the four seek similar damages as Darabont, the lawsuit could be as high as $1 billion.[199] The suits, filed separately in Los Angeles and New York City, will be consolidated into a single case to be heard in a California court.[200] Kirkman and the others said that despite the lawsuit, they will continue to work as 'partners' with AMC to assure continued success of The Walking Dead and its spinoff series Fear the Walking Dead.[201] References
External links
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Walking_Dead_(TV_series)&oldid=899271199'
With The Walking Dead season 9 nearly here, what better way to re-immerse yourself into the sticky, humid air of dystopian Atlanta than with our episode-by-episode Walking Dead season 8 recap? I mean, sure, you could just watch the show itself but, as anyone who's read our The Walking Dead season 8 review will know.. it's not exactly a slice of must-watch TV gold. Instead, you can catch up on every season 8 episode just by reading the no-nonsense plot recaps below, before the season 9 premiere airs later this week. Indeed, we've already caught a sneak preview of The Walking Dead season 9, and reckon it's worth watching purely on the basis of its fresh coat of paint alone. Once you have caught up on the latest developments in Alexandria, Sanctuary, Hilltop, and The Kingdom, have a read of our The Walking Dead season 8 ending analysis to see what season 9 might hold in story for Rick, Maggie, and the rest of our intrepid survivors. Oh, and it should go without saying, but there's major story spoilers for The Walking Dead season 8 beyond this point. The Walking Dead S8.01 - MercySeason 7âs premiere with Neganâs bloodthirsty game of âeenie, miney, moâ was always going to temper the impact of the start of season 8. Nothing could quite compete with that. But what The Walking Deadâs season 8 premiere did do was attempt to prove that this new season would be a change in tides for the show, with promises of major action and drama from the outset. That may not have quite translated throughout the rest of the season, but it certainly was a good opener. Carl meets a man in a gas station whilst he and Rick are looking for fuel. Carl wants to give him food, but Rick scares him off by firing a gun above his head. Meanwhile, at the Sanctuary, Gregory decides to try and get everyone to rally behind him, but predictably they think his weak-ass plan isnât quite as good as having Maggie as a leader. Instead, the group attack the Sanctuary, taking down its defences to allow the Walkers to flood in. All of Rickâs crew manage to escape except Father Gabriel, who foolishly stays behind in an attempt to save Gregory, who steals his car and leaves him to the Walkers. Gabriel manages to hide in a trailer, only to discover heâs trapped in there with Negan. Read more: 9 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 premiere The Walking Dead S8.02 - The DamnedBy episode 2, the season is already getting a bit⦠muddled, and thatâs partly down to the fact that Rickâs crew fragments into distinct groups in their attempt to take down the Savioursâ outposts. Somehow Aaronâs in charge of a strike team and uses Negan-worthy tactics to take down some Saviours, while elsewhere Ekeziel, Carol, and others are on the hunt for a lookout. Jesus stops Tara and Mogan from killing a group of Saviours, instead taking them as hostages, causing Morgan to have a bit of a breakdown. Heâs still a bit weird from that whole thing with the melon back in season 7, and now heâs having another moral quandary on the ethics of killing. Elsewhere, Daryl and Rick are clearing an outpost when Rock is confronted and held at gunpoint by a chap called Morales, who he knew from way back in Atlanta. But now Morales is a Saviour⦠Queue the credits. Read more: 7 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 2 The Walking Dead S8.03 - MonstersDespite the fact theyâve got some history, Daryl doesnât think twice about taking down Morales, whoâs still holding Rick at gunpoint. The problem is, heâs got a baby, and now sheâs another screaming kid Rickâs crew has in their midst. Itâs not just Morales who kicks the bucket in this episode, as we actually lose a few along the way here, including Eric - Aaronâs partner - who was critically wounded in episode ,2 but decided to wait until now to wander off and become a Walker. Understandably, Aaronâs quite upset, but he takes it upon himself to become the keeper of Moralesâ kid. Gregory finally makes his way back to the Hilltop in Father Gabrielâs car, and after a long heated chat with Maggie, she eventually decides to let him back into the community, despite everything heâs already done. But it turns out itâs a busy day at the Hilltop, because next Maggie has Jesus knocking on her door with the group of Saviour captives - much to the irritation of Tara and Morgan. Carol and Ezekielâs group, meanwhile, attack another Saviour compound, but get ambushed so youâre left wondering if literally everyone dies at the end of the episode. Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 3 The Walking Dead S8.04 - Some GuyDonât worry, episode 3 didnât manage to kill the entirety of Carol and Ezekielâs crew. Well, nearly, actually. As Ezekiel rises from the mountain of corpses just waiting to turn, itâs clear that he and Carol are the only survivors of the ambush. Oh and Jerry, who rushes in to save Ezekiel from death. The trio attempt to carry the wounded Ezekiel back to the Kingdom, but en route get surrounded by extra toxic Walkers. In a moment of utter sadness for the series, Ezekielâs pet tiger Shiva appears and sacrifices herself to save the trio. Sob. They all managed to get back to the Kingdom safely, but Ezekiel is overcome with self-doubt and anguish. The two Saviours who manage to escape from the earlier shootout with Carol and co, eventually get caught by Rick and Daryl, who are on the hunt for Neganâs hidden stock of .50-caliber rifles. Thereâs an awesome car chase that makes you wonder whether this is how The Walking Dead action should really be, but itâs all over far too fast. Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 4 The Walking Dead S8.05 - The Big Scary UFinally, the show actually tells you what goes down in that trailer where Gabrielâs been stuck with Negan since the first episode. But, in true Walking Dead style, it resolves the whole matter in the slowest possible manner. Thereâs lots of chat about redemption, past sins and forgiveness, but ultimately Gabriel and Negan manage to escape - despite being surrounded by Walkers - without any explanation as to how they survive. Cheers AMC. Instead, far more time is spent showcasing whatâs been going down on the Savioursâ side of things. Theyâve figured out thereâs a mole in their midst, with Neganâs lieutenant all growing very suspicious of one another. The workers at the Sanctuary begin to revolt, but are stopped before a riot ensues by the reappearance of Negan. He locks the now very ill Gabriel in a cell (that happens when you cover yourself in Walker guts), where Eugene discovers him. Elsewhere, the Rick/Daryl bromance is shattered as they fight and Daryl abandons Rick and leaves him to walk off into the distance. Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 5 The Walking Dead S8.06 - The King, the Widow, and RickIn one of the seriesâ most controversial moves, Rick decides to try and enlist help from Jadis and the Junkyard gang. You know, the folks that totally double-crossed him in the last fight against Negan. And surprise, surprise, it doesnât quite go to plan and Rick ends up locked in a shipping container in his underwear by the end of the episode. Elsewhere, Tara and Daryl plot to work against Rickâs plans and want to drive a truck full of explosives into the Sanctuary. Carl meets up with the chap from back at the gas station, and after the pair fight off some Walkers, Carl manages to recruit him to help protect Alexandria. Ezekiel continues to lose faith in his ability to lead people, despite Carolâs best efforts to change his mind. Maggie tries to deal with her new captured Saviours and then chucks Gregory in the cage with them when he tries to defy her authority (again!). It was a week of power plays and half-naked Rick. Read more: 7 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 6 The Walking Dead S8.07 - Time for AfterIn episode 7, thereâs even more semi-naked Rick - thereâs life drawing and everything! - but of course, there are also Walkers⦠and Negan. Inside the walls of the Sanctuary, Eugene realises Dwight is helping Rick and co, and stupidly pledges his allegiances to Neganâs crew. Half-naked Rick manages to convince Jadis to help them (you can see how this will go), but not before he has to fight another suped-up Walker filled with blades and wearing a helmet. And yes, heâs still in his boxers. While all thatâs going down, Tara and Morgan help Daryl facilitate driving the explosive truck through the Walls of the Sanctuary, causing the whole facility to fill with Walkers, killing a load of the Savioursâ fighters. Rick arrives only to see the gaping hole in the side of the Sanctuary and not a Walker in sight. Read more: 7 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 7 The Walking Dead S8.08 - How Itâs Gotta BeAfter all the kerfuffle with Darylâs sudden change of plan, the Saviours actually manage to escape the Sanctuary. They split up so they can take on the groups from the Hilltop and the Kingdom, before going straight to Alexandria to see Rick. Ezekiel gets the Kingdom residents to safety, but locks himself inside with the Saviours. At Alexandria, Carl puts together a plan to get the community into the sewers to hide. Dwight is exposed to the Saviours in the process though, and when Rick makes it back to Alexandria itâs revealed that Carlâs been bitten⦠DUN-DUN-DUUUUN!!! Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 8 The Walking Dead S8.09 - HonorAfter a much needed winter hiatus, The Walking Dead season 8 returns with an episode that went a long way in redeeming the horrors of the past eight episodes. And most of that redemption came in the form of young master Carl Grimes. Itâs his episode, without a doubt, as he dies in a mist of raw emotional intensity from all around him. After a lot of talking and hugging, Carl takes himself out with a silenced shot to the head while Michonne and Rick sob quietly on the porch - canât alert those Walkers after all. Elsewhere, Carol and Morgan work to save Ezekiel from the Saviours heâs barricaded himself in with in the Kingdom, showing that Morgan definitely isnât a pacifist anymore. Thereâs even a gory climax to the battle where young Henry - Carolâs latest ward - horrifically kills Neganâs goon, Gavin. Itâs a twist most of us have seen coming since episode 6. Really, AMC? Another annoying kid turned killer? Yeah.. no thanks. Read more: 5 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 9 The Walking Dead S8.10 - The Lost and the PlunderersThe Lost and the Plunderers ties up some of the mid-season premiere's threads with some interesting developments. Simon begins a mini coup against Negan by mowing down every last Heapster except Jadis. Aaron and Enidâs mad adventures to Oceanside remain more filler, than killer, as the latter heads back to Hilltop while the former figures out a way to get Cyndie on board. Rick returns to the Junkyard to discover Simon's crimes, but leaves Jadis abandoned amongst her zombified friends after he realises she's lost her usefulness. Jadis herself has dropped the cult act, too, and makes mince meat of her former crew with an industrial compacter. There might be a few lazy and unsubtle elements for episode 10 - like when Simon just casually drops into the conversation that thereâs solar panels and a helipad hidden somewhere in the Junkyard - but the character plots are more than enough to propel season 8 forward with a momentum its never had before. Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 10 The Walking Dead S8.11 - Dead or Alive orDaryl, Rosita, and a rather angry Tara lead what's left of Alexandrian to Hilltop through the swamps in an attempt to avoid the Saviours. Tara's desperate to kill Dwight and after a short chase, Dwight goes back to the Saviours, who still don't know he's been batting for Rick's team. Thanks to him, the Alexandrians get to where they're going safely. Nice one, Dwight. Tara get in the naughty corner. Gabriel and Dr. Carson have escaped the Sanctuary, although the priest is still sick and having major issues with his sight. After a lot of God's guidance talk and a couple of close shaves, the pair are re-captured by the Saviours and Dr. Carson dies in the scuffle. Gabriel loses the plot, and ends up sorting bullets at Eugene's new outpost, where he's already getting too big for his boots. Meanwhile Negan decides to dip his bullets in Walker blood before heading off to fight Hilltop. Ahh, hence the episode's title.. Read more: 5 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 11 The Walking Dead S8.12 - The KeyThe Saviours are en route to the Hilltop, armed with weapons and bullets all coated with Walker blood. But Rick spots the convey from a lookout spot, and decides to try and take down Negan himself. Thereâs a car chase, a crash, and then Negan and Rick are fighting in a basement filled with flaming zombies. Neither are hurt, but Negan goes missing. With Negan gone, Simon takes this moment to try and convince Dwight to join his uprising. Of course, he doesnât know that Dwightâs already defected, so Dwight pretends to reluctantly agree to overthrow Negan. Simon immediately rallies the troops to turn the plan to injure the Hilltop residents to an all out murderous rampage, which they agree to. Meanwhile at the Hilltop, a set of crates have appeared outside their walls with a note offering to swap food or records for knowledge. The noteâs from a new group led by Georgie, whoâs accompanied by two guards known as Hilda and Midge. Maggie, Michonne, and Enid decide to do the exchange, and Georgie gives them a book of instructions for how to make structures like mills and other food making, future life-changing buildings. The episode ends showing Negan as Jadisâ prisoner. Intrigue ahoy! Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 12 The Walking Dead S8.13 - Do Not Send us AstrayThe Saviours, led by Simon and a reluctant Dwight, assault the Hilltop with their Walker blood-tipped bullets and weapons. Members of both sides are killed, but the Hilltop crew have no idea that their injured are ticking Walker time bombs. Predictably everyone who was injured turns in the night, and Rick and co have to take a lot of survivors out. Elsewhere, Henry decides to steal a machine gun, goes into the cage with all the Saviour hostages, and demands to know who killed his brother. Of course, everything goes wrong, the hostages take his gun and escape, and then little darling Henry goes missing. This episode also spends a lot of time exploring Morganâs morality and mental state, after he starts hallucinating the bloodied Gavin who continuously says: âYou know what it is.â Read more: 5 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8 episode 13 The Walking Dead S8.14 - Still Gotta Mean SomethingRemember when Jadis managed to take Negan captive? Well, she also managed to leave him next to a big bag of guns, and then let him go after both of them watched the mysterious helicopter arrive at the junkyard and then leave again. Nice one Jadis. Elsewhere, Rick goes a little bit mad. He and Morgan decide to brutality murder every single one of the Saviours that once were the Hilltop hostages, despite the fact that all of them (bar that annoying long-haired one) wants to go back to the Hilltop and beg for forgiveness. The blood and guts comes very much in contrast to the rest of the episode though, where Morgan, Michonne, and Carol all get a bit emotional about everything, especially the missing boy, Henry. Thankfully, Carol manages to find him and get him back to the Hilltop unscathed. But not before we see Negan let a mysterious stranger into his car en route back to the Sanctuary.. Read more: 6 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8, episode 14 The Walking Dead S8.15 - WorthThe penultimate episode of The Walking Dead season 8 was a deliberate shift of focus to the Saviours' camp, resolving the issues around Simon and Dwight's various backstabbing and foul play. Negan ends up killing Simon in a fist fight in front of the entire Saviour clan, after Dwight sets up a scenario where he gets caught out betraying Negan. Dwight thinks he's gotten away with being a mole, gives a map with Negan's (actually fake) plan on it to Gregory to deliver to Maggie, but is caught out when it turns out Negan's passenger in episode 14 was actually Laura who tells Negan the truth about Dwight, whose fate is left hanging by the end of the episode. Meanwhile, Rosita and Daryl take Eugene hostage, but he manages to escape by vomiting on Rosita. Gross. And a lot of time is spent watching Aaron trying to survive on the outskirts of the Oceanside clan as he attempts to gain their trust. Read more: 5 questions I have after watching The Walking Dead season 8, episode 15 The Walking Dead S8.16 - WrathFinally we've reached the finale of The Walking Dead season 8, and as expected it's more of a setup for The Walking Dead season 9 than a fitting close for the storylines that have plagued us since the end of season 6. The 'all out war' finally happens, with Eugene actually playing bat for the Alexandrians again by rigging the Saviours' bullets to explode when fired. Rick and Negan finally have their major fight, and although Rick cuts Negan's throat, he survives after Rick decides he needs to be saved, so he can watch them build a new future through the bars of his forever cell. Jesus, Maggie, and Daryl really aren't happy about that though and plot to make Rick and Michonne pay for their mistakes. Morgan decides to take himself off somewhere to be alone (*cough* Fear the Walking Dead *cough*), and invites Jadis (actually called Ann) to go live at the Hilltop. She accepts. Later, Daryl takes Dwight out into the forest and rather than killing him, actually lets him go, tasked with finding his missing wife, Sherry. He finds a note from her that says 'Honeymoon Infinity'. There's also a giant Walker horde gathering near the Hilltop, larger than anything the group has ever seen before, but nonetheless all the ex-Saviours, Oceanside, Hilltop, and Kingdom residents begin building a new life.
In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, survivors hold on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a fight for their own survival.
Starring:Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus
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The global hit zombie show's 2012 season premiere became the most-watched basic cable episode ever.
EpisodesThe Walking DeadRick searches for his family in a world terrorized by the walking dead. Morgan and Duane help teach Rick the new rules for survival. Rick unknowingly causes a group of survivors to be trapped by walkers and must confront an enemy far more dangerous than the undead. Rick goes back to Atlanta to retrieve the bag of guns and save a man's life. Lori and Shane deal with the return of someone they thought was dead. Rick's mission to Atlanta is jeopardized when things go awry. Jim becomes unhinged in the camp. Rick leads the group to the CDC after the attack. Jim must make a terrible life and death decision. Rick and the group are allowed into the CDC by a strange doctor. But not all is what it seems in their newly found haven. Rick leads the group out of Atlanta. On the highway, they are stopped by a threat unlike anything they have seen before. Someone goes missing. Coming to the aid of another, Rick discovers a possible safe haven. Shane must go on a dangerous mission to get badly needed medical supplies. Outlook repair tool scanpst.exe. The group desperately awaits Shane's return. Shane finds himself trapped in a school, surrounded by walkers. Daryl and Andrea search for someone. Rick negotiates with Hershel to let the group stay on the farm while the others contend with an unusual threat. Glenn goes on a mission. In the woods alone, Daryl finds a clue but is injured and attacked by walkers. Rick questions his choices. Glenn gets mixed signals from Maggie. Glenn tries to keep two secrets. Andrea discovers a new skill and is forced to put it to the test. Rick learns something about someone close to him. The group discovers a grave threat right under their noses. Rick works with Hershel to avoid a dangerous impasse. Dale confronts Shane. The group tries to restore order in the aftermath of a terrible discovery. Hershel disappears, Rick and Glenn must follow him into town. Trapped, Rick, Hershel and Glenn fight to survive against new foes, both dead and alive. Shane makes it his mission to bring Lori back to the farm. Rick and Shane come into conflict over the fate of a prisoner. Andrea helps Hershel's youngest daughter face a crucial decision. Rick sides with Shane on an important decision. Dale worries that the group is losing its humanity. Carl's actions have unintended consequences. The group learns that someone dangerous may be on the loose. As night falls, Rick, Shane, Daryl and Glenn comb the woods to handle the situation. Rick returns to find the farm in jeopardy. The group is split up in the ensuing chaos. With things looking grim, Rick's leadership is questioned. With the world growing more dangerous and Lori's pregnancy advancing, Rick searches for a safer home for the beleaguered group. The shocking discovery of new foes further complicates matters as Rick and the group fight to save the life of one of their own. After witnessing an accident, Andrea and Michonne meet a new community of survivors who may not be as helpful as they seem. Michonne and Andrea figure out their new surroundings as the group at the prison is forced to deal with multiple conflicts. Rick struggles to cope with his latest loss. Michonne remains suspicious of the Governor when he throws a party with a unique attraction. As Andrea grows closer to the Governor, Michonne makes a decision about Woodbury. Glenn and Maggie decide to go on a run. The Governor shows his true colors as he presses for information. A new guest starts to stir things up at the prison. The group at the prison decides they must fight for their own as the people of Woodbury are thrown into uncharted territory. Rick tries to rescue a member of the group. Woodbury is in disarray after a recent attack. New guests raise concerns at the prison. As the group debates their next course of action, Rick wanders after a friend. The Governor tries to restore order in Woodbury. Their security threatened, Rick and the group must make a choice. Andrea decides to take matters into her own hands as Woodbury is in a police state. Realizing they are heavily outgunned against the Governor's forces, Rick decides to lead an expedition to get more weapons. In an effort to prevent any more deaths, Rick and the Governor decide to sit down and discuss the possibility of a peace treaty. The Governor chases a dissenter who fled Woodbury. While the Governor is gone, a traitor tries to sabotage his upcoming plans. Rick and the group are faced with a serious problem: If they want a truce with the Governor, they will have to make a huge sacrifice. Rick and the group have to seriously consider if the prison is worth defending as the Governor's impending attack looms. Rick's group finds the prison has become a relatively safe base, but a close call with a stranger reminds them they can never let down their guard. Some of the survivors are quarantined to prevent a virus from spreading. Carol takes two girls under her wing, and Tyreese makes a shocking discovery. As the virus spreads, Hershel becomes a de facto medic, isolating some of the afflicted and sending the group to a veterinary college for supplies. Bob's deception is revealed while the group tries to get medicine at the college; Rick and Carol discuss the consequences of Carol's confession. In the quarantined zone at the prison, Hershel, Sasha and Glenn tend to the flu victims, who reanimate at an alarming rate. In a flashback, the Governor stumbles upon the apartment of adult sisters Lilly and Tara, their disabled father and Lilly's daughter, Meghan. Martinez rescues Meghan and the Governor from the pit and invites them to join his camp -- on the condition that they recognize him as the leader. With Michonne and Hershel as their hostages, the Governor rallies his group for an attack on the prison, where all-out war ensues. Rick and Carl set out on their own to find supplies and hole up in an abandoned house, where Carl lashes out at his weakened father. Beth and Daryl search for survivors of the prison attack. Tyreese meets a father and son who tell him about a place of refuge called Terminus. Michonne and Carl bond during a supply run, and Abraham pledges to get Eugene to Washington, D.C., to meet with government officials. Beth and Daryl share an evening bonding over peach schnapps and moonshine when the tension at the camp grows too stifling. Maggie splits off from Bob and Sasha when she finds a map to Terminus. Walkers besiege a funeral home where Daryl and Beth are hiding. On their way to Terminus, Tyreese's group finds a house that may be a safe haven, but Mika and Lizzie's strange behavior there threatens them all. Glenn's group tries to catch up with Maggie and the others on the way to Terminus, and a squabble demonstrates the role of rules in this new reality. As survivors cross paths on the way to Terminus, Rick comes face-to-face with sheer brutality and is pushed to the limit. Trapped in the train car, the terrified group waits to see what grisly fate their Terminus captors have in store for them. Gareth questions Rick. The group meets a priest who seems to be hiding something despite his hospitality. Later, Bob makes a horrifying discovery about Terminus. Confronted by Rick and Sasha, Father Gabriel makes a startling confession. Abraham pushes the group to continue on to D.C., but Rick wants to wait. An injured Beth wakes up in the hospital, where she's put to work tending to patients and tries to figure out whom she can trust. An accident stalls the group's push to Washington. After a horde of walkers attacks, a troubled Eugene confides in Tara. On the trail of the car with the white cross, Carol and Daryl wind up in Atlanta, where they spot another vehicle with the same symbol. Rick's group tries to determine the best course of action in Atlanta, while Beth mounts her own rescue effort. Tara comes to Eugene's defense. Father Gabriel, Carl and Michonne scramble to fend off walkers at the church. At the hospital, Rick negotiates a hostage exchange. The Atlanta group accompanies Noah to his hometown in Virginia, where he hopes to reunite with his family. But danger awaits. Back on the road, the demoralized group searches desperately for food and takes refuge from a raging storm in an abandoned barn. The group must decide whether a stranger's offering is a gift or a trap. Rick is suspicious, but Michonne decides to check out his story. Rick and the other survivors are welcomed into the Alexandria safe zone, but they worry that the community is vulnerable to walkers. Carol devises a plan to sneak into the armory and steal weapons. Aaron enlists Daryl as a recruiting partner. Sasha offers to serve as a lookout. Abraham proves his worth in Alexandria during a walker attack. Deanna worries that the new arrivals may have too much power. Rick confronts Deanna about Pete. Glenn warns Nicholas not to leave the community. Daryl and Aaron come across a disturbing sight in the woods. When Deanna calls a meeting to determine if Rick should be exiled, the group readies their defense. Aaron and Daryl track a man wearing a red poncho. Still struggling to assimilate in Alexandria, Rick and the group must temper their violent tendencies despite a new threat to the community. While some members of the group work to divert the herd of walkers, those back in Alexandria deal with another kind of danger. Glenn and Michonne race against time to lead the Alexandrians back home to safety before the herd can catch up with them, but not all goes as planned. Morgan tells the story of how he met a fellow survivor who helped him find peace and embrace a philosophy of nonviolence. In the aftermath of Alexandria's recent attack, morale crumbles among the inhabitants inside the gate. Aaron offers to help Maggie search for Glenn. While luring the herd away from Alexandria, Daryl is separated from Abraham and Sasha and encounters three strangers. Rick confronts Morgan about his refusal to kill and wonders whether they can trust the Alexandrians to protect the community. With Alexandria's wall breached, those inside are unable to escape the invading herd and must fight to the death to defend themselves. Daryl, Abraham and Sasha face a menacing new enemy. Back in Alexandria, Rick and the others carefully put an escape plan into action. Daryl and Rick go on a high-flying supply run and encounter a wily stranger. And amid the chaos, romance blossoms in Alexandria. The group ponders whether to trust a new arrival who warns them about a formidable foe. While on a journey, they face a critical decision. Rick and Morgan butt heads as the group prepares for their biggest battle yet. Meanwhile, Carol's past comes back to haunt her. The group's run-in with the Saviors has unexpected repercussions, leading to a trying ordeal that takes an emotional toll. The Walking Dead Season 8 Release DateWith medicine running low, Denise goes on a supply run with Daryl and Rosita. Meanwhile, Eugene tries to prove himself to Abraham. Multiple search parties leave Alexandria when they learn that one of their own is missing. Morgan comes clean about a secret. Rick and the others weigh their options when a high-stakes mission to Hilltop proves more complicated than they expected. Cornered by Negan's men, Rick and the group are forced to face grisly consequences. The Saviors seize a hostage. Two of the survivors arrive at the Kingdom, a seemingly idyllic new community headed by a leader with a flair for the dramatic. An Alexandrian imprisoned at the Savior compound learns how Dwight became one of Negan's men -- and refuses to go down that path. When the Saviors pay a visit to Alexandria to seize supplies, the group looks to Rick for a way out. Father Gabriel thinks on his feet. Gregory arrives at the Hilltop and orders Maggie and Sasha to leave. While Rick goes on a supply run, Carl sets out on a mission of his own. An Alexandrian winds up in an isolated community and must determine whether its residents are potential friends or foes. A stowaway from Alexandria gets a tour of the Savior compound. Spencer challenges Rick's leadership. Rosita demands Eugene's help. Negan makes himself at home in Alexandria. Rick and Aaron find a cryptic message on a supply run. Richard visits Carol and Morgan with a request. Rick and the group weigh their options for striking back at the Saviors and try to enlist the Hilltop and the Kingdom in their fight. Richard plots to incite war with the Saviors. While searching for a missing Alexandrian, Rick and the others encounter a strange new society. Negan's newest prisoner gets a taste of the good life at the Sanctuary and is rewarded for his ingenuity. Dwight lands in hot water. Rick and Michonne scavenge for guns. Rosita grows tired of waiting for the group to act. Tara weighs whether to tell Rick about Oceanside. Carol visits the Kingdom and interrogates Morgan. Tensions come to a head when Ezekiel's crew hands off supplies to the Saviors. Maggie prepares the people of Hilltop to go to war with the Saviors. Desperate for action, Sasha and Rosita team up on a covert mission. Jun 11, 2017 Watch Veer-Zaara, Veer-Zaara Full free movie Online HD. Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) is a rescue pilot with the Indian Air Force. In the line of duty he comes across a stranded Zaara Watch4HD.com. Veer-zaara full movie eng sub. Nov 12, 2004 Watch video Veer-Zaara is a saga of love, separation, courage and sacrifice. A love story that is an inspiration and will remain a legend forever. Tara leads a group of Alexandrians to Oceanside. Gregory resents Maggie's growing authority. Negan implores a new prisoner to join the Saviors. Dwight presents a plan to Daryl. Sasha flashes back to better times. Rick and the group await the Saviors' arrival in Alexandria. Rick, Ezekiel and Maggie plot an elaborate attack on the Sanctuary. Carl encounters a mysterious stranger at a gas station. Daryl and Rick search for a stash of guns. While Carol and Ezekiel track an escaped Savior, Tara and Jesus debate whether to show mercy on a captive. Rick lands in a tense showdown with a former ally. An increasingly erratic Morgan spars with Jesus. Maggie weighs a traitor's fate. Survivors of a devastating attack fight for their lives. On her own at a Savior outpost, Carol must think -- and act -- fast. Trapped in the trailer, Negan and Gabriel open up about their pasts. Back at the Sanctuary, Negan's lieutenants argue about their next move. Rick approaches Jadis with an offer. Carol pleads with Ezekiel to keep fighting. Rosita and a restless Michonne head to the Sanctuary. Eugene confronts Dwight and keeps watch over an ailing Gabriel. With Morgan and Tara's buy-in, Daryl sets a rogue plan in motion. Enid and Aaron set out on a risky mission. Maggie and Jesus's caravan encounters a roadblock. Carl takes a stand against Negan in Alexandria. Carol ushers the Kingdom survivors to safety, then returns to face Ezekiel's captors. Carl advises his father to turn away from vengeance. Rick and Michonne encounter a surprise at the junkyard. Maggie delivers a message from the Hilltop. Enid and Aaron's life is in Cyndie's hands. Daryl leads the Alexandrians to the Hilltop. With resources dwindling, Maggie faces a difficult decision. Gabriel urges Dr. Carson to have faith. Daryl makes amends to Rick. Maggie finds a crate with a mysterious note. On the road with Dwight, Simon questions Negan's plan. With Negan nowhere to be found, Simon leads an attack against the Hilltop. Tara defends Dwight to Daryl. Morgan is haunted by visions. A prisoner at the junkyard faces an uncertain fate. Michonne pleads with Rick to confront his grief. Carol and Morgan search for Henry. The Walking Dead Season 8 Episode 9Rick reads Carl's letter imploring him to make peace. Aaron refuses to give up on Oceanside. Rosita and Daryl take a hostage. Allies band together in a final push against the Saviors as leaders weigh their thirst for revenge against hope for a peaceful future.
TV Shows based on Comics, TV Mysteries, TV Horror, US TV Shows, TV Action & Adventure
Scary, Dark, Suspenseful
Andrew LincolnSteven YeunNorman ReedusChandler RiggsMelissa McBrideLauren CohanDanai GuriraAlanna MastersonSonequa Martin-GreenJosh McDermittChristian SerratosSeth GilliamRoss MarquandLennie JamesEmily KinneyJon BernthalJeffrey Dean Morgan
Air date: Oct 22, 2017
This year, Rick brings 'All Out War' to Negan and his forces. The Saviors are larger, better-equipped, and ruthless - but Rick and the unified communities are fighting for the promise of a brighter future. The battle lines are drawn as they launch into a kinetic, action-packed offensive. As with any battle, there will be losses. More
Air date: Oct 29, 2017
The plan involving Alexandrians, Kingdommers and Hilltoppers unfolds. As Rick continues to fight, he encounters a familiar face. More
Air date: Nov 5, 2017
Conflict with the Saviors leads to unintended consequences for the Hilltop, the Kingdom and Alexandria. Morality proves tricky in wartime. The Walking Dead Season 8 Release DateMore
Air date: Nov 12, 2017
A new weapon in the Savior arsenal proves to be a giant hurdle as fighting continues. -- (C) AMC More
Air date: Nov 19, 2017
With war raging all around him, Negan and the lives of the Saviors are seen by a familiar face during the conflict. More
Air date: Nov 26, 2017
With things looking up for Rick's group, an argument breaks out at the Hilltop. The consequences of the decision are life versus death. More
Air date: Dec 3, 2017
Negan has to enlist the help of his lieutenants in solving a huge issue facing the Sanctuary; Rick and the group continue to enact the plan. -- (C) AMC More
Air date: Dec 10, 2017
Every story and battle comes crashing together. More
Air date: Feb 25, 2018
Rick faces new difficulties after a battle. Meanwhile, the fight continues in other communities as core members face hard decisions. -- (C) AMC More
Air date: Mar 4, 2018
Groups unite their forces and converge on the Hilltop. Meanwhile, Aaron and Enid search for allies; and Simon takes matters into his own hands. MoreShow More EpisodesComments are closed.
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