Every ‘Walking Dead’ Series in Order

The post apocalyptic universe created by Robert Kirkman expanded from a single flagship program into an expansive television franchise spanning multiple spinoffs and limited series. Viewers who wish to experience the television universe can follow the production sequence of the official television releases.

This overview details each series in order of its original premiere date along with its overall production timeline. Each entry outlines the core premise and broadcast history for every series produced within the franchise.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

‘The Walking Dead‘ follows survivor Rick Grimes as he awakens from a coma into a world overrun by flesh eating zombies. Broadcast across eleven seasons, the central storyline details the struggles of human survivors forming communities while navigating social collapse and deadly hostile factions. Frank Darabont developed the initial season for AMC, after which Glen Mazzara, Scott M Gimple, and Angela Kang served as showrunners. The main series concluded its run in November 2022 after airing two hundred and fifty four total episodes. Its immense success established the foundation for all subsequent television developments set in the same fictional universe.

‘Fear the Walking Dead’ (2015–2023)

‘Fear the Walking Dead’ debuted in August 2015 as the first official companion series in the franchise. The narrative initially explores the onset of the zombie apocalypse through the perspective of a blended family living in Los Angeles. Dave Erickson led the production during the first three seasons before Andrew Chambliss and Ian B Goldberg took over showrunner duties. The show ran for eight seasons and completed its broadcasting run in November 2023 after one hundred and thirteen episodes. Characters from the original series later crossed over into this story arc to bridge the narratives together.

‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’ (2020–2021)

‘World Beyond’ focuses on the first generation of young people growing up ten years into the undead outbreak. Matthew Negrete served as the showrunner for the limited drama series which premiered in October 2020. The plot follows a group of teenagers leaving their secure community in Nebraska on a dangerous cross country mission. Their journey provides significant background information regarding the secretive Civic Republic Military organization. The program was designed from its inception as a two season event and concluded in December 2021 after twenty episodes.

‘Tales of the Walking Dead’ (2022)

‘Tales of the Walking Dead’ premiered in August 2022 as an episodic anthology expansion of the franchise. Showrunner Channing Powell oversaw the six episode season featuring standalone stories set in different locations and time periods. Each standalone episode focuses on brand new individuals as well as returning characters from previous installments. The narrative formats range from comedy and psychological horror to supernatural character studies. The season wrapped up its initial television broadcast in September 2022.

‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ (2023–2026)

‘Dead City’ follows the unlikely alliance between long time survivors Maggie Rhee and Negan Smith. Eli Jorne created the spinoff series which centers on a dangerous journey into a post apocalyptic Manhattan isolated from the mainland. The duo must navigate decaying skyscraper ruins and hostile urban factions to rescue Maggie’s kidnapped son Hershel. The first season premiered in June 2023 and expanded into subsequent seasons including Seth Hoffman taking over as showrunner for season three. The production showcases a densely populated urban setting that contrasts sharply with the rural landscapes of earlier shows.

‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ (2023–2027)

‘Daryl Dixon’ centers on fan favorite survivor Daryl Dixon after he washes ashore in France without knowing how he arrived there. David Zabel serves as showrunner for the series as Daryl journeys across a broken European continent to find a way back home. Along his trek, Daryl agrees to protect a young boy who local religious groups believe holds the key to humanity’s salvation. The show debuted in September 2023 and features international locations alongside unique variant walker threats. Carol Peletier joins the story in later seasons as she searches across the globe for her missing companion.

‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (2024)

‘The Ones Who Live’ reunited core characters Rick Grimes and Michonne after years of separation in the post apocalyptic world. Scott M Gimple served as showrunner alongside stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira who co created the limited series. The six episode narrative resolves long standing questions regarding Rick’s abduction by the Civic Republic Military. The broadcast ran from February 2024 to March 2024 to complete the romantic and survival storyline of the central characters. The limited series delivers a definitive conclusion to one of the most prominent storylines across the entire franchise.

Share your favorite series and character moments from across the franchise in the comments.