The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is AMC’s post-apocalyptic drama about survivors trying to build communities after the rise of the undead. Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, begins the story as a police officer confronting a world that has changed beyond recognition.

Start with the original series

For a first watch, begin with season 1 of The Walking Dead and continue in release order. The original series has 11 seasons. Long-running relationships and changes of leadership drive the story alongside the threat from walkers; watching later seasons first can reveal major character outcomes.

The Walking Dead spin-offs

Fear the Walking Dead follows a different group of survivors. Daryl Dixon centres on Daryl and Carol, Dead City follows Maggie and Negan, and The Ones Who Live continues Rick and Michonne’s story. World Beyond and the anthology Tales of the Walking Dead also expand the universe. These have separate listings: a spin-off episode is not a missing season of the original programme.

Characters and content

The ensemble and locations change across the series, so the first-season cast is not a guide to every later episode. Expect graphic zombie violence, death and sustained distress. The programme is aimed at adults.

Read the Rick Grimes character guide for more background, with care around potential story spoilers.

Where to watch The Walking Dead

Use the official The Walking Dead programme page to check episodes and viewing options in your region. Subscription access, television-provider authentication and purchasing a season are different offers. Confirm the country, season and episode before paying.

This is a programme guide; full episodes are not hosted here. For background, see the broadcaster’s series information. Explore more TV series guides or browse horror movies.