The Walking Dead

When sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes wakes from a coma, the world he knew has collapsed under an outbreak that turns people into ravenous, walking corpses. Alone at first, Rick sets out to locate his wife and son and soon links up with other survivors who offer uneasy safety and new obligations. As supply lines break down and trust frays, the group builds makeshift communities, negotiates leadership and security, and grapples with how much humanity to keep when laws no longer apply. The series follows the day to day struggle to stay alive, care for loved ones, and decide what kind of society to try to rebuild. Relationships shift as survivors weigh revenge, mercy, and the cost of safety.

Premiering in 2010, the series was created for television by Frank Darabont and adapted from the comic series with art by Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard, launching a long-running franchise. It premiered on AMC.

Audiences rated the show highly, the series holds an 8.088/10 average from thousands of votes, and critics praised its early seasons for tense character work. Major themes include leadership under pressure, community vs survival, and moral compromise. Standout performances were frequently highlighted, and the show provoked debate about on-screen violence.

The Walking Dead became a cultural touchstone, popularizing the modern zombie TV landscape, producing instantly recognizable characters like Daryl and Negan, and generating fan conventions, merchandise, video games, and a wave of related genre series. Characters and imagery crossed into internet memes, merchandise, and mainstream awareness, shaping later TV horror.

Over its run the series collected numerous awards and nominations, notably receiving recognition in makeup, prosthetics, and practical effects categories, along with genre awards that acknowledged its impact on television storytelling in action and horror. It also earned recognition from genre bodies and critics for its production design and soundscapes.