There are four main Walking Dead television shows: The Walking Dead (2010–2022), Fear the Walking Dead (2015–present), The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023), and The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023). This overview counts only full-episode series intended as distinct shows; specials, compilation episodes, and unaired pilots are not included. The franchise adds the limited series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Walking Dead: Dead City, each set outside the original Georgia setting. This guide explains what qualifies as a show, lists titles with years and seasons, and notes current and announced status based on official announcements.
What Counts as a Walking Dead TV Show
For this count, a show must meet these criteria: commissioned episodes under one title, intended for linear or streaming series distribution, with its own title card and ongoing creative run. Specials, recap episodes, and behind-the-scenes features are excluded. Short-form or digital exclusives are also not counted as separate shows unless they expand into a full-season order. Using this standard, the Walking Dead franchise includes four distinct series.
The Core Criteria
- Commissioned series with multi-episode orders
- Unique title and showrunner leadership
- Original broadcast or premiere on a network or streaming service
- Distinct setting or protagonist framing
Main Series: The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead
The Walking Dead launched in 2010 and concluded in 2022 after 11 seasons. Fear the Walking Dead began in 2015 and continues beyond its initial AMC run, moving to Netflix for later seasons. Both meet the criteria for full-length series with ongoing story arcs, distinct casts, and production season structures.
The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
Centered on Rick Grimes and his group in Georgia, this show established the modern zombie drama template. It aired on AMC and later produced episodes on AMC+, with a planned series finale in 2022. The series inspired multiple spin-off concepts and remains the narrative anchor of the universe.
Fear the Walking Dead (2015–present)
Starting in Los Angeles and expanding across the Americas, this prequel/spin-off explores the outbreak’s early days and wider impact. Seasons 1–8 aired on AMC; subsequent seasons shifted to Netflix under a renewed partnership. The show maintains its own continuity while intersecting with the main continuity in planned crossover moments.
Limited Series Spin-Offs: Daryl Dixon and Dead City
Two limited series expand the world without launching ongoing shows. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023) follows the character in France, while The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023) centers on New York. Both carry the ‘The Walking Dead’ branding but are structured as event-style series with defined episode counts and endings.
Daryl Dixon (2023)
- 6 episodes; France setting
- Focus on Daryl Dixon’s survival journey
- Part of the core Walking Dead continuity
Dead City (2023)
- 6 episodes; New York setting
- Crossover potential with main continuity teased
- Connected to the post-war timeline of the main show
Excluded Content and Common Miscounts
Several titles are often miscounted. Specials such as ‘The Walking Dead: The Storm’ or behind-the-scenes programs like ‘Talking Dead’ are not series. Unsold pilots and unaired concepts are not included here unless they received a full series order. This keeps the count focused on broadcast-quality series intended as distinct entertainment products.
Status and Future Series
As of the latest public announcements, there are no new ongoing series beyond the four listed above. AMC and Netflix have signaled focus on limited events and specials rather than new open-ended shows. The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead remain the primary long-running series; Daryl Dixon and Dead City are treated as prestige limited entries. Projects in development are subject to renewal and will be updated when official confirmations are released.
Quick Reference Table
| Title | Years | Seasons | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Walking Dead | 2010–2022 | 11 | Ended | Core series, original show |
| Fear the Walking Dead | 2015–present | 8+ | Aired, future seasons pending | Spin-off, ongoing |
| The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon | 2023 | 1 | Ended | Limited series, France |
| The Walking Dead: Dead City | 2023 | 1 | Ended | Limited series, New York |
How to Interpret Franchise Announcements
When news breaks about new Walking Dead projects, check whether the announcement specifies a limited run versus an ongoing series, and whether it receives a season order or a miniseries pickup. Crossovers, shared universes, and rebranding can create confusion. This guide sticks to verified series with confirmed episode orders, excluding developmental projects and unaired pilots from the count.
Summary
As of now, there are four Walking Dead shows: The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and The Walking Dead: Dead City. Limited series and specials are clearly separated from full series to avoid overcounting. The count reflects officially commissioned shows with aired episodes, providing a stable reference as the franchise evolves.