The Complete List of The Walking Dead Seasons
Since its debut in 2010, The Walking Dead has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and intense survival scenarios. Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, the show has become a cultural phenomenon.
Introduction
The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic horror television series that has gained a massive following worldwide. At its peak during Season 5, The Walking Dead attracted over 17 million viewers per episode, making it the most-watched series in cable television history for adults 18-49.
Season Breakdown
Season 1 (2010)
The inaugural season introduces Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln) waking from a coma to find the world overrun by zombies, referred to as "walkers."
- Episodes: 6
- Premiere Date: October 31, 2010
- Notable Episodes: "Days Gone Bye," "TS-19"
Season 2 (2011-2012)
Set primarily at Hershel's farm, this season brings new characters and deeper emotional conflicts. The search for Sophia and Shane's descent into antagonism were central plotlines.
- Episodes: 13
- Premiere Date: October 16, 2011
- Notable Episodes: "What Lies Ahead," "Pretty Much Dead Already"
Season 3 (2012-2013)
The prison arc began here, introducing the iconic villain The Governor and fan-favorite character Michonne.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 14, 2012
- Notable Episodes: "Seed," "Made to Suffer"
Season 4 (2013-2014)
The fall of the prison and the group's separation dominated these episodes. The group faces a deadly flu outbreak and culminates with their arrival at Terminus.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 13, 2013
- Notable Episodes: "30 Days Without an Accident," "Too Far Gone"
Season 5 (2014-2015)
After escaping Terminus, the group continues their journey to Washington, D.C., eventually finding their way to Alexandria.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 12, 2014
- Notable Episodes: "No Sanctuary," "Coda"
Season 6 (2015-2016)
This season explores community building in Alexandria and ends with the infamous cliffhanger introducing Negan and his barbed-wire bat, Lucille.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 11, 2015
- Notable Episodes: "First Time Again," "Last Day on Earth"
Season 7 (2016-2017)
The brutal reign of Negan and the Saviors challenges the group's resolve, leading to a war against the Saviors.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 23, 2016
- Notable Episodes: "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be," "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life"
Season 8 (2017-2018)
"All Out War" against Negan and the Saviors dominated these episodes, focusing on the cost of war and maintaining humanity.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 22, 2017
- Notable Episodes: "Mercy," "Wrath"
Season 9 (2018-2019)
A significant time jump and Rick Grimes' departure marked major changes, with the Whisperers emerging as new threats.
- Episodes: 16
- Premiere Date: October 7, 2018
- Notable Episodes: "A New Beginning," "The Calm Before"
Season 10 (2019-2021)
The Whisperer War concluded, with bonus episodes added due to COVID-19 production changes.
- Episodes: 22
- Premiere Date: October 6, 2019
- Notable Episodes: "Lines We Cross," "A Certain Doom"
Season 11 (2021-2022)
The final season was split into three parts, totaling 24 episodes, and introduced the Commonwealth storyline.
- Episodes: 24
- Premiere Date: August 22, 2021
- Notable Episodes: "Acheron: Part I," "Rest in Peace"
Legacy and Spin-offs
The Walking Dead has spawned several spin-off series including:
- Fear the Walking Dead
- The Walking Dead: World Beyond
- Tales of the Walking Dead
- Dead City
- Daryl Dixon
For more information on the series, you can visit the official AMC website or explore the Walking Dead Wiki for detailed episode guides and character bios.