Summary
- Despite the main series ending, The Walking Dead franchise continues with new shows.
- The reduced 2024 output hints at AMC potentially winding down The Walking Dead.
- Shorter, higher-quality spinoffs could be the future direction for keeping the franchise alive.
Since its debut in 2010, The Walking Dead has continued to grow and evolve, becoming one of the biggest televised franchises of all time, but 2024 risks ending a 13-year release streak. When The Walking Dead first premiered on AMC, very few people would have anticipated it becoming one of the most popular shows on TV, but the franchise has gone on to create an incredible legacy. The series may not be as relevant as it was during its peak, but even after The Walking Dead season 11's finale, the franchise has continued through various spinoff shows.
This highlights that the main show coming to an end didn't stop the zombie universe from telling new stories and giving its central characters fresh enemies to overcome. While this has led to The Walking Dead facing some criticism about not knowing when to end, the franchise still boasts a healthy audience and produces new content year after year; however, 2024 looks set to end one release streak. The Walking Dead has been incredibly consistent throughout its tenure when it comes to producing content, but a 13-year run is in jeopardy judging by this year's release schedule.
As It Stands, The Walking Dead Will Only Release 12 Episodes In 2024
The Ones Who Live & Daryl Dixon Season 2 Are The Only Walking Dead Shows Releasing In 2024
After The Walking Dead season 1's strong reception, the franchise has continued to produce plenty of content ever since, but 2024 looks like the first time it will release less than 12 episodes since 2011. Season 1 debuted in 2010 and consisted of six episodes, which was the only content the series produced that year. Season 2 was split into two parts, with seven episodes being released in 2011, and six in 2012. However, the first half of season 3 also premiered in 2012, meaning the franchise produced 14 episodes that year, and the show has improved its output ever since.
The Walking Dead , Fear The Walking Dead , and The Walking Dead: World Beyond have all officially ended.
With the addition of numerous spinoffs, The Walking Dead's timeline may have gotten complicated, but it has led to over 12 episodes being released every year since 2012. Even with COVID causing some disruptions, the franchise still managed to produce plenty of content in 2020 and 2021, proving how strong its release schedule has been over the years. Despite this, The Ones Who Live and Daryl Dixon season 2 are the only Walking Dead shows scheduled for 2024 which will both only have 6 episodes each, meaning as things stand, 2024 looks set to end the franchise's excellent streak.
Could Another Walking Dead Show Air In 2024?
The Walking Dead Could Still Have Another Show Release In Late 2024
Although The Walking Dead only has two shows scheduled for 2024, it's still possible another series airs this year. Considering the franchise has a limited number of ongoing shows, there is only one real contender for a 2024 Walking Dead release. With Dead City season 2's story officially returning in 2025, Tales of the Walking Dead is the only show the franchise could still release in 2024. Tales of the Walking Dead's first season debuted in 2022, and while it hasn't been greenlit for an official season 2, Scott Gimple has confirmed More Tales from TWDU is in development.
While it's unclear how this new series will be different from Tales of the Walking Dead, the premise sounds similar and could still come in 2024. With the show likely consisting of a bunch of mini-stories, filming could be discretely happening in multiple different locations, indicating the series still has a chance of landing this year. Unfortunately, details on the project are still limited despite its announcement last year, suggesting it is more likely to happen in 2025 or beyond than in 2024. As a result, The Walking Dead's 13-year release streak still looks to be in serious danger.
AMC May Finally Be Winding Down The Walking Dead
2025 Also Looks Set To Have Less Walking Dead Content Than Previous Years
The reduced amount of content in 2024 suggests that AMC may finally be winding down on The Walking Dead. Considering the franchise has been going since 2010, it has served AMC incredibly well, but the network may be deciding now is the time to cut down on Walking Dead content. Next year's release slate is currently even smaller than 2024's as Dead City is the only confirmed show within The Walking Dead universe currently scheduled for 2025. Daryl Dixon season 3 seems likely for 2025 as well, but that would still only be 12 episodes as things stand.
Focusing on shorter yet higher-quality spinoffs could be a good direction for the series as it would keep The Walking Dead alive and avoid overproducing new content.
More Tales from TWDU could also happen, but it seems likely that AMC is intentionally reducing the number of shows in development. This isn't necessarily a bad sign for the franchise, as The Ones Who Live received The Walking Dead's best reviews in years, while Daryl Dixon season 2 also has plenty of potential. Focusing on shorter yet higher-quality spinoffs could be a good direction for the series as it would keep The Walking Dead alive and avoid overproducing new content. This would also keep each project interesting rather than fatiguing the audience with long, drawn-out seasons.
