For over a decade, fans have been immersed in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, following the survivors as they battled both the undead and the living. With the conclusion of Season 11 on November 20, 2022, many viewers are left wondering: will there be a season 12 of The Walking Dead? Let’s dive into the details and explore what the future holds for this beloved franchise.

The End of an Era

After 11 seasons and 177 episodes, The Walking Dead main series has come to a close. The final season, consisting of an unprecedented 24 episodes, wrapped up many storylines and set the stage for future adventures. However, for those hoping to see The Walking Dead Season 12, the news might be disappointing.

AMC’s Surprise Decision

In September 2020, AMC made the unexpected announcement that the 11th season would be the show’s last. This decision caught many off guard, including the cast and crew. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who portrays Negan, revealed in an interview that the news came as a complete surprise to everyone involved in the production, including showrunner Angela Kang and chief content officer Scott Gimple.

Initially, there were discussions about the possibility of the show running for 12 seasons. In 2016, creator Robert Kirkman hinted at this potential, and producer David Alpert mentioned in 2014 that they had ideas mapped out for seasons 10, 11, and 12. However, plans changed, and the decision to conclude with Season 11 was made.

Factors Behind the Decision

Several factors contributed to the decision to end The Walking Dead with its 11th season. These included:

Declining Ratings. While the show once boasted viewership numbers as high as 17 million, later seasons saw a significant drop, with Season 10 drawing in only 3 to 4 million live viewers.

Production Costs. The large ensemble cast and extensive special effects made The Walking Dead an expensive show to produce.

Comic Book Conclusion. The unexpected ending of the comic book series in July 2019 may have influenced the decision to wrap up the TV adaptation.

Franchise Evolution. AMC saw an opportunity to expand The Walking Dead universe through various spin-off series.

The Future of The Walking Dead Season 12 

While The Walking Dead Season 12 isn’t in the cards, fans of the zombie apocalypse need not despair. The franchise is far from over, with several spin-off series keeping the universe alive and expanding.

The Walking Dead: Dead City

One of the most anticipated spin-offs is The Walking Dead: Dead City, which premiered on June 18, 2023. This series follows fan-favorites Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) as they navigate a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. Set 12 years after the main series finale, Dead City promises to deliver new thrills and challenges for these complex characters.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Norman Reedus‘ character, Daryl Dixon, is getting his own spin-off series, aptly titled The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Premiering on September 10, 2023, this show takes Daryl to France, where he’ll encounter a new breed of faster and smarter zombies. Originally, Melissa McBride was set to join Reedus, but she had to withdraw due to logistical issues related to filming in Europe.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

Perhaps the most exciting news for long-time fans is the upcoming series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira as Rick Grimes and Michonne. This six-episode series, set to premiere on February 25, 2024, replaces the previously announced movie trilogy and is described as an epic love story that will reunite these beloved characters.

Other Spin-offs and Anthologies

The Walking Dead universe has already expanded with shows like Fear The Walking Dead (2015-2023) and The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020-2021). Additionally, the anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead explored various characters and storylines within the universe. A new short-form series, More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe, is also in development.

The Legacy of The Walking Dead

While fans may mourn the absence of The Walking Dead Season 12, it’s clear that the impact of the show will continue to resonate. The final episode, titled Rest in Peace, not only wrapped up major storylines but also set the stage for these exciting new chapters in the Walking Dead universe.

The decision to end the main series has allowed the franchise to evolve, ensuring that the world of The Walking Dead will continue to thrive in new and exciting ways. As Scott Gimple stated, “This will be a grand finale that will lead to new premieres. Evolution is upon us. The Walking Dead lives.”