When you think about The Walking Dead, what comes to mind first? For us, we can't help but think about the characters who fought tooth and nail just to survive another day, the relentless walkers, and the gut-wrenching losses. Over 11 sprawling seasons, countless faces came and went, each leaving their mark in their own way.
But among all that mayhem, there were two characters who quietly did something no one else in the hit zombie series could. It's not something that most fans noticed because they were too focused on everything that's going on in the series. But for those eagle-eyed fans paying close attention, you likely noticed this remarkable achievement.
Perhaps you’re part of the bunch who didn’t notice, and that’s okay. We’re about to break down exactly who these two characters are and the unique achievement that set them apart from everyone else in The Walking Dead.
Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier are the only Walking Dead characters to appear in all 11 seasons
It's really true! Daryl and Carol, aka two of The Walking Dead's most iconic characters, are the only ones to appear in all 11 seasons. Think about what that really means for a second. While they might not have been there from the very first episode, they would make their first appearance in the third episode of the first season and remain a constant presence through every single installment.
Some might think other fan-favorite characters like Rick, Michonne, or Maggie could claim a similar distinction, but the truth is, none of them stayed for the entire ride or were there from the very beginning. Rick might have been in the first season, but he dipped at the beginning of season 9. Michonne wasn't introduced until season 3, and Maggie in season 2.
But Daryl and Carol? They stuck it out through everything. Every shocking death and every walker attack, they were there. Season after season, they grew, evolved, and transformed in ways that felt real and earned. They faced heartbreak that could have broken anyone else and confronted horrors that pushed them to their limits. And yet, they kept moving forward.
That's why it comes as no surprise that AMC gave them their own spinoff series. The spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, follows Daryl after the events of the main series, taking him on a journey far beyond the familiar landscapes of the United States. Carol would make her first appearance in the second season, reuniting with Daryl as the two navigate a world that’s even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.
With Daryl Dixon set to return with its fourth and final season this year, we're keeping our fingers crossed that this won't be the last time we see these two beloved characters. There have been rumors swirling around about a Walking Dead crossover spinoff series that could potentially bring together fan-favorite characters from across the franchise. Perhaps if this crossover comes to life, we could see Daryl and Carol reunited with other familiar faces. But for now, fans are left to focus on their current adventures in Daryl Dixon.