What started with The Walking Dead has quickly flourished into a successful franchise with a growing list of shows within it including Fear the Walking Dead and World Beyond. That’s a whole lot of zombies packed into 10 years of the AMC franchise! In that time, a lot has happened. Countless survivors have come and gone, groups have been disbanded, and partnerships have broken.
One of the most important zombie apocalypse rules is pretty simple: don’t do it alone. Therefore, throughout the franchise, we’ve seen so many examples of how survivors come together and partner up to increase their chances of living. It’s always good to know someone who has your back. In doing so, many events can occur. Sometimes things get romantic. Other times we see great friendships being formed. And occasionally, duos can cause mayhem across the land.
Everyone loves a good duo. The Walking Dead Universe has plenty to offer in that space, so let’s take a look at 25 of the finest from throughout the franchise!
Here’s your errant spoiler warning. This post contains spoilers from The Walking Dead season 1-10, Fear The Walking Dead season 1-6, and The Walking Dead: World Beyond!
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 25. Morgan & Eastman
This is easily one of the stranger duos to feature on this list. I’m sure there are a lot of you who cannot remember Eastman. Indeed, he only featured in the show for one episode, but he had an enormous effect on Morgan (Lennie James) in that short time. In fact, his legacy has followed Morgan for several seasons and has continued to do so since he crossed over to Fear the Walking Dead.
Now for a bit of background. Eastman (John Carroll Lynch) was introduced in season 6, Episode 4 “Here’s Not Here.” Indeed, things get off to a rocky start. He locks Morgan in a cell. But after a while, Morgan begins to learn more about Eastman and his unique philosophy. Morgan reads a book titled “The Art of Peace,” which provides him with a wider outlook on life. He becomes familiar with unique skills and techniques, learning how to do things differently.
Eastman teaches him all about Aikido and pacifism. It was him who thought Morgan how to use a bō staff to take down his enemies, assuredly and controlled, without intent to kill them. All of this sticks with Morgan throughout his journey.
Sadly, Eastman was killed following a walker bite, but there’s so doubt his legacy and philosophy lives on through Morgan.
This was a duo that didn’t last very long. Only one episode to be exact. Despite the lack of screen time for Eastman, this was a classic Walking Dead episode. Morgan would not be the same character he is today without his run-in with Eastman.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 24. Sarah and Wendell
Sarah (Mo Collins) and her adoptive brother Wendell (Daryl Mitchell) have been an immensely entertaining and endearing duo since they were introduced into spinoff Fear the Walking Dead in season 4 episode “The Code.”
Believe it or not, the duo actually entered the show as antagonists following an encounter with Morgan and a fight for supplies. However, once Morgan can convince them into practicing kindness, they soon change their selfish ways. Now, they are still going strong in our group, as witty as ever. Sarah and Wendell are just about the most entertaining characters in the entire show.
Their relationship is very sibling-esque. Of course, they share some great banter. For example, one thing they like to do is count how many walkers each has killed, treating it like a competition of sorts. And who doesn’t love Sarah’s cute nickname, “Mo-Mo,” for Morgan?
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 23. Alpha & Beta
Now we shift from two of the most likable characters to two of the most despicable. Alpha (Samantha Morton) and Beta (Ryan Hurst) have terrified viewers with their brutality. I mean, the moment when they put our survivors’ heads on spikes to create a border is a horrific moment we’d all like to forget!
Alpha was the leader of the walker-mask wearing Whisperers, while Beta acted as her super-tough henchman (who was also a famous musician pre-apocalypse). Together, they were a force to be reckoned with.
Between seasons 9 and 10 the Whisperers caused carnage in the communities, guiding their walkers into carnage, leaving nothing but death and destruction in their wake. Beta easily demolished Alexandra with a horde of walkers. The only way to stop Alpha was by Carol enlisting the assistance of Negan to kill her. And for Beta, well, Daryl came out on top during the final battle in “A Certain Doom.”
These two will certainly be remembered for the damage they caused. And in the seasons they were involved, the show’s ratings soar once again.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 22. Gabriel & Aaron
We never really saw much of Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) and Aaron (Ross Marquand) as a duo in the show, until the season 10 episode “One More” pitted them together. This episode came as one of the six character-focused additional season 10 episodes. Alongside “Here’s Negan,” it was probably the finest of those six.
The episode saw the duo out on a supply hunt, scavenging various places. In their journey, we get a glimpse at how well they work together. Their friendship really shines above all else. The chemistry is there: we witness plenty of laughs. Aaron giggling at Gabriel being scared of a wild boar is hilarious! However, when they stumble upon the wrong building, they are ultimately greeted by Mays (Robert Patrick), and things quickly take a turn for the worse.
Mays forces them both to participate in a brutal game of Russian Roulette. It’s in this moment that we learn just how much of a bond Gabriel and Aaron have. They are both prepared to kill themselves to save the other. Amid the myriad brutality presented by this post-apocalyptic world, to see how much their friendship means is truly special. Thankfully, the pair manages to survive.
Before “One More,” the duo wouldn’t have made this list. But after watching that wonderful episode, how can they not be included?
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 21. Ezekiel & Shiva
The greatest duos in The Walking Dead don’t have to be restricted to human partnerships, and this entry certainly proves that. For fans who weren’t readers of the graphic novels, being introduced to a guy who declared himself King was weird enough. But when he strutted around the Kingdom with a literal tiger for a companion, well, that was just plain bizarre.
Ezekiel (Khary Payton) and Shiva’s introduction in season 7 was also the first time we entered the Kingdom, an advanced community. We weren’t sure what to make of Ezekiel for a while. Was he friend or foe? Over time, he’s become was of the most beloved characters on the show.
The King saved her after finding the tiger badly injured in her zoo enclosure. Since then, the two proven to be inseparable. Shiva protects Ezekiel defiantly. And Ezekiel cares for the big cat just like any other pet. Sadly, the show killed off Shiva way too soon in “Some Guy.” But her death was not in vain, she sacrificed herself to save Ezekiel.
The outrage caused on social media after Shiva’s death goes to show just how loved they were as a duo.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 20. Carol & Negan
I know what you’re thinking: this is silly. I mean, they’re enemies, right?
Both Carol (Melissa McBride) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) have indeed been at each other’s throats for some time, but when the moment was needed for them to group up to take down a common enemy in Alpha, things couldn’t have gone any better.
In season 10, Carol saw no other choice to take down the Whisperers than to enlist the services of Negan. To do this, she frees him from prison and asks him to bring her Alpha’s head. He does just that.
The duo team up together just like chalk and cheese. They might not like each other, but if a job needs to be done and quickly, there’s nobody else quite as straightforward as these two.
There’s maybe a little bit of civility there two. I mean, when Maggie returns to Alexandria in “Home Sweet Home,” Carol takes upon herself to escort Negan to his own cabin where he can live in peace. Ultimately, Negan ends up returning to the community, but at least Carol was looking out for him!
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 19. Abraham & Eugene
If there are any two characters in The Walking Dead that go together like chalk and cheese, it simply has to be Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) and Eugene (Josh McDermitt). Rather interestingly, the strange thing with these two is that you wouldn’t necessarily call them friends. Not at first, anyway. Instead, the partnership forms from a bit of foolery from Eugene to acquire Abraham’s assistance to fulfill an enormous goal. That goal being Eugene’s claim that he knows the cure to the zombie apocalypse.
Of course, we know now that Eugene was completely lying. And for that, he certainly got his comeuppance when Abraham punched him in the face. Still, the two spent so long together working towards their common interest, gathering a group along the way. Some characters in this group are still going strong, such as Rosita (Christian Serratos).
Their partnership, while sometimes rocky and occasionally friendly, was always a joy to watch. Even from their very first meeting, it’s so fun to watch their contrasting personalities collide:
Unfortunately, it’s widely remembered how heartbreaking Abraham’s untimely demise was — beaten to death by Negan using his infamous baseball bat, Lucille. On the other hand, Eugene is now a central figure in the show as we continue into the eleventh and final season. It would’ve been so nice to see them get more screen time together, but that just goes to show the brutality of the zombie-infested world.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 18. Daryl & Connie
Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Connie (Lauren Ridloff) was a surprising partnership that came to fruition in season nine. We first saw them hit it off when they were out together searching for Henry. Their dynamic has been super entertaining (and really funny at times) to watch. For instance, remember when Daryl calmed her by retelling a funny story about his brother?
There are so many amazing moments that the duo has shared. It’s especially lovely to see just how far Daryl is willing to go to establish a deeper bond between them. I mean, he’s been learning ASL (American Sign Language) to know her better. And watching him trying to learn and communicate with her in that way is wonderful.
This duo is clearly a good one. Even Norman Reedus is enjoying working alongside Ridloff to see how their characters interact.
"“I think he definitely has started viewing her as an equal,” Reedus told Entertainment Weekly. “I mean, she can take care of herself. She’s definitely smart. There’s been moments where Daryl’s going, ‘I’m going left,’ and she says, ‘I’m coming with you.’ And he goes, ‘No, you’re not,’ but she’s like, ‘Try to stop me.’ I think he admires that about her. She can hold her own and I think Daryl learning sign language is a cool thing so he can communicate with her and they can be allies.”"
Sadly, Daryl and Connie were split up in the season 10 episode “Squeeze,” and have not reunited since. This is something that Daryl is clearly irked about since it’s entirely possible she could have lost her life in the explosion in the cave. However, she has since been revealed to be alive. I’m sure everyone can’t wait to see them back together again.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 17. Carl & Judith
The relationship between siblings Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Judith Grimes is both special and utterly heartbreaking. Unfortunately, they never got to spend much time together because Carl was controversially killed off in season 8 episode “Honor.” Still, the time they shared will always be remembered by fans, and it is now through Judith that Carl’s legacy lives on.
Carl was present at the birth of his little sister. After she was born, he even suggested a few potential names. He was always protective and cared for her. Now, even seasons after Carl’s death, it’s evident in Judith that a lot of her brother has rubbed off on her. She’s a total badass.
Carl’s love for Judith cannot be seen more than in his death scene. He asks to say goodbye to his sister. He sobs, passing on the trademark hat to her. It’s almost impossible not to tear up watching this:
This duo has been through so much together; everything from traumatic to heartwarming. For many fans, it’s annoying that we couldn’t have seen so much more of them. Regardless of that, what we got was a special brother-sister companionship spanning several seasons.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 16. Rick & Shane
Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Shane (Jon Bernthal) were best friends and an inseparable duo pre-apocalypse, there’s no doubting that. Both being cops in the same town, they knew each other well and had each other’s backs come hell or high water.
Well, it turns out that the zombie apocalypse put a few too many hurdles in the way for their partnership to truly endure and flourish. The problems occur when Rick learns that Shane had been sleeping with his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). Then, when Lori ends up pregnant, there’s some debate over who exactly the father is. Since that moment, tensions began to run high between the duo.
Ultimately, things end in a bad way between them: former friends become enemies. Rick ends up killing Shane and then taking him out again after he turns into a walker.
The chemistry between Andrew Lincoln and Jon Bernthal was terrific, which is perhaps why fans remember this duo so well. They even brought Shane back for a cameo in Rick’s final episode “What Comes After.”
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 15. Daryl & Beth
Upon separating from the group together after the prison was destroyed, this unlikely duo built a strong bond. I don’t think anyone would’ve thought both Daryl and Beth (Emily Kinney) would team up so well, but they sure did!
One of their most memorable episodes together was “Still,” which pitted them on the road together and explored their minds. It’s a fantastic episode because it takes a break from battles and focuses on two contrasting characters.
They find themselves in an abandoned country club. Fueled by emotion following the Governor’s attack on the prison, Daryl goes on a tantrum, telling Beth about his difficult life, even forcing her to use his crossbow to kill walkers. However, as the episode goes on, they begin to open up to each other. It’s clear that Beth is very good at making Daryl open up. By the end of the episode, they burn down the house, and it’s the first time we really see how well they work together as a duo.
Sadly, their awesome partnership came to an end in season 5 when Beth is shot dead — and Daryl carries her dead body. Fans are still heartbroken with this today.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 14. Daryl & Dog
The introduction of Dog (yes, that’s his actual name) in season 9 was perhaps one of the finest creative decisions in the entire franchise. Now, it’s hard to remember Daryl without his furry friend by his side.
Daryl spends a lot of time on his own, so having Dog by his side provides some much-needed companionship. And it’s not just seeing the two of them together that makes them so interesting as a duo since there’s actually an interesting backstory.
In season 10 episode “Find Me,” we learn that Dog’s original owner was Leah (Lynn Collins). After Daryl spends time with Leah, he begins to fall for her — until she gives him the ultimatum of choosing between her and his group. After spending some time to form a decision, Daryl returns to her to find she has disappeared, although Dog is still hanging around. From then on, the two form a pretty strong bond.
Dog has become quite a fan favorite. I mean, the evidence is all over the web. For instance, some fans started a petition to protect Dog. Of course, the show has a reputation of killing off beloved characters, so the canine is far from safe. So far, that petition sits in a whopping 70,000+ signatures. Yikes!
There’s no doubt viewers can’t wait to see more of Daryl and Dog in season 11, and perhaps also in the upcoming Daryl-Carol spinoff!
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 13. Jerry & Ezekiel
Ezekiel’s partnership with Jerry (Cooper Andrews) has changed significantly since they entered the show in season 7 episode, “The Well.”
At first, Jerry was pretty much King Ezekiel’s servant/bodyguard. But the struggles of the apocalypse have a strange way of bringing people closer together, and they quickly established a wonderful, lifelong friendship.
This duo is almost always seen together. However, in season 10, Ezekiel decided to travel with Eugene and Yumiko to meet the Commonwealth. Their goodbye shows just how much of a bond they truly have while also demonstrating how far they’ve come. Jerry had always called Ezekiel “boss” or “King,” but in their farewell, he simply uses “Ezekiel.” And that hug is tear-inducing!
It remains unlikely whether the two will reunite. Of course, Ezekiel is suffering from cancer as well as being a fair distance away from Jerry. For the moment, let’s be thankful for the time they’ve shared.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 12. Daryl & Merle
Believe it or not, Norman Reedus actually auditioned for the role of Merle (Michael Rooker). At the time, Daryl was non-existent in the show, since he was absent from Robert Kirkman’s comic book.
After casting Michael Rooker as Merle, the producers couldn’t leave out Reedus given his impressive audition. Subsequently, they created Merle’s brother Daryl. The rest, as they say, is history.
As we know, Daryl and Merle weren’t always civil during their time on the show. There was definitely an element of sibling rivalry.
However, their brotherly love shines through more often than not, like the sheer anger when Daryl learns that Merle was left stranded on a rooftop in season one. Or Daryl’s outpouring of emotion when he finds his brother has turned into a walker.
The chemistry between them was so fun. If one thing is for sure, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of these two fearsome brothers!
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 11. Negan & Lucille
We only saw Negan and Lucille (the actual person, not the baseball bat) in one episode during the 6 additional installments added to season 10. However, that episode “Here’s Negan” is one of the highest-rated of all time, for good reason.
Lucille is played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s real-life wife Hilarie Burton, so the chemistry is definitely there. The episode is not only an origin story, it’s a heartbreaking tragedy. It brings meaning to Negan’s past, providing much-needed explanations to questions. Where the infamous baseball bat got its name from? How did he acquire the signature bat and leather jacket?
Above all, the beating heart of the episode was the loving relationship between duo Negan and Lucille. The moments they share together are precious. Their bond is immense. And yet Lucille is fighting an ongoing battle against cancer, which means Negan has a determination to foray out into the newly post-apocalyptic landscape in search of elusive chemo drugs.
In a devastating final act, Lucille chooses to commit suicide, and Negan is utterly distraught. “Here’s Negan” was a wonderful insight into Negan in his earlier days, which displayed one of the most interesting relationships in the show’s history.
The only complaint most fans had about this episode was that it only lasted for an hour. It could have been made into a mini-series.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 10. Hope & Iris
The third spinoff in the franchise, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, is very much a coming-of-age show in which a group of kids embarks on a perilous adventure out into the zombie-infested lands for the first time. They face countless threats: from the undead, violent gangs, and even within their own group.
Indeed, this adventure would never have happened if it weren’t for the determination of and Hope (Alexa Mansour) and her adoptive sister Iris (Aliyah Royale) to find their father. So far, it has been a joy to watch these sisters work together, along with their group, to achieve a common goal.
Sure, neither of them possesses fantastic walker-killing skills, at least not up to the high standard we’re accustomed to in The Walking Dead. Although they’re proving to be quick learners. And if things ever go wrong, they are quick to help each other out.
I can’t wait to see their relationship continue to grow and develop in season two, which arrives on AMC later this year! Recently, the duo even received Gracie Awards for their stellar performances in the spinoff series.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 9. June & John
Simply put, June (Jenna Elfman) and John (Garret Dillahunt) had a beautiful, romantic relationship in Fear The Walking Dead. When they first meet, June has trust issues, therefore uses the alias Laura, before trusting John enough to call her by her real name, June.
Upon their first meeting, things are tough. John is urgently needed to treat June after she is badly injured, washing up on the shore. He cares for her until she’s back up and walking again. Funnily enough, it’s actually June who later becomes the chief nurse in our group.
Over time, their relationship becomes romantic, and John even proposes and they get married in a beautiful wedding ceremony at Humbug’s Gulch. It’s not often in the undead world things like this happen.
Ultimately, this season gave fans a shocker with the unexpected demise of John. I suppose that’s the unforgiving ways of the apocalypse. Soon after his death, June ran into John’s father, to which she’s now slowly forming a bond. They were both present at that heartbreaking funeral. Fans will never forget this duo. In fact, it’s still hard to believe he’s gone!
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 8. Morgan & Grace
Fear The Walking Dead has seen many wonderful relationships over the years, although none have held more emotion than Morgan and Grace (Karen David). Both of them have been through so much trauma in their lives. Indeed, Morgan lost his wife in season one of The Walking Dead and then his son Duane. For him, Grace is a light in the darkness, she gives him hope.
There are so many moments they share when things in the walker-infested world seem hopeful, away from the grim reality. For instance, the short time they spent on the carousel.
But don’t be fooled, because there are certainly dark moments. This season’s “In Dreams,” while a breathtakingly spectacular episode, was also devastating. While in labor, Grace dreams of her daughter Athena, a strong and intelligent daughter to be proud of. All of this transpires as Morgan fights off Riley (Nick Stahl). Ultimately, Grace suffers a miscarriage.
Throughout everything, Morgan is there to comfort her after the horrific loss. These two have a special connection, one that is rare in this unforgiving world ruled by the dead.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 7. Glenn & Rick
We can all remember Glenn’s (Steven Yeun) first exchange with Rick, in that tank surrounded by walkers.
“Hey, you. Dumbass, yeah you in the tank. Cozy in there?” It’s one of those classic Walking Dead moments, and it began a friendship that was at the core of the show for several seasons.
Rick and Glenn trusted each other and constantly protected each other. Sure, they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but they never saw each other on opposite ends of the battlefield. Together, they made a pretty badass duo.
Sadly, Glenn was killed by Negan in what has become perhaps the most infamous episode of the show ever. Since then, Rick lost his right-hand man. His best friend. The absence of Glenn is still felt throughout the series, although his legacy lives on in Hershel Rhee.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 6. Rick & Michonne
Neither Rick Grimes nor Michonne (Danai Gurira) had been in a romantic relationship for such a long time before they got together in the season 6 episode “The Next World.”
Them getting together meant a lot to fans because this duo had been fighting side-by-side since Michonne turned up at the prison with baby supplies. Even Gurira is delighted that this “stereotype-breaking” relationship happened. “People thought it was so huge and radical that my character and the Rick Grimes character became a couple, and I guess it was,” she said at the virtual #Unstereotype Alliance Global Member Summit (Via. ComicBook).
Nobody would want to get on the wrong side of these two. Michonne is skilled with her signature Katana, while Rick is pretty handy with his revolver. On the personal side of things, Michonne has always been there for Rick.
In many ways, she was a surrogate mother to Carl and Judith. They even have a child together, Rick Grimes Jr. However, Rick still doesn’t know he and Michonne have a child together because he disappeared before he knew she was pregnant.
Michonne left the show in season 9 after finding evidence of Rick’s whereabouts. Whether she finds him is a different story altogether, but fans are hoping to see them reunite in the upcoming “Rick Grimes” movies!
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 5. Daryl & Rick
These two faces of the franchise have been an iconic duo for longer than pretty much everyone else, from season one all the way to season nine. They have each other’s backs no matter what the situation.
I think every Walking Dead fan shed a tear when Daryl referred to Rick as his brother in “Find Me.” What they’ve been through, the enemies they’ve faced together, there is a unique bond between these two. Everything our survivors have faced, Rick and Daryl have been there side-by-side fighting for a better future.
Unfortunately, Rick’s vision for the future of Alexandria came crashing down in season nine when he was carried away, severely injured, in a CRM helicopter. However, Daryl and the rest of the group were led to believe he had died. During the enormous time jump, Daryl would spend his days searching in vain for Rick’s corpse for closure.
Regardless of how things ended up between them, these two will forever be the show’s power duo. Perhaps their story isn’t yet over and they’ll reunite sometime in the future. We can hope.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 4. Glenn and Maggie
As we know with most relationships in the Walking Dead universe: they tend to end in heartbreak. Glenn and Maggie’s time together probably has the saddest ending of the lot. It was shocking and totally unexpected, plunging the entire fandom into chaos.
The duo found love on Hershel’s farm in season two. Watching them try and keep their relationship a secret among the group was particularly fun. With these two, it was true love right until the very end. Even at times when they were separated, they always talked about each other and were hell-bent on reuniting — and they always did.
Both of them had a ruthless side, too! Working together, they made quite a fearsome duo proving themselves to be valuable assets to the group. Of course, Glenn was Rick’s right-hand man, and Maggie has gone on to be a powerful leader.
I don’t need to remind you about Glenn’s horrific death, being beaten to death by Negan. That episode was perhaps the most infamous episode of the entire franchise… and definitely up there with the most shocking in television history.
As mentioned, Glenn never got to meet his son, Hershel. Perhaps Maggie will finally get her revenge on Negan for murdering her beloved husband in season 11. It certainly looks that way.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 3. Rick & Morgan
Morgan was the first person Rick met after waking up from his coma… only to be knocked out by a shovel to the head. Clearly, things didn’t get off to the best of starts, although don’t let that fool you. Rick and Morgan have been a powerful duo from the very beginning. Mogan cared for Rick at the start, teaching him about walkers and how to kill them.
The two have had each other’s backs for so long, they’re like brothers. They know that they can trust each other. Interestingly, the story seems to always bring them together in the strangest of scenarios. For instance, remember when Morgan found Rick when he was in the midst of killing Pete?
You always know that when these two are together, things are going to go down. Plus, they’re both immensely powerful fighters. Morgan with his stick, and Rick with just about any gun he can get his hands on.
In recent seasons, the duo have gone their separate ways. Rick Grimes was taken away by a CRM helicopter. Morgan has been fighting countless threats — including Teddy (John Glover) in spinoff Fear the Walking Dead. Fans are praying for them to reunite once more in the upcoming “Rick Grimes” movies. Whether it actually happens is another question altogether.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 2. Rick & Carl
From the very beginning, Rick and Carl were the beating heart of the show. As soon as Rick woke up in the middle of the zombie apocalypse, he set out to find Carl and his wife Lori. Of course, he finds them, and the rest is history.
Over the seasons, we’ve seen Carl walk in his father’s footsteps in becoming strong and capable, with an empathetic side. He looks great rocking that sheriff hat, too!
It’s always endearing to watch a father-son relationship flourish. In between all the chaos and brutality caused by both the dead and the living, we would always be reminded of how important it is for Rick to protect Carl.
Indeed, many fans are still aggrieved at the writers for killing off Carl in season 8. I’m still irritated by that decision. However, don’t allow that to detract from how special the father-son bond was between them.
Best Walking Dead Universe Duos – 1. Carol & Daryl
Both Carol and Daryl are two of the longest-serving characters in the entire Walking Dead franchise. They’ve been through so much in that time, and in recent seasons it’s brought them closer.
Their relationship brings a lot of joy to so many fans. Of course, they’ve had their trials and tribulations, but their unique bond is something that the show continues to evolve and develop.
For their partnership, we have showrunner Angela Kang to thank. Before she started working on the show, Carol was actually the most requested character fans wanted to be killed off. Right away, she wanted to give them more screen time together:
“When I joined the staff, one of the first things we started talking about was building Daryl’s friendship with Carol,” she told TVLine. “Just for some fan history, one of the characters that we were getting the most requests to kill, like on social media and just out in the world, was Carol.”
Carol and Daryl are now loved so much that the duo is even confirmed to star together in their own — currently untitled— road-show style spinoff once the mother show draws to a close.
Indeed, some episodes involving them work better than others. For instance, the season 10 episode “Diverged” was the lowest-rated episode in the show’s history. If you can’t remember, that was the episode in which Carol spent the day attempting to make soup and catch a rat, while Daryl was trying to fix his bike.
And lastly, Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride are as good off-screen as they are on the show. Everyone loves to see them hanging out:
Who doesn’t love these two?