Undead Walking
Fansided

The Walking Dead loves rewarding their fandom

By Caitlin Richardson

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 22: (L-R) Cailey Fleming, Michael James Shaw, Angela Kang, Josh McDermitt, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Seth Gilliam, Lauren Ridloff, Ross Marquand, and Greg Nicotero pose at the AMC's "The Walking Dead" panel during 2022 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 22: (L-R) Cailey Fleming, Michael James Shaw, Angela Kang, Josh McDermitt, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Seth Gilliam, Lauren Ridloff, Ross Marquand, and Greg Nicotero pose at the AMC's "The Walking Dead" panel during 2022 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) /
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The Walking Dead Universe has really been treated to some amazing news lately. It seems that there has been announcement after announcement to keep us fans going. All of which have been made at last week’s San Diego Comic Con 2022.

It has been announced that Rick Grimes himself (Andrew Lincoln) will return, donning his cowboy boots again for a new six part series alongside partner in crime Michonne (Danai Gurira) set to air next year. But that’s not all, next year will also see the premiere of Isle of the Dead, the Daryl Dixon series, and season 8 of Fear The Walking Dead. And this year we still have the final eight episodes of the mothership show and six part anthology series, Tales of The Walking Dead.

However, in amongst all of this amazing and exciting news it was also made very prominent during the TWD panel that the fans have been pivotal to the show. Although all of the cast made this clear, one quote that really stuck out to me from the entire panel was said by Norman Reedus, where he described the series as not being “our show but OUR show,” inferring it’s not just something for the cast but all they have they like to share with the fans. We are all on this journey together, and I believe TWD has done this since the start.

The Walking Dead rewards us, the fans

Walking Dead
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 22: (L-R) Scott M. Gimple, Danai Gurira, and Andrew Lincoln speak onstage at AMC’s “The Walking Dead” panel during 2022 Comic-Con International: San Diego at San Diego Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /

It is very obvious that with the shows long running success that a lot of this is do to with the dedicated fan base behind the series. But I feel this hasn’t been one sided at all and if anything, TWD is probably more interactive with its fans then any other show. And this is another thing that makes it so great!

Connie (Lauren Ridloff) also described during the panel how she loves to interact with fans in any way she can, be it on the streets or social media she loves thanking them for their continued support. And this is something so many of the cast do to reach out to fans. It isn’t rare to see vast members such as Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Norman Reedus, Paola Lazaro and Michael J Shaw, to name a few interacting with fans on a regular basis on social media platforms and engaging with their posts.

However, again this isn’t just with the cast but also the crew. Producers such as Angela Kang and Denise Huth have reached out to fans about various topics such as fan art and heartfelt posts to acknowledge them and this is one thing TWD has always done, it’s made fans feel seen. The fact they take the time to do this, I feel, is super special.

Talking Dead
– Talking Dead _ Season 6, Episode 16 – Photo Credit: Jordin Althaus/AMC /

Talking Dead has also served as an incredible way for fans to engage and interact with other fans, cast and crew over the last twelve years, giving them an immersive platform into the show. Having the opportunity to go and watch the live filming, ask questions, call in, write in and even get merchandise has always been a reliable and brilliant way to bring the TWD Family together. This weekly fan discussion helps the voices of fans be heard.

Especially during the past couple of years, The Walking Dead set tours have been on the rise and sometimes cast even show up to surprise fans on a tour! Allowing fans an open door into the magic of the scenery brings us closer to the heart of TWD and the places we have loved to watch as an audience. Even allowing fans so close to set and have the opportunity to visit themed cafes and restaurants really makes this feel like family visiting family. 

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 13: Actor Norman Reedus participates in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Panel – Comic-Con International 2012 held at San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 13: Actor Norman Reedus participates in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Panel – Comic-Con International 2012 held at San Diego Convention Center on July 12, 2012 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) /

There are so many reasons why it is more special than other shows with the way it treats its fans and these are only a handful. The teams behind the show are always super generous with their time praising the supporters which is so important. Even fans globally who may not have been able to travel to go and see any physical pieces of the show still have the opportunity to get involved.

The Walking Dead has been, and will always be unlike anything else to have been aired on Television. And the relationship they all have with fans will never be matched. It will go down in history as something truly ground-breaking and we all went on that journey together, what an honour!

Next. The Walking Dead: 5 Things we want to see in 11C. dark

The Walking Dead Season 11 returns October 2 on AMC, with subscribers of the AMC + streaming service able to stream the first 2 episodes of 11C on October 2. UK viewers can catch the first episode of 11C on Star for Disney Plus October 3.

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