When The Walking Dead first hit screens in 2010, it instantly became a show unlike any other. Viewers weren't just introduced to a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with danger. They were thrown headfirst into a world where every choice mattered, every encounter could be deadly, and the line between friend and foe was never clear.
The show thrived on tension, on gut-wrenching moments, and on the complicated, often morally gray decisions that made its characters feel real and relatable. And it proved that a zombie apocalypse could be more than scares. It could be a mirror reflecting humanity at its best and its worst.
The Walking Dead's massive popularity was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before AMC began exploring ways to expand this world. Over the years, we’ve seen a variety of spinoffs attempt to capture the same magic. Some, like Fear the Walking Dead, succeeded in building their own following and exploring new stories and characters. Others, unfortunately, struggled to hold the same spark.
And yet, even after all these expansions, there remains one spinoff idea that has haunted the imaginations of fans for years. This untapped spinoff has lingered in conversations, fan forums, and social media speculation because it holds the kind of promise that could reinvigorate the franchise. It's truly baffling that AMC hasn’t moved forward with it, especially given the proven appetite for more stories from The Walking Dead universe.
AMC should greenlight a Walking Dead animated series
This is my honest opinion. If AMC really wants to capitalize on the franchise’s enduring popularity and creative potential, then it should order a Walking Dead animated series. I’ve been a fan of the franchise from the very beginning, and over the years, I’ve watched this universe grow, evolve, and sometimes leave me wanting more.
While we've seen live-action spinoff after live-action spinoff, some hitting the mark and others falling short, there’s still this one avenue the network has barely explored. Sure, there was that eight-minute motion comic back in 2010 and the brief animated segment in The Walking Dead: Red Machete. But those were small experiments.
They were just tiny glimpses at what an animated series could achieve. A full-fledged Walking Dead animated show could dive deeper into the rich lore, explore untold stories of fan-favorite and new characters, and take risks that live-action sometimes can’t. Many fans weren't happy that the original series didn't faithfully adapt the comics. Well, here's the chance to do it right.
Comic creator Robert Kirkman has expressed interest in the past of wanting to bring a Walking Dead animated series to life. However, he noted at the time that the project wasn't currently possible because AMC holds the rights. Now, here's my issue.
If AMC doesn't want to take the leap and explore this untapped opportunity, then the network needs to work out some deal with Kirkman to make it happen. I know the chances of this happening are slim to none, especially due to the bad blood between Kirkman and AMC. But I'm just a desperate fan hoping to see this spinoff come into fruition!