There are shows that entertain, and then there’s The Walking Dead, a series that terrifies, surprises, and keeps fans glued to their screens. Right from its debut, the show carved out a world where every moment feels unpredictable, every character’s survival is uncertain, and every choice carries unimaginable weight. But beyond the gore and the endless walker attacks, what truly sets The Walking Dead apart is its mastery of the cliffhanger.
These are the moments that stop you in your tracks, make your heart race, and leave you staring at the screen in disbelief, desperately needing to know what comes next. Whether it’s a beloved character meeting a shocking end, a sudden betrayal that turns alliances upside down, or a twist that flips everything you thought you knew, the cliffhangers in The Walking Dead are simply unforgettable.
In this article, we've rounded up six of the most jaw-dropping cliffhangers in the hit zombie series and shared them down below. Now, let's take a nice trip down memory lane!
The discovery of Sophia
- When does it happen? - Season 2, episode 7
One of the most unforgettable cliffhangers in The Walking Dead came in the middle part of season 2, when the group’s search for Sophia Peletier reached a gut-wrenching conclusion. For much of the first half of the season, Sophia’s disappearance loomed over the survivors like a shadow. Every episode built up tension and hope as the group faced walker attacks while scouring the woods and looking everywhere for the young girl. They were all clinging to the belief that Sophia might still be alive.
But that hope came crashing down in the most devastating way when the group finally discovered her in Hershel’s barn, only to realize that Sophia had been turned into a walker. The moment was shocking and heartbreaking. It was a gut-punch that perfectly illustrated the brutal reality of the world they were living in, proving that no one, no matter how innocent, was truly safe in The Walking Dead. Fans were left to wonder how the survivors would continue on after such a tragic situation.
Shane's death scene
- When does it happen? - Season 2, episode 12
Shane Walsh’s death in The Walking Dead is widely regarded as one of the series’ most soul-crushing and emotionally charged cliffhangers. Over the course of the first two seasons, viewers watched Shane struggle with life in a post-apocalyptic world. He was constantly torn between protecting the group and satisfying his own desires, particularly his obsession with Rick’s wife, Lori. This inner conflict simmered for seasons, creating tension between Shane and Rick.
He also became increasingly unpredictable and dangerous, making it clear that a confrontation with Rick was inevitable. When the showdown finally happened, it was shocking and brutal. Rick was forced to stab Shane, ending the life of a man who had once been his closest friend. And the horror didn’t stop there. Shane immediately reanimated as a walker, and Carl was then forced to shoot him in the head to prevent him from biting his father. The episode ended here, leaving viewers to wonder how Rick and Carl would break the news to the others.
The Governor's takedown of his own people
- When does it happen? - Season 3, episode 16
Another shocking cliffhanger in The Walking Dead came during the tense conflict between the Governor and his followers in season 3. The Governor, known for his charisma and brutality, had spent a significant amount of time building Woodbury into a seemingly safe haven, manipulating and controlling his people through a combination of charm and fear. But beneath the surface of his calm, commanding presence was a man consumed by vengeance, paranoia, and a lust for power.
During the attack on the prison, Rick and his group bested the Governor and his men, forcing them to retreat quickly. But the Governor didn't want to return home. He was determined to take over the prison at any cost, and when some of his own people hesitated or refused to follow his orders, he turned on them without mercy.
In a shocking and brutal display of control, the Governor killed those who defied him, making it clear that loyalty to him was non-negotiable. After basically taking down his entire crew, he and his two remaining henchmen drive off. Viewers were left to wonder when they'd see the Governor next.
Beth's death scene
- When does it happen? - Season 5, episode 8
Beth Greene’s death in The Walking Dead stands out as one of the show's most heart-wrenching and emotionally devastating cliffhangers. After surviving countless dangers alongside the group, Beth had grown from a vulnerable, sheltered girl into a brave, resilient young woman. This made her sudden and violent death all the more shocking for both the characters in the show and the audience.
What really hurt deeply was the fact that Beth was so close to staying safe and alive. Rick had managed to cut a deal with Officer Dawn Lerner to ensure the return of Beth and Carol, and for a moment, it seemed like hope had finally prevailed. But in a cruel twist of fate, Beth’s attempt to stand up to Dawn by stabbing her with hidden scissors backfired instantly. Dawn reflexively shot Beth in the head, killing her on the spot.
The episode ends with Daryl walking out of the hospital, carrying Beth's lifeless body in his arms. Other survivors who were in the hospital also exited, and they all meet the rest of the group in the parking lot. Once Maggie sets her eyes on Beth, she immediately breaks down. This episode still gives me chills!
Negan choosing his first victim in Rick's group
- When does it happen? - Season 6, episode 16
The season 6 finale of The Walking Dead, titled “Last Day on Earth,” delivered one of the most talked-about cliffhangers in the show’s history with the introduction of Negan, the menacing leader of the Saviors. After Negan finally captures Rick and his group, he has them kneel to the ground. He starts toying with them, taunting each person and making it clear that someone is about to die.
The tension builds unbearably as he slowly chooses his victim, swinging his barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat, Lucille, in a horrifying display of power. And then he finally swings, but we don't get to see who the unlucky person is. From the point of view of the victim, all we see is their blurry vision as they fall to the ground. Negan then swings again, and the episode ends here. Fans were left to wonder who had been killed.
Glenn's dumpster fate
- When does it happen? - Season 6, episode 3
One of the most nerve-wracking cliffhangers in The Walking Dead occurred in season 6, when Glenn Rhee’s fate seemed grimly sealed as walkers surrounded him after he fell from a dumpster. Glenn was with another survivor, Nicholas, when everything happened. Nicholas started panicking and ultimately decided to shoot himself. After falling on top of Glenn, they fell to the ground.
Then, all we could see was Glenn and Nicholas being devoured by a horde of walkers. Well, that's what it looked like. But we find out later in the season that Glenn actually managed to crawl under the dumpster. Viewers were able to let out a sigh of relief, but that moment of calm was short-lived because Negan would soon mark Glenn as his next victim.
The Walking Dead is streaming on Netflix.