Even though The Walking Dead wrapped up years ago, the fandom hasn’t gone anywhere, and neither have the actors who made the zombie series unforgettable. They’re still thriving and captivating audiences in new projects.
As 2026 unfolds, fans have plenty to be excited about, with a lineup of shows showcasing the incredible range, talent, and charisma of the actors who once kept us on the edge of our seats in the zombie apocalypse. If you're wondering what your favorite Walking Dead stars are up to now, 2026 is packed with answers. Below, we've shared a list of 10 shows featuring Walking Dead alumni that are set to premiere or return in 2026.
Andrew Lincoln 2026 shows
Most fans know Andrew Lincoln for his iconic role as Rick Grimes, the fearless and complex leader who became the emotional core of The Walking Dead. The last time we saw him in the zombie franchise was when he reprised his role as Rick in the spinoff series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Lincoln previously mentioned in a past interview that talks were being had about his return to the franchise. In what way and what capacity is unknown, but we're still holding out hope.
There are even rumors of a Walking Dead crossover spinoff series. Perhaps this might be how he steps back into Rick Grimes’ boots for an epic return. What we do know is that Lincoln is currently starring in a new thriller series on Paramount+ called Coldwater. It premiered on the streaming service on Jan. 9, but a new episode is still being released weekly. The series finale drops on Feb. 13.
In Coldwater, Lincoln stars as John, a stay‑at‑home dad, who is haunted by guilt and shame after freezing during a violent playground incident in London. Struggling with a shaken confidence and an identity in crisis, he decides to start over, relocating his wife Fiona (Indira Varma) and their children to the remote Scottish village of Coldwater in hopes of leaving that moment and himself behind. But things quickly take a dark turn after John meets his mysterious new neighbor, Tommy, who initially seems friendly and charming but soon begins to unsettle John with his strange behavior.
Jon Bernthal 2026 shows
Jon Bernthal is best known for his breakout role as Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead, the tough, unpredictable, and morally complex character who served as Rick Grimes’ best friend and, at times, his greatest rival. At the beginning of this year, Netflix released a new mystery thriller series on its platform called His & Hers.
In this six-part limited series, Bernthal stars as Jack Harper, a local detective with a complicated past and a strained connection to his estranged wife, Anna Andrews (Tessa Thompson). As a murder rocks their small hometown, Jack becomes both investigator and suspect, navigating a tense web of secrets, lies, and personal trauma.
Besides His & Hers, fans can expect to see Bernthal in an upcoming Disney+ Punisher television special set to be released in mid-2026. While plot details are still under wraps, the special is expected to dive deeper into Bernthal’s iconic character, Frank Castle/Punisher, exploring the dark, morally complex world of the vigilante and showing new challenges that push him to his limits.
Steven Yeun 2026 shows
Walking Dead fans will remember Steven Yeun for his breakthrough role as Glenn Rhee, the quick-witted, resourceful, and deeply loyal survivor whose courage and heart made him one of the most beloved characters on the zombie show. Most recently, fans could catch him in the new Netflix action flick, The Rip. This film was released on the streaming platform on Jan. 16. He also has two more movies, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender and Animals, scheduled for release sometime this year.
But when it comes to TV work, the only show we can expect to see him in is Invincible season 4. The fourth season of this popular animated series is set to premiere on Prime Video in March 2026. Yeun voices the main role of Mark Grayson/Invincible, the young superhero grappling with the responsibilities of his powers, the challenges of his double life, and the moral complexities of saving a world that isn’t always black and white.
Norman Reedus 2026 shows
Another fan-favorite Walking Dead actor is hands down Norman Reedus. Known for his role as Daryl Dixon, the scrappy, crossbow-wielding survivor in The Walking Dead, Reedus is one of the cast members who have continued on in the zombie franchise. Since 2023, he has starred in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, a spinoff series that follows his character on new adventures in Europe. In the show's second season, Daryl is joined by another beloved Walking Dead character, Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride).
The third season finished airing back in October 2025. A fourth and final season of Daryl Dixon is confirmed for a 2026 premiere on AMC. Although it's unknown exactly what Daryl Dixon season 4 will be about, we can likely expect Daryl and Carol to continue on their journey to find a way back home to America.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan 2026 shows
Jeffrey Dean Morgan has starred in many shows and movies over his acting career, but Walking Dead fans know him best for his role as Negan, the ruthless, charismatic leader of the Saviors whose unpredictable nature and sharp wit made him one of the series’ most unforgettable villains. Since 2023, he has reprised his role as Negan in the spinoff series The Walking Dead: Dead City. This show follows Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan as they navigate the post-apocalyptic ruins of New York City in search of Maggie's son, Hershel.
There have been two seasons so far, with a third season expected to premiere on AMC sometime in 2026. So, this is one show starring Morgan that fans should have on their radar this year. Morgan will also be in the fifth and final season of The Boys, which is confirmed to premiere on Prime Video on April 8, 2026. He plays the role of Joe Kessler in this superhero series.
Fans can also expect to hear his voice again in the upcoming Invincible season 4. He will reportedly return as the supervillain, Conquest, in the fourth season, so that should be fun!
Here are three more shows in 2026 featuring stars from The Walking Dead that you’ll want to keep an eye on:
- David Morrissey, who played The Governor in The Walking Dead, stars in Tip Toe. There isn't a premiere date yet, but the creator confirmed that the drama series will start airing on Channel 4 sometime this year.
- Sonequa Martin-Green, who portrayed Sasha in The Walking Dead, stars in Boston Blue. The first season began airing on CBS last year. The police procedural returns on Feb. 27.
- Ross Marquand, who played Aaron in The Walking Dead, has a voice role in the animated superhero series X-Men '97. The first installment finished its run on Disney+ in May 2024. The upcoming second season will premiere on the streaming platform in summer 2026.
Additionally, Cohan reprises her role as Maggie in Dead City season 3, and McBride reprises her role as Carol in Daryl Dixon season 4. Emily Kinney, who played the role of Beth Greene in The Walking Dead, is also rumored to make a return in Dead City season 3.