Debuting in 2010, The Walking Dead grew from a single television show into one of the most successful and enduring franchises in modern entertainment. When it first premiered on AMC, viewers were immediately impressed by its cinematic approach to television storytelling, its intense world-building, and its ability to mix horror with deep character development.
Its popularity only grew over time, turning the show into a cultural phenomenon and inspiring a passionate global fanbase. Beyond the original series, the franchise has expanded with multiple spinoffs. However, most of them have already aired and finished their runs. All that is currently left is The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Walking Dead: Dead City.
But here's the thing. Daryl Dixon is about to wrap up its run next year with its fourth and final season. What does that leave? Essentially, it puts the franchise at a crossroads, with only Dead City continuing the universe. Dead City season 3 is expected to premiere in 2026 as well, and it's possible the show could be renewed for a fourth season in the future.
Back in April 2023, AMC announced that a six-episode spinoff, More Tales From the TWDU, was in development. However, it's been pretty much radio silence on that project since then. This has only made us wonder if the series is still moving forward, or if it’s quietly been shelved. If this show is still a go at AMC, we're going to need some concrete updates soon because all we'll have once Daryl Dixon ends is Dead City holding things together. That's just not enough to keep such a massive franchise thriving.
Sure, there have been talks about where else the franchise could go next from the higher-ups at AMC, and even a tease from an OG cast member about their potential return. But besides More Tales From the TWDU, there haven't been any official announcements about new series, spinoffs, or even a return to the original show. All of this leaves fans in a state of uncertainty, anxiously waiting for clarity on the future of a universe they’ve followed for more than a decade.
Discussions just aren't enough because they can easily fade into nothing. What we really need are actual greenlights, clear confirmations, and real action that proves AMC is committed to the future of The Walking Dead universe. I personally won't be satisfied until this happens, and I'm sure many other fans feel the same way.
It would be great to get an official update from AMC on the franchise's future before 2025 comes to a close. Maybe an announcement of a new spinoff. Yet, as the year rapidly draws to an end, it's becoming increasingly clear that we probably won't hear anything. Unfortunately, it looks like we'll be heading into 2026, unsure what lies ahead for The Walking Dead franchise. It’s honestly a huge disappointment!