It's unbelievable to think that we're coming up on three years since one of television's most groundbreaking and addictive shows, The Walking Dead, ended. It's something that's been on our minds for quite some time now, and we've been on a nostalgic journey, revisiting favorite episodes, debating character arcs, and remembering the moments that kept us on the edge of our seats.
Even years later, the impact of this show is undeniable. And yet, as we reflect on the beloved zombie series, one thought keeps coming back. Some of the most fascinating, complex, and magnetic characters were taken from us far too soon.
They were the ones whose stories were brimming with untapped potential, and in our opinion, could've carried entire spinoffs. In this article, we've shared five Walking Dead characters whose stories left us wanting more, but whose journeys were tragically cut short.
Shane Walsh
Shane Walsh wasn't just one of the original survivors. He was one of the most complicated. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was a man of intense loyalty and fierce instinct. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect the people he cares about even if it meant crossing lines most others wouldn’t dare. Unfortunately, his increasingly unstable and dangerous behavior led to his demise.
However, it would've been fascinating to see what could have happened if Shane had been given the chance to survive longer. It would've been nice to see him in his own spinoff. Maybe we would've seen him change his ways. Perhaps he would've left Rick's group and forged his own path.
Sadly, we'll never know what kind of man Shane might have become. Whether he would have found redemption, descended further into darkness, or struck a balance somewhere in between, this is something we would've wanted to see play out in a Walking Dead spinoff.
Tyreese Williams
There's so much to say about Tyreese. When we were first introduced to him, he immediately stood out. It wasn't just because of his size or strength, but because of the way he carried himself. There was a quiet intensity in him, a sense that he had seen enough pain to understand the cost of every choice. He was protective, not out of ego or a desire for power, but because he genuinely cared about the people around him, especially his younger sister Sasha.
Unlike some characters who hardened quickly in response to the apocalypse, Tyreese struggled with the ethical and emotional consequences of his actions, making every decision he made feel significant and deeply human. Sadly, he met his end after being bitten on the arm by a zombified child and losing too much blood after his arm was amputated.
Glenn Rhee
You can pretty much ask any Walking Dead fan who their favorite characters are, and Glenn's name is bound to come up. He wasn’t the loudest, the most ruthless, or the most intimidating survivor, but he was brave, clever, and endlessly loyal.
Glenn had this rare combination of heart and brains, proving time and again that survival in the apocalypse required more than just strength. It required quick thinking, courage, and compassion. He was loved not just for his daring feats or clever strategies, but for his unwavering sense of morality and the way he treated others with kindness and respect, even in the harshest circumstances. In the end, Glenn was dealt one of the show's most brutal deaths after being killed by Negan with his infamous baseball bat, Lucille, in the season 7 premiere.
Sasha Williams
Like with her older brother, Tyreese, we would've liked to see Sasha in her own spinoff. It would've been nice for her to have her own show that truly allowed her strength, intelligence, and emotional depth to shine. Throughout her time on The Walking Dead, Sasha evolved from a tough, guarded survivor into a courageous, selfless hero who was willing to lay down her life for others.
A spinoff could have explored that transformation even further, showing her struggle to find meaning after so much loss and trauma. Maybe we would’ve seen her travel to new communities, face fresh dangers, and rise as a leader in her own right. But unfortunately, that'll never happen because she met her tragic end after taking a suicide pill to turn herself into a walker to save her friends in the season 7 finale.
Carl Grimes
Carl's story is one of the biggest “what ifs” in The Walking Dead. From the moment we met him, we watched a child forced to grow up too fast. He had to make impossible choices in a world that had no room for innocence. Through every loss and every harsh lesson, Carl still somehow held on to a sense of right and wrong. And while he carried his father’s determination, he also carried a surprising tenderness.
A spinoff centered on him could have explored several fascinating avenues. We could have watched Carl fully embrace his role as a leader, guiding and safeguarding a new community while facing the moral dilemmas of a post-apocalyptic world. His connections with other survivors could have been explored more deeply as well, revealing how he mentors the next generation while grappling with the heavy burden of his own past and trauma.
What's really annoying is that Carl doesn't even die in the comic book series. If he hadn't been killed off in the TV show, he would've most likely gotten his own spinoff.
The Walking Dead is available to watch on Netflix.