The Walking Dead is a franchise that has lasted over a decade, with new spinoffs being released even after the main show has ended. Fans have loved watching this show develop throughout the years. It's amazing to look back and see how much beloved characters have changed since the first season of the show. The show itself has changed drastically throughout the years, starting with its focus on a small group in the south and eventually expanding to other groups in other countries.
The Walking Dead is a show that has had great storylines and timeless themes. However, with the franchise continuing to air, some viewers might be wondering why The Walking Dead still matters in 2026 after the main show has ended.
The Walking Dead's story is still continuing to be told with shows like The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Walking Dead: Dead City presuming to air in 2026. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon will be airing sometime in 2026 with its fourth and final season. The show follows beloved characters, Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier as they make their way back to America from France. The Walking Dead: Dead City has also been renewed for a third season that could potentially be airing sometime in 2026. Fans continue to tune in when shows like these feature The Walking Dead characters from the original series, hoping to see their whole journey throughout the apocalypse.
These shows matter for The Walking Dead's overall story and their timeless themes. If fans want looming questions about the series answered, these shows will be the best place to find them. Spinoff series continue to bring out the themes of found family, hope, love, grief, and loss that fans have connected with since the beginning of the original show. The Walking Dead world continues to grow and evolve. The walkers continue to go through changes along with the characters themselves.
There are so many important stories to tell within The Walking Dead universe and that is why this franchise is so vast. With the end of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon approaching, I know that fans like myself are hoping for an epic reunion between Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon. Seeing returning survivors from the original show, brings back all the nostalgia that we experienced when watching the show for the first time. We've grown alongside these characters while watching them throughout the years.
Besides new Walking Dead spinoffs that continue to be released, I believe that The Walking Dead still matters for the story it's told and continues to tell. A story about survival and finding family in unlikely places. This show has not only displayed what it's like to find family and hope in an apocalyptic world, but it has brought so many viewers together in the real world as well.
I remember becoming closer to friends back in middle school because of the show and making friends at my first Walker Stalker Convention. My mother and I spoke to two women in line, who would later go on to save us a spot in another line. When we were surprised at their kindness, they told us, "You're family now." We had just met them. Going to those conventions felt comforting in a way, everyone got along quickly and bonded over a story with so much meaning.
I still witness people to this day who are just starting their journey watching The Walking Dead. So many people continue to find themes in the show that still matter and will continue to matter well after 2026.