Complete Guide: The Walking Dead Universe Expands with New Spin-Offs and Series in 2025 and Beyond
One of the most iconic TV shows of all time, The Walking Dead, brought its flagship series to an epic close after over a decade of gripping storytelling. But while the original show has ended, its legacy continues to thrive in an ever-expanding universe of spin-offs, new series, and even whispers of potential movies. With fresh stories emerging and beloved characters returning, fans are buzzing with questions: "What are the new Walking Dead spin-offs?" and "How many series are there now in the TWD Universe?" In this updated guide, we’ll dive into the latest developments, explore the current and upcoming shows, and give you everything you need to know about the future of The Walking Dead franchise.
The TV phenomenon that is The Walking Dead (often called TWD) first premiered in 2010 with a modest six-episode season, capturing audiences with its raw take on a zombie apocalypse. Little did the producers know that this humble beginning would spark a global sensation. The original series ran for 11 seasons over 12 years, concluding with its emotional series finale on November 20, 2022. Across 177 episodes, it delivered heart-pounding action, devastating losses, and unforgettable characters that kept viewers hooked.
But the end of the original series was just the beginning of something even bigger. Even before its finale aired, AMC had already begun expanding the TWD Universe with spin-offs that explore new corners of this post-apocalyptic world. Since 2022, several of these series have premiered, some have concluded, and others are on the horizon, bringing back fan-favorite characters while introducing new faces. From the streets of New York to the ruins of Europe, the TWD Universe is more alive than ever. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of the franchise, including the latest spin-offs, ongoing series, and what’s next for fans of the undead.
Fear the Walking Dead: The First Spin-Off That Explored the Early Apocalypse (2015 - 2023)
As the first spin-off in The Walking Dead Universe, Fear the Walking Dead premiered in 2015 and quickly carved out its own space among fans. Unlike the original series, which jumped into the post-apocalyptic chaos after Rick Grimes woke up from a coma, Fear the Walking Dead took a slower-burn approach, showing the gradual collapse of society as the zombie outbreak began. Initially set in Los Angeles, the series followed a blended family—Madison Clark (Kim Dickens), her children Nick (Frank Dillane) and Alicia (Alycia Debnam-Carey), and Travis Manawa (Cliff Curtis)—as they navigated the early days of the apocalypse.
Over its eight-season run, Fear the Walking Dead evolved dramatically,
shifting from its grounded origins to a broader exploration of survival
across various settings, from Mexico to Texas. The show also became a bridge
between the original series and the expanding TWD Universe, introducing
character crossovers that thrilled fans. Notably, Morgan Jones (Lennie
James) crossed over from The Walking Dead in Season 4, becoming a central
figure in the spin-off’s later seasons. Other familiar faces like Dwight
(Austin Amelio) and Sherry (Christine Evangelista) also joined the cast,
bringing their own stories from the flagship series into this new narrative.
Fear the Walking Dead wrapped up its journey with its eighth and final
season, which aired in 2023. The season was split into two parts, with the
first half premiering in May and the second in October. The finale brought
closure to key characters while leaving a lasting impact on the TWD
Universe. One of the season’s highlights was the return of Kim Dickens as
Madison Clark, a fan-favorite who had been presumed dead in Season 4. Her
comeback added emotional depth to the series’ conclusion, as the show
explored themes of hope, redemption, and rebuilding in a broken world.
Though Fear the Walking Dead has concluded, its legacy lives on as a bold
experiment that expanded the scope of The Walking Dead franchise. It offered
a unique lens on the early apocalypse and introduced memorable original
characters alongside crossover favorites. For fans looking to revisit the
series or catch up, all eight seasons are available to stream on platforms
like AMC+ and Hulu, making it a great time to dive back into this
groundbreaking spin-off.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond: A Young Adult Tale with Big Universe Connections (2020 - 2021)
The Walking Dead: World Beyond, the second spin-off in the TWD Universe,
premiered in 2020 and offered a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic
world. Set a decade after the initial outbreak, the series explores a new
generation of survivors who have grown up in a world overrun by walkers.
Unlike the gritty survivalism of the original series or the early chaos of
Fear the Walking Dead, World Beyond focuses on humanity’s attempts to
rebuild, showcasing safe havens like the Campus Colony in Nebraska, where
communities have carved out a semblance of normalcy. However, as the show
reveals, the zombie apocalypse still holds bigger threats than the
undead—namely, the shadowy organizations vying for power in this fractured
world.
At the heart of The Walking Dead: World Beyond are four teenagers—sisters
Hope (Alexa Mansour) and Iris (Aliyah Royale), along with Elton (Nicolas
Cantu) and Silas (Hal Cumpston)—who embark on a dangerous journey across the
country to rescue their father, a scientist held by the mysterious Civic
Republic Military (CRM). The CRM, a highly organized and secretive group,
plays a pivotal role in the broader TWD Universe, and World Beyond provides
critical insight into their operations. Fans of the original series will
recognize the CRM as the group that whisked Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln)
away in a helicopter during Season 9 of The Walking Dead. This connection
makes World Beyond a key piece of the puzzle, bridging the flagship series
to Rick’s long-awaited return.
Originally billed as a limited series, The Walking Dead: World Beyond aired
across two seasons in 2020 and 2021, totaling 20 episodes. Its young adult
focus—complete with coming-of-age themes, teenage protagonists, and a
slightly lighter tone—set it apart from other TWD shows, though it didn’t
shy away from darker moments or moral dilemmas. The series also introduced
audiences to Elizabeth Kublek (Julia Ormond), a high-ranking CRM officer
whose complex motivations added depth to the organization’s enigmatic
presence.
One of the most significant contributions of World Beyond is its setup for
future TWD stories, particularly those involving Rick Grimes. When the
series aired, there were plans for a trilogy of Rick Grimes movies, but
those plans have since evolved. In 2023, AMC announced The Walking Dead: The
Ones Who Live, a six-episode miniseries centered on Rick and Michonne (Danai
Gurira), which premiered in February 2024. World Beyond laid crucial
groundwork for this series by delving into the CRM’s inner workings and
introducing concepts like the “A” and “B” classification system for
survivors, which directly ties into Rick’s disappearance. The series finale
also included a post-credits scene that teased larger mysteries in the TWD
Universe, including hints about the origins of the zombie virus—a thread
that continues to intrigue fans.
Though The Walking Dead: World Beyond concluded after its planned two-season
run, its impact on the franchise endures. It offered a unique blend of
youthful optimism and harsh realities, while also serving as a narrative
bridge for the broader TWD Universe. For those who haven’t yet watched it,
the series is available to stream on platforms like AMC+ and Amazon Prime
Video, making it an essential watch for fans eager to understand the bigger
picture—especially with Rick and Michonne’s story now unfolding in The Ones
Who Live.
Tales of the Walking Dead: A Bite-Sized Anthology of New and Familiar Stories (2022)
|
| The leader of the Whisperers Alpha before she joined the group. |
Tales of the Walking Dead offers a unique twist on the TWD Universe as an
anthology series, delivering standalone stories that dive into the lives of
both new and familiar characters. Premiered in August 2022, the first season
consists of just six episodes, each functioning as a self-contained
narrative set within the broader world of The Walking Dead. This format
allows for creative experimentation, blending different tones—from horror to
dark comedy—while exploring untold corners of the apocalypse.
Each episode of Tales of the Walking Dead introduces fresh faces or revisits
fan-favorite characters, providing deeper backstories or unexpected detours.
For example, Episode 3, titled “Dee,” delves into the origins of Alpha
(Samantha Morton), the chilling leader of the Whisperers from the original
series, revealing her early transformation into the ruthless survivor fans
came to know. Other episodes feature notable performances, like Terry Crews
as a doomsday prepper named Joe and Olivia Munn as Evie, a paranoid
wanderer, in a road-trip story that mixes humor with tension. The series
also includes Parker Posey as a quirky office worker named Blair and Anthony
Edwards as a scientist grappling with the outbreak’s early days, showcasing
the anthology’s range and willingness to take risks.
Despite its creative ambition, Tales of the Walking Dead has not received a
renewal for a second season as of early 2025. AMC has remained quiet on the
show’s future, leaving its status uncertain—neither officially canceled nor
renewed. While the first season was well-received by some fans for its bold
storytelling and fresh perspectives, its anthology format and shorter
runtime may not have garnered the same viewership as other TWD spin-offs.
Still, the series remains a fascinating experiment in the franchise,
offering bite-sized tales that don’t require prior knowledge of the TWD
Universe, making it an accessible entry point for new viewers.
For fans eager to explore these standalone stories or revisit iconic
characters like Alpha, the first season of Tales of the Walking Dead is
available to stream on platforms like AMC+ and Amazon Prime Video. While we
await any updates on a potential second season, the existing episodes
provide a compelling detour into the apocalypse, proving there are still
countless stories to tell in this undead world.
Read more: Colleen Hoover books: Everything you need to know (Complete guide)
The Walking Dead: Dead City: Maggie and Negan’s Unlikely Alliance in Post-Apocalyptic Manhattan (2023–Present)
Following the series finale of The Walking Dead (Season 11, Episode 24,
“Rest in Peace”), which aired on November 20, 2022, AMC teased the expansion
of the TWD Universe with several new projects, one of which was The Walking
Dead: Dead City. This spin-off, centered on the uneasy partnership between
Maggie Rhee (Lauren Cohan) and Negan Smith (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), promised a
fresh setting and a compelling dynamic. Initially announced as Isle of the
Dead, the series was later renamed Dead City and premiered on June 18, 2023,
slightly later than its originally scheduled April 2023 release.
The Walking Dead: Dead City takes place years after the events of the
original series, transporting Maggie and Negan to a post-apocalyptic
Manhattan that’s been cut off from the mainland. The crumbling city is a
haunting backdrop—filled with hordes of walkers, towering skyscrapers
overtaken by decay, and new factions of survivors who have carved out their
own anarchic societies. The six-episode first season follows Maggie as she
enlists Negan’s help to rescue her kidnapped son, Hershel, from a sadistic
warlord known as The Croat (Željko Ivanek), a former member of Negan’s
Saviors who now leads a violent gang called the Burazi. The mission forces
Maggie and Negan to confront their fraught history—most notably, Negan’s
brutal murder of Maggie’s husband, Glenn (Steven Yeun), in Season 7 of The
Walking Dead—while navigating the dangers of this new urban hellscape.
|
| Behind the scenes of The Walking Dead: Dead City production. |
The dynamic between Maggie and Negan is the heart of Dead City, blending tension, mistrust, and reluctant cooperation. Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan deliver standout performances, capturing the complexity of two characters who are bound by necessity but divided by pain. The season also introduces new characters, like Perlie Armstrong (Gaius Charles), a marshal from the New Babylon Federation hunting Negan, and Ginny (Mahina Napoleon), a mute young girl under Negan’s care. The Manhattan setting offers a fresh visual style for the TWD Universe, with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty reimagined in ruins and walkers spilling from skyscrapers, adding a claustrophobic intensity to the series’ signature zombie action.
Since its debut, Dead City has been a hit among fans and critics, earning a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season. Many praised its change of scenery and the focus on two of the franchise’s most polarizing characters. The season finale, which aired on July 23, 2023, set the stage for more conflict by leaving Negan in the hands of a mysterious figure known as The Dama (Lisa Emery), while Maggie escaped with Hershel but vowed to return for him. In July 2023, before the first season even concluded, AMC renewed Dead City for a second season, which is set to premiere on May 4, 2025. Filming for Season 2 began in April 2024 in Massachusetts, and early teasers suggest it will delve deeper into Negan’s new role in Manhattan’s power struggles and Maggie’s fight to save him—whether he wants her help or not.
For fans eager to catch up, the first season of The Walking Dead: Dead
City is available to stream on AMC+ and Amazon Prime Video. With Season 2
on the horizon, this series continues to prove that the TWD Universe still
has plenty of life—or unlife—left in it. Whether you’re rooting for Maggie
and Negan to bury the hatchet or waiting for their next clash, Dead City
delivers a thrilling new chapter in the apocalypse.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live: Rick and Michonne’s Epic Love Story (2024)
Perhaps the most anticipated spin-off in The Walking Dead Universe, The
Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live brings back fan-favorite characters Rick
Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira), who departed the
original series in Seasons 9 and 10, respectively. After Rick’s dramatic
exit—whisked away by a CRM helicopter after a near-fatal bridge
explosion—producers initially announced plans for a trilogy of films to
explore his fate. However, those plans evolved into a six-episode
miniseries, giving fans a deeper dive into Rick and Michonne’s journey.
Originally referred to as The Walking Dead: Rick & Michonne, the series
was officially titled The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live in 2023,
reflecting the couple’s enduring mantra from the original show.
The Ones Who Live premiered on February 25, 2024, on AMC and AMC+,
delivering an emotional and action-packed reunion for Rick and Michonne. The
series picks up years after their departures from the flagship show,
exploring what happened to Rick after his abduction by the Civic Republic
Military (CRM) and Michonne’s relentless search to find him. Set against the
backdrop of a war-torn world, the miniseries delves into their struggle to
reunite, rediscover who they are to each other, and fight their way back to
their children, Judith and RJ, in Alexandria. The CRM, a shadowy
authoritarian organization, plays a central role as the couple faces not
only walkers but also the living—soldiers, leaders, and survivors with their
own agendas. Key new characters include Major General Beale (Terry O’Quinn),
a high-ranking CRM officer, and Pearl Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt), a CRM
soldier who becomes entangled in Rick’s story.
Across its six episodes, which concluded on March 31, 2024, The Ones Who
Live blends intense action with a deeply personal love story, earning praise
for Lincoln and Gurira’s powerful performances and the closure it provides
for two of the franchise’s most beloved characters. The series also ties
into broader TWD lore, expanding on the CRM’s operations first introduced in
The Walking Dead: World Beyond and resolving key mysteries about Rick’s
disappearance. Fans were thrilled by callbacks to the original series,
including appearances from familiar faces like Jadis/Anne (Pollyanna
McIntosh), who played a pivotal role in Rick’s abduction.
While your original section speculated about the possibility of the series
continuing beyond six episodes, The Ones Who Live was conceived and executed
as a limited series with a definitive ending, wrapping up Rick and
Michonne’s arc in a satisfying way. As of early 2025, AMC has not announced
plans for a second season, though Scott M. Gimple, the TWD Universe’s chief
content officer, has hinted at potential future stories for the couple,
possibly in other formats or crossovers with existing spin-offs. For now,
the miniseries stands as a self-contained chapter, allowing fans to savor
its emotional depth without the need for further seasons.
For those who haven’t yet watched, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is
available to stream on AMC+ and platforms like Netflix (in select regions),
offering a gripping blend of romance, survival, and the signature zombie
chaos that defines the TWD Universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to
Rick and Michonne’s story, this series delivers a fitting conclusion—or
perhaps a new beginning—for two characters who’ve always been the ones who
live.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: A Crossbow-Slinging Odyssey Across Europe (2023–Present)
One of the most beloved characters in The Walking Dead Universe, Daryl
Dixon (Norman Reedus), steps into the spotlight in his own spin-off
series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Initially announced as a project
featuring both Daryl and his longtime best friend Carol Peletier (Melissa
McBride), logistical challenges prevented McBride from joining the series
at the outset due to its filming location in Europe. While fans were
disappointed by Carol’s absence in the early stages, the show pivoted to
focus solely on Daryl—and it has proven to be a thrilling ride. Now, with
Carol back in the fold as of Season 2, the series has evolved into an even
richer exploration of these fan-favorite characters.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premiered on September 10, 2023, on AMC and
AMC+, transporting viewers to a brand-new corner of the TWD Universe: a
post-apocalyptic Europe. The first season begins with Daryl washing ashore
in France, disoriented and unsure of how he arrived there. Set after the
events of the original series’ finale, the show follows Daryl as he
navigates a broken but resilient France, trying to piece together his
journey while seeking a way back home to Alexandria. Along the way, he
encounters new allies—like Isabelle (Clémence Poésy), a nun with a
complicated past, and Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi), a young boy
believed to be a messiah figure—and new enemies, including the
militaristic Genet (Anne Charrier) and her forces. The series’ European
setting, with hauntingly beautiful locations like the ruins of Paris and
the Normandy countryside, adds a fresh visual flair to the zombie
apocalypse, complete with French-speaking survivors and culturally
distinct walker threats.
The first season, consisting of six episodes, was a critical and fan
success, earning a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for
its bold new direction. Fans lauded Norman Reedus’ performance, which
brought a renewed depth to Daryl as he grappled with isolation and purpose
far from home. The season also teased larger mysteries, including hints
about the origins of the zombie virus tied to France, a thread first
introduced in The Walking Dead: World Beyond. Before the first season even
concluded, AMC renewed the series for a second season, confirming your
original hunch that a successful spin-off would likely see more episodes.
The second season, subtitled The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of
Carol, premiered on September 29, 2024, and delivered on the promise of
reuniting Daryl with Carol. Melissa McBride returned as a series regular,
joining Daryl in France as the two face new challenges together. The
season explores their enduring friendship while introducing fresh
conflicts, including Carol’s search for Daryl and their shared journey
through an ever-changing landscape of walkers and human threats. With six
episodes, Season 2 maintained the series’ tight, focused storytelling
while deepening the emotional stakes. Critics gave it a slightly lower but
still positive 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, noting that while Carol’s return
shifted some of the unique elements of Season 1, the chemistry between
Reedus and McBride remained a highlight.
As of early 2025, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is far from a one-off
miniseries, proving your foresight correct. AMC renewed the show for a
third season in July 2024, with production already underway. Season 3 is
expected to premiere later in 2025 and will reportedly take Daryl and
Carol even farther afield—rumors suggest Spain as a new filming
location—while continuing their quest to return home. There’s even talk of
a fourth season potentially beginning production as early as summer 2025,
signaling that this spin-off could have the longevity of the original The
Walking Dead, which also started with just six episodes and ran for 11
seasons over 12 years.
For fans eager to catch up, both seasons of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
are available to stream on AMC+ and platforms like Amazon Prime Video (in
select regions). With its stunning European backdrop, new zombie variants,
and the return of Daryl and Carol’s iconic partnership, this series has
solidified itself as a standout in the TWD Universe. If its current
trajectory is any indication, we might be following Daryl’s
crossbow-wielding adventures for years to come—just as you predicted.
More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe: A Possible New Chapter
In April 2023, AMC teased a potential short-form series tentatively titled
More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe, following in the footsteps of
the anthology format seen in Tales of the Walking Dead. The concept
promises standalone episodes that could explore new characters or untold
stories within the TWD Universe, possibly as digital releases or bonus
content on AMC+.
As of early 2025, details remain scarce, with no official premiere date or
confirmed episodes announced. While it’s uncertain whether this project
will fully materialize, it reflects AMC’s ongoing interest in
experimenting with smaller-scale stories to expand the franchise beyond
its flagship spin-offs.
Web Series and Companion Content: Bite-Sized Stories for Fans
The TWD Universe isn’t limited to its major TV series—it has also expanded
through web series and companion content that offer quick glimpses into
its world. Projects like Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462 (2015-2016), a
16-part web series about an outbreak on a plane, and The Walking Dead: Red
Machete (2017-2018), which traces the journey of Rick’s iconic weapon,
provide bonus narratives that tie into the larger storylines.
Other examples include Fear the Walking Dead: Passage (2016-2017),
following two women in a military quarantine zone, and Fear the Walking
Dead: Dead in the Water (2022), a one-off special about a submarine crew.
While not essential viewing, these mini-stories add extra flavor for
dedicated fans and are often available on platforms like AMC+ or YouTube.
The Future of Crossovers: Could the TWD Universe Unite?
With spin-offs like The Walking Dead: Dead City, The Walking Dead: Daryl
Dixon, and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live exploring different corners
of the apocalypse, fans are buzzing about the potential for a major
crossover event. The CRM, a shadowy organization connecting these stories,
could serve as a catalyst to bring characters like Daryl, Maggie, Negan,
Rick, and Michonne together—or pit them against each other—in a shared
narrative.
While nothing has been officially confirmed as of early 2025, comments
from TWD Universe chief content officer Scott Gimple hint at possibilities
for interconnected storytelling in the future. Whether it’s a special
event or overlapping arcs in existing series, the idea of a TWD
“Avengers-style” reunion keeps fans hopeful for what’s next.
