What Walking Dead spinoff are we looking forward to the most? Tales of The Walking Dead? The Maggie-and-Negan show? The Rick Grimes series? Let’s go in:
AMC has gone all-in on its hit zombie franchise The Walking Dead. The show, which debuted on Halloween night in 2010, is heading into its eleventh and final season beginning in 2021. But that doesn’t mean fans have to say goodbye. With two spinoffs already airing and many more projects in the works, there’s a lot to look forward to.
The Walking Dead has only scratched the surface of what’s possible in this universe, and contemplating its future is thrilling. I’ve been with the original show show for a long time and I’m excited for the franchise’s future, but there are some projects that are way more exciting than others. Below, we get into the details.
But first a quick note: While it’s a big source of excitement for fans, The Walking Dead season 11 didn’t make the list; this is only for spinoffs, follow-ups, prequels and the like. Let’s get started:
6. Untitled Daryl Spinoff
At first we heard that Carol and Daryl were getting their own Walking Dead spinoff…and then Melissa McBride dropped out and now it’s just the Daryl show. You might be wondering why a solo show starring this popular character is listed last. Before you get mad, allow me to explain.
I don’t have a problem with a Daryl spinoff, but I do think the fall 2020 announcement changed the way I view the main series, and that bugs me. The Walking Dead is heading into its eleventh and final season, and knowing that Daryl will ride off into the sunset in some form or another after the series ends kind of ruins the suspense.
Thinking back to the big announcement that Norman Reedus was getting a hefty pay raise after Andrew Lincoln’s departure, knowing his contract was secure had a similar impact on the viewing experience. If he had a guaranteed contract, there was no way he going to die in the series (despite AMC’s insistence that he could die and be paid anyway). So whatever happens in the final season, we have a good idea that Daryl will be safe.
For that reason alone, I’m placing the Daryl spinoff last on the list. I’m sure it will be a great show and I will watch and support it, but I wish the secret had been left a secret until the original show was over.