A Cultural Phenomenon That Still Holds Up
If you were around when The Walking Dead was at its peak, you know it wasn’t just a show—it was a full-on experience. Fans debated character fates, dissected shocking deaths, and lived in constant fear of the next major loss. After multiple rewatches, I can confidently say this show still holds up today, and its legacy remains just as strong.
💔 Make sure you have tissues at the ready—I still can’t watch most episodes without crying, no matter how many times I’ve seen them. This show pulls you in.
How I Got Hooked on The Walking Dead
I didn’t start The Walking Dead right when it premiered. It took a friend’s constant hype to convince me to binge the first two seasons, and once I did, I was hooked.
That very first episode—watching Rick Grimes wake up in a hospital to an abandoned world, finding his family gone, and meeting Morgan and his son—had me on the edge of my seat. I kept hoping he’d find his way back to his family, and when he finally did, I knew this show was something special. From that point on, I never missed an episode.
What Made The Walking Dead So Good?
There are plenty of reasons why The Walking Dead became a cultural phenomenon.
✔ Storytelling – The post-apocalyptic survival story wasn’t just about zombies; it was about the people, their relationships, and how they adapted to a crumbling world.
✔ The Characters – Every character had depth. They weren’t just survivors—they were fully realized people with hopes, flaws, and emotional struggles.
✔ Emotional Impact – No one was safe. Every death hit hard, making you emotionally invested in the journey.
✔ The World-Building – The show crafted a realistic world where the real threat wasn’t just the walkers—it was other people, the fight for resources, and the sheer will to survive.
Some of my favorite moments came from the tension-filled interactions between characters. The Governor vs. Rick, the arrival of Negan, and Daryl’s evolution from lone wolf to loyal leader were just a few standout aspects that kept me engaged.
Where The Walking Dead Started to Struggle
Like any long-running show, The Walking Dead had its highs and lows. The first big shift was Carl’s death, which changed the dynamic of the story in a way that didn’t sit right with some fans.
But the real turning point, in my opinion, was when Rick “died” (but didn’t really die) and Maggie left. The absence of these core characters left a void that was hard to fill, and the pacing of the show suffered as a result.
That’s not to say the later seasons weren’t good, but there was definitely a noticeable dip in momentum. Some storylines felt stretched, and certain characters weren’t given the depth they deserved. Still, even at its weakest, The Walking Dead never fully lost its edge.
The Death That Still Haunts Us
My daughter and I have rewatched The Walking Dead multiple times, but there’s one death we still haven’t gotten over—Noah’s.
While Glenn’s death at the hands of Negan was horrific to watch, especially since Glenn had been part of the show since Episode 1, something about Noah’s death hit harder.
Tyler James Williams played Noah so well, making him one of the kindest, most lovable characters on the show. His death wasn’t just horrifying because of how graphic and brutal it was, but because of who it was happening to. Watching him get torn apart was one of the hardest scenes to sit through, and it still leaves a pit in my stomach whenever I think about it.
💔 The Walking Dead had plenty of heartbreaking moments, but Noah’s death remains one of the worst for us.
The Legacy of The Walking Dead
Even with its ups and downs, The Walking Dead changed television forever. It proved that a gritty, character-driven horror series could dominate ratings and build a passionate global fanbase.
✔ Daryl Dixon became one of the most beloved characters in TV history. Fans were so attached that they openly declared, “If Daryl dies, we riot.” (Norman Reedus played him to perfection.)
✔ Rick Grimes & Negan were two of the most compelling figures in the show. Their similarities—leaders doing whatever it took to protect their people—made their rivalry unforgettable.
✔ The Spinoffs Continue the Story – Even though the original show ended, the TWD universe is still going strong with spin-offs focused on Daryl, Negan & Maggie, and Rick & Michonne.
🔥 If you haven’t watched the spin-offs yet, I highly recommend you do. They are amazing and well worth the wait!
Final Thoughts: Should You Still Watch It?
Absolutely. The Walking Dead still holds up today, and the fandom is as active as ever.
It’s a show that delivers high-stakes drama, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters.
If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the perfect time to binge.
And if you’re a longtime fan, revisiting it might just remind you why it was one of the best TV experiences of its time.
I’ve seen the whole series three times, and I do intend on watching it again.
For the ultimate experience? Check out the graphic novel that started it all.
What Did You Think?
What was your favorite season of The Walking Dead?
Which death hit you the hardest?
Have you watched any of the spin-offs? Which is your favorite?
Let’s talk about it! 👇
You can also check out The Walking Dead on Netflix, if you have not seen it yet, or just want to binge it.
Check out some of my other reviews listed on the main page.
Have you seen The Walking Dead? What are your most favorite, and least favorite, moments? Let’s discuss!