The essential episodes of The Walking Dead
Watch these 25 in order and you've got The Walking Dead — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Rick searches for his family after emerging from a coma into a world terrorized by the walking dead. Morgan and Duane, whom he meets along the way, help teach Rick the new rules for survival.
- 02
Rick unknowingly causes a group of survivors to be trapped by walkers. The group dynamic devolves from accusations to violence, as Rick must confront an enemy far more dangerous than the undead.
- 03
Rick's mission to Atlanta is jeopardized when things go awry. Jim becomes unhinged in camp.
- 04
Rick and the group are allowed into the CDC by a strange doctor. But all is not what it seems in their newfound haven.
- 05
Hershel sets a deadline. All secrets are out in the open. Glenn stands up for himself and Shane takes charge.
- 06
The group learns that someone dangerous may be on the loose near the farm. As night falls, Rick, Shane, Daryl and Glenn comb the woods to handle the situation and keep the group safe.
- 07
Rick and Carl return from the woods to find the farm in jeopardy. The group is split up in the ensuing chaos. With things looking grim, Rick’s leadership is questioned.
- 08
The group is severed and lives are put in jeopardy. In Woodbury, Merle has a request for the Governor.
- 09
Andrea steps up as the people of Woodbury are thrown into uncharted territory. At the prison, a new threat arises.
- 10
Just when everything started to calm down at the prison, Rick and his group now face imminent danger and destruction. This time, they might not win.
- 11
The true motives of the Terminans come to light when Rick and the others end up in a vulnerable situation.
- 12
Daryl experiences trouble on a run while Rick and his group continue to feel like outsiders in Alexandria, where trouble is creeping into the gates.
- 13
When it appears that things are starting to normalize in the settlement, a new problem arises for the Alexandrians.
- 14
With walkers inside the gates of Alexandria, Rick and the group are scared, outnumbered and things are only getting worse.
- 15
Rick and the group realize the only way to maintain the peace of Alexandria is to fight a new enemy. This time, though, our group might be outmatched.
- 16
The Day Will Come When You Won't Be
Last season ended with Rick and our group kneeling helplessly before Negan and his group; what Negan does will haunt those who survive forever.
- 17
The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
The stakes continue to grow higher as paths cross; the group enacts an intricate plan.
- 18
Hilltop's leadership faces a difficult dilemma after the arrival of unexpected visitors; Rick comes face to face with an adversary.
- 19
Rick is forced to face the past as he struggles to maintain the safety of the communities and protect the future he and Carl envisioned.
- 20
A small rescue mission braves a dangerous herd in their hunt for a missing comrade, only to discover a surprising threat that could doom them all.
- 21
An outsider's arrival forces Alexandria to rehash devastating old wounds; eye-opening secrets from the past are revealed.
- 22
The fair at the Kingdom is underway, with all four communities coming together in celebration for the first time in years; while some pacts are renewed, other deals will come at a much steeper price.
- 23
The Whisperers are coming for Hilltop. After Daryl and Lydia's encounter with Alpha, the communities must decide whether to run or fight. Meanwhile, Eugene's communication with Stephanie gets complicated.
- 24
The Alexandrians and the prisoners head back to the Commonwealth to confront Pamela Milton. Meanwhile, a swarm approaches the city.
- 25
Daryl and Carol rush Judith to the hospital; Rosita, Eugene, and Gabriel search for Coco; Maggie and Negan take arms against Pamela; the heroes assemble for one last stand.
Shows like The Walking Dead
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Action·HorrorThe essential episodes of The Last of Us2023–present
After a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity's last hope. - 02Drama·Action·HorrorThe essential episodes of The Walking Dead: Dead City2023–present·AMC+Lauren Cohan also stars·
- 03Drama·Action·HorrorThe essential episodes of Fear the Walking Dead2015–2023·AMC+Living in the same universe as The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead is a gritty drama that explores the onset of the undead apocalypse through the lens of a fractured family.
- 04Drama·Action·HorrorThe essential episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon2023–present·AMCThe Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is a spinoff series set in The Walking Dead Universe that centers around the eponymous character.
- 05Drama·Action·HorrorThe essential episodes of Constantine2014–2015·NBCBased on the wildly popular comic book series "Hellblazer" from DC Comics, seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult John Constantine is armed with a ferocious knowledge of the dark arts and a wickedly naughty wit.
- 06Drama·Action·HorrorThe essential episodes of Van Helsing2016–2021·Syfy
Van Helsing centers on Vanessa Helsing, the daughter of famous vampire hunter and Dracula nemesis Abraham Van Helsing.
Keep going
Episodes, ratings, cast and the full series dossier.
ChartsBest episodesThe highest-rated hours of The Walking Dead, ranked.
ChartsRatings graphEvery rated episode of The Walking Dead on one chart.
StreamWhere to watchEvery service carrying The Walking Dead, region by region.