History of The Walking Dead (TV series) in Timeline
"The Walking Dead" is a TV series based on a comic book series of the same name. It follows a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies called "walkers". Beyond the constant threat of walkers, the survivors must also contend with other human groups vying for resources and power, often resulting in conflict. This show is the flagship series of "The Walking Dead" franchise.
1994: The Shawshank Redemption is Released
Frank Darabont directed "The Shawshank Redemption", released in 1994, which featured Jeffrey DeMunn, an actor who would later join the cast of "The Walking Dead".
1999: The Green Mile, Starring Jeffrey DeMunn, is Released
"The Green Mile", another film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Jeffrey DeMunn, who would later appear in "The Walking Dead", was released in 1999.
2001: Release of The Majestic
"The Majestic", another film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Laurie Holden, who would later appear in "The Walking Dead", was released in 2001.
2002: Georgia Implements Tax Incentives for Film Productions
In 2002, Georgia implemented attractive tax incentives to lure large film productions to the state, a move that would later benefit "The Walking Dead".
2007: The Mist, Featuring Future Walking Dead Actors, is Released
"The Mist", a film directed by Frank Darabont and featuring several actors who would later star in "The Walking Dead", was released in 2007.
January 20, 2010: The Walking Dead Receives Pilot Order
On January 20, 2010, AMC officially greenlit a pilot episode for "The Walking Dead", based on the comic book series and with Frank Darabont at the helm.
May 15, 2010: Filming Begins for the Pilot Episode
Filming for the pilot episode of "The Walking Dead" began on May 15, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the start of the show's production.
June 2, 2010: Production Begins on Remaining Episodes of Season One
Production for the remaining episodes of the first season of "The Walking Dead" began on June 2, 2010, with Frank Darabont serving as showrunner.
June 14, 2010: International Broadcast Rights Announcement
The international broadcast rights for The Walking Dead were sold, it was revealed on June 14, 2010.
July 23, 2010: Pilot Screening at San Diego Comic-Con
On July 23, 2010, scenes from The Walking Dead pilot were shown at the San Diego Comic-Con.
August 31, 2010: The Walking Dead is Renewed for a Second Season
On August 31, 2010, "The Walking Dead" received an early renewal for a second season, a testament to the anticipation and positive buzz surrounding the show.
October 26, 2010: Global Zombie Invasion Event
On October 26, 2010, as part of a large-scale campaign to promote the premiere of The Walking Dead, AMC and Fox International Channels staged a worldwide zombie invasion event in 26 major cities, including Taipei, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles.
October 31, 2010: The Walking Dead Premieres
On October 31, 2010, The Walking Dead premiered on AMC, captivating audiences with its post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies.
November 8, 2010: AMC Confirms 13-Episode Second Season
On November 8, 2010, AMC officially confirmed that the second season of "The Walking Dead" would consist of 13 episodes, expanding on the show's initial six-episode order.
December 1, 2010: Darabont Dismisses Writing Staff, Sparks Controversy
On December 1, 2010, reports surfaced that Frank Darabont had fired the entire writing staff of "The Walking Dead", including executive producer Charles Eglee, causing a stir in the industry and among fans.
December 3, 2010: Gale Anne Hurd Addresses Writing Staff Changes and Season Two Premiere
On December 3, 2010, Gale Anne Hurd clarified the situation with the writing staff changes, stating that Charles Eglee's departure was due to his commitment to other projects and that the reports of firings were inaccurate. She also revealed that the second season was likely to premiere in October 2011.
2010: American Film Institute Recognition
In 2010, The Walking Dead was recognized as one of the top 10 television programs by the American Film Institute Awards.
2010: Release of Motion Comic and Behind-the-Scenes Content
In 2010, The Walking Dead's official website launched a motion comic based on the first issue of the original comic, voiced by Phil LaMarr, in anticipation of the San Diego Comic-Con. The website also included a making-of documentary focused mostly on the first episode, as well as behind-the-scenes videos and interviews.
2010: Thomas Jane in Talks for Guest Role
In 2010, Thomas Jane, who had worked with Darabont on "The Mist", was in talks for a guest role on "The Walking Dead", but the opportunity fell through after Darabont's departure.
February 2011: Alleged Unfair License Fee Deal
Darabont's lawsuit alleged that AMC presented him with an unfair license fee deal around February 2011, designed to minimize his profit participation despite the series's success.
February 2011: Production Slated to Begin for Season Two
Production for the second season of "The Walking Dead" was scheduled to begin in February 2011, continuing the story of Rick Grimes and his group of survivors.
March 8, 2011: Release of The Walking Dead Season 1 DVD and Blu-ray
On March 8, 2011, the first season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
July 2011: Frank Darabont's Departure
Frank Darabont's unexpected departure as showrunner in July 2011, shortly after the second season's premiere and Comic-Con, sparked surprise. While speculation suggested difficulties adjusting to the television series schedule, The Hollywood Reporter revealed AMC had fired him. Reportedly, production issues arose during the second season, including budget cut disputes and creative differences with AMC.
July 2011: Frank Darabont Exits The Walking Dead
In a shocking turn of events, Frank Darabont was fired from his position as showrunner for "The Walking Dead" in July 2011, sending shockwaves through the show's fanbase and the television industry. The firing was attributed to unethical business practices by AMC executives.
September 2011: Release of Comic Book Style Action Figures
Action figures based on the comic book characters from The Walking Dead were published in September 2011.
October 4, 2011: Release of The Walking Dead Season 1 Special Edition
On October 4, 2011, a three-disc special edition of The Walking Dead's first season, with new featurettes and audio commentaries, was published on DVD and Blu-ray.
October 2011: Projected Premiere Date for Season Two
October 2011 was the projected premiere date for the second season of "The Walking Dead", as revealed by Gale Anne Hurd.
October 16, 2011: "Talking Dead" Premiere
On October 16, 2011, a live television aftershow titled "Talking Dead", hosted by Chris Hardwick, premiered on AMC, following the encore presentation of The Walking Dead's second-season premiere.
November 2011: Release of The Walking Dead Action Figures
In November 2011, action figures based on characters from The Walking Dead were released. The figures, produced by McFarlane Toys, were created to look like the actors in the series.
2011: Multiple Award Nominations
In 2011, The Walking Dead received nominations from various prestigious award ceremonies, including the Writers Guild of America Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Saturn Awards, and the Critics' Choice Television Awards.
2011: "Torn Apart" Web Series Premiere
The Walking Dead's first web series, "Torn Apart", premiered in 2011.
August 28, 2012: Release of The Walking Dead Season 2 on DVD and Blu-ray
On August 28, 2012, the second season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
2012: AMC Reports Losses Despite Show's Popularity
Despite "The Walking Dead" being one of the most popular series, in 2012, following the second season, AMC claimed the series was operating at a significant deficit, a point of contention in Darabont's lawsuit.
2012: The Walking Dead Becomes the Highest-Rated Cable Series
During its third season in 2012, The Walking Dead became the first cable series in television history to have the greatest overall viewership of any series among adults aged 18 to 49 during the fall season.
2012: "Cold Storage" Web Series Premiere
The second web series, "Cold Storage", premiered in 2012.
March 17, 2013: Release of The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1
March 17, 2013, saw the release of "The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1", capturing the show's atmospheric and suspenseful score.
May 31, 2013: Release of Uncut Version of The Walking Dead Season 1 in D-A-CH Region
The European versions of The Walking Dead's first season DVD and Blu-ray were edited for gore, however eOne/WVG re-released the first season in the D-A-CH region on May 31, 2013, as a Special Uncut Version on DVD and Blu-ray.
August 27, 2013: Songs of Survival Soundtrack Released
On August 27, 2013, "Songs of Survival", a soundtrack album featuring music from the third season of "The Walking Dead", was released exclusively at Walmart.
September 2013: Development of Companion Series Begins
AMC began developing the companion series, "Fear the Walking Dead", in September 2013.
December 2013: Darabont Sues AMC
In December 2013, Frank Darabont, along with his agents from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), filed a lawsuit against AMC in a New York court alleging breach of contract.
2013: Darabont Files Initial Lawsuit
Darabont filed his initial lawsuit against AMC in 2013.
2013: The Walking Dead Ranked #8 Sci-Fi Show by TV Guide
In 2013, TV Guide ranked The Walking Dead as the eighth best sci-fi show.
2013: Parody at San Diego Comic-Con
The cast of The Walking Dead watched the popular "La-Bibbida-Bibba-Dum" parody by Bad Lip Reading at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con.
2013: "The Oath" Web Series Premiere
The third web series based on The Walking Dead, "The Oath", premiered in 2013.
March 25, 2014: Release of The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 2
The second volume of the show's soundtrack, "The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 2", was released on March 25, 2014, further immersing fans in the show's sonic landscape.
August 26, 2014: Songs of Survival, Vol. 2 Soundtrack Released
"Songs of Survival, Vol. 2", a soundtrack album featuring music from the fourth season of "The Walking Dead", was released on August 26, 2014, exclusively at Walmart.
October 1, 2014: Broadcast Syndication Rights Acquired by MyNetworkTV
MyNetworkTV purchased the broadcast syndication rights to The Walking Dead, which premiered on October 1, 2014.
October 13, 2014: Premiere of The Walking Dead Season 5, Part 1
On October 13, 2014, the first episode of the fifth season of The Walking Dead was released.
2014: Darabont Files Lawsuit Against AMC
In 2014, Frank Darabont, the former showrunner of The Walking Dead, filed a lawsuit against AMC alleging that the network had deprived him of millions of dollars in profit participation.
2014: The Walking Dead's Fifth-Season Premiere Breaks Cable History
The fifth-season premiere of The Walking Dead drew 17.3 million viewers in 2014, making it the most-watched series episode in cable history.
February 9, 2015: Premiere of The Walking Dead Season 5, Part 2
On February 9, 2015, the second half of the fifth season of The Walking Dead premiered.
March 2015: Two Season Commitment for Companion Series
AMC committed to broadcasting two seasons of "Fear the Walking Dead" in March 2015.
August 2015: Darabont Amends Lawsuit
In August 2015, Darabont requested to amend his original complaint, claiming that AMC further reduced his profits from the second season.
August 23, 2015: "Fear the Walking Dead" Premieres
The companion series to The Walking Dead, "Fear the Walking Dead", premiered on August 23, 2015, focusing on the transition into the zombie outbreak.
August 25, 2015: Release of The Walking Dead Season 5 DVD and Blu-ray
On August 25, 2015, the fifth season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
2015: Release of "The Walking Deceased"
"The Walking Deceased," a parody film inspired by The Walking Dead, was released in 2015.
2015: Controversy Over Diversity in The Walking Dead
Critics have remarked on The Walking Dead's expanding diversity. This strategy was first praised by critics. Lindsay Putnam of the New York Post questioned in 2015 if the program was becoming "too diverse," as the show "seemingly reached critical mass for its nonwhite, nonmale survivors — and now has no choice but to kill them off."
2015: Fear the Walking Dead Premieres
In 2015, "Fear the Walking Dead", the first spin-off of "The Walking Dead" premiered, expanding the world established in the original show.
February 2016: Amendment Granted
The judge granted Darabont's request to amend his lawsuit in February 2016.
August 23, 2016: Release of The Walking Dead Season 6 DVD and Blu-ray
On August 23, 2016, the sixth season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
September 2016: Discovery Phase Ends, Darabont Seeks $280 Million
At the end of the discovery phase in September 2016, Darabont's lawyers stated they were seeking damages of over $280 million.
July 2017: Stuntman John Bernecker Suffers Fatal Injury
During filming of season 8 in July 2017, stuntman John Bernecker sustained a serious head injury and died after falling from a height.
July 2017: AMC Acquires Riverwood Studios
In a strategic move to solidify its production capabilities, AMC purchased Riverwood Studios, the primary filming location for "The Walking Dead", for $8.25 million in July 2017.
July 2017: Summary Judgement Statements Completed
Summary judgement statements in the Darabont case were completed in July 2017.
August 2017: Kirkman, Hurd, Eglee, Mazzara, and Alpert File Lawsuits
In August 2017, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Charles Eglee, Glen Mazzara, and David Alpert filed lawsuits against AMC, citing breach of contract over profits.
August 22, 2017: Release of The Walking Dead Season 7 DVD and Blu-ray
On August 22, 2017, the seventh season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
2017: "Red Machete" Web Series Premiere
The fourth web series, "Red Machete" premiered in 2017.
January 2018: Scott Gimple Promoted, Angela Kang Becomes Showrunner
In January 2018, Scott Gimple, then showrunner of "The Walking Dead", was promoted to Chief Content Officer of the entire Walking Dead franchise. Angela Kang took over as showrunner, beginning with the ninth season.
January 2018: Bernecker's Mother Files Lawsuit
John Bernecker's mother filed a lawsuit in January 2018 against AMC asserting that the production had not taken sufficient precautions to protect Bernecker.
August 21, 2018: Release of The Walking Dead Season 8 DVD and Blu-ray
The eighth season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 21, 2018.
October 2018: AMC Agrees to Provide Documents
During October 2018, AMC agreed to willingly provide necessary documents for discovery in Darabont's second lawsuit.
December 2018: Summary Judgement Denied
In December 2018, the presiding judge ruled against issuing summary judgement in the Darabont case.
2018: Four Web Series Released
By 2018, four web series based on The Walking Dead, namely Torn Apart, Cold Storage, The Oath, and Red Machete, had been released on AMC's website.
February 2019: New Judge Assigned, Cases Consolidated
A new judge was assigned to the Darabont case in February 2019, who joined both the initial 2013 suit and the 2018 suit into a single case.
April 2019: New Limited Series Announced
In April 2019, AMC officially announced the 10-episode limited series created by Scott M. Gimple and Matthew Negrete.
August 20, 2019: Release of The Walking Dead Season 9 DVD and Blu-ray
On August 20, 2019, the ninth season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
December 2019: AMC Files for Summary Judgement
AMC filed a new request for summary judgement of the Darabont case in December 2019.
December 2019: Jury Awards Bernecker's Family $8.6 Million
The trial for the Bernecker lawsuit was held during December 2019, with the jury awarding Bernecker's family US$8.6 million in damages on December 19.
February 10, 2020: Jury Trial Begins
The jury trial for Darabont's lawsuit against AMC commenced on February 10, 2020.
March 2020: Hearings on Contractual Terms
Initial hearings over the contractual terms of the "modified adjusted gross receipts" in the Kirkman et al. case were held in February and March 2020.
April 2020: AMC's Summary Judgement Denied Again
The judge denied AMC summary judgement in the second Darabont suit for the additional US$10 million in April 2020.
May 2020: Expected Trial Date
The combined Darabont case was expected to be heard in May 2020.
July 2020: Preliminary Victory for AMC
In July 2020, the court ruled that AMC had followed the contractual terms in calculating "modified adjusted gross receipts," giving the network a preliminary victory.
October 4, 2020: Premiere of Limited Series
On October 4, 2020, the 10-episode limited series focusing on the first generation of children growing up during the zombie apocalypse premiered.
December 13, 2020: The Walking Dead Holiday Special Premiere
Chris Hardwick hosted The Walking Dead Holiday Special, which premiered on December 13, 2020. The special featured cast members from the show and served to promote it and reflect on the franchise's history.
December 2020: Announcement of The Walking Dead Holiday Special
AMC announced in December 2020 that Chris Hardwick will host a special for the show called The Walking Dead Holiday Special, which would feature appearances by numerous cast members.
2020: The Walking Dead in "Magic: The Gathering"
In 2020, Wizards of the Coast collaborated with AMC to incorporate characters and elements from The Walking Dead into the "Secret Lair" card set for the collectible card game, "Magic: The Gathering".
2020: Premiere of The Walking Dead: World Beyond
The year 2020 saw the premiere of "The Walking Dead: World Beyond", a spin-off series set in the same universe as "The Walking Dead".
May 20, 2021: Announcement of The Walking Dead Final Season Release on Disney+
Following the termination of the Fox channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it was revealed on May 20, 2021 that the eleventh and final season of The Walking Dead will instead be distributed on the Star hub on Disney+ the day after episodes air in the United States.
July 2021: AMC Settles with Darabont and CAA
By July 2021, AMC reported they had settled with Darabont and CAA for $200 million and future royalty payments.
July 20, 2021: Release of The Walking Dead Season 10 DVD and Blu-ray
On July 20, 2021, the tenth season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray.
October 2021: Anthology Series Greenlit
In October 2021, AMC officially greenlit the six-episode anthology series.
December 5, 2021: Conclusion of Limited Series
The limited series, which ran for two seasons, concluded on December 5, 2021.
March 2022: Spinoff Series Greenlit
AMC officially greenlit the spinoff series, "Isle of the Dead", in March 2022.
April 2022: Summary Judgement in Favor of AMC
The court issued its final ruling in April 2022, granting summary judgment in favor of AMC in the Kirkman et al. lawsuit.
August 14, 2022: Premiere of Anthology Series
The six-episode episodic anthology series premiered on August 14, 2022, featuring new and existing characters within The Walking Dead universe.
August 2022: Spinoff Series Renamed
The spinoff series, originally titled "Isle of the Dead", was renamed as "The Walking Dead: Dead City" in August 2022.
September 18, 2022: Anthology Series Concludes
The anthology series concluded on September 18, 2022.
November 20, 2022: The Walking Dead Airs its Final Episode
On November 20, 2022, The Walking Dead aired its final episode, concluding an eleven-season run that redefined the zombie genre on television.
2022: Tales of the Walking Dead Premieres
2022 marked the premiere of "Tales of the Walking Dead", an anthology series exploring individual stories set within the Walking Dead universe.
March 14, 2023: Release of The Walking Dead Season 11 DVD and Blu-ray
The eleventh season of The Walking Dead was released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 14, 2023.
April 2023: Development Announced for "More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe"
The development of a series entitled "More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe" was announced in April 2023.
June 18, 2023: "The Walking Dead: Dead City" Premieres
On June 18, 2023, the spinoff series, initially titled "Isle of the Dead" and later renamed "The Walking Dead: Dead City," starring Cohan and Morgan as Maggie and Negan, premiered.
July 2023: Renewal for Second Season
"The Walking Dead: Dead City" was renewed for a second season in July 2023.
July 2023: Daryl Spinoff Renewed
The Daryl spinoff was renewed for a second season in July 2023.
September 10, 2023: Daryl Spinoff Premieres
The Daryl-focused spinoff series premiered on September 10, 2023.
November 19, 2023: "Fear the Walking Dead" Ends
On November 19, 2023, "Fear the Walking Dead" concluded after eight seasons.
2023: New Spin-offs Premiere: Dead City and Daryl Dixon
2023 saw the premiere of two new spin-offs: "The Walking Dead: Dead City" and "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon", further expanding the franchise.
February 25, 2024: Premiere of Rick and Michonne Series
The six-episode series featuring Rick and Michonne premiered on February 25, 2024.
2024: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live to Premiere
"The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live", another spin-off, is set to premiere in 2024, continuing the storylines of popular characters.
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