The Walking Dead: Understanding the Absence of Season 12

Exploring the reasons behind AMC's decision not to renew The Walking Dead for season 12.
The Walking Dead: Understanding the Absence of Season 12

Highlights

  • Season 11 marked the end of The Walking Dead, surprising fans who anticipated its indefinite continuation.
  • Despite the show's conclusion, The Walking Dead franchise lives on through spin-offs featuring beloved characters.
  • AMC's choice to conclude the series was influenced by declining ratings and the high production costs.

When AMC's The Walking Dead announced that season 11 would be its final installment, it caught many fans off guard. From its compelling villains to the pivotal character Beth Greene (Emily Kinney), the show seemed poised for longevity. Since its premiere in October 2010, The Walking Dead has been a cultural phenomenon, remaining a hot topic even after its November 2022 series finale.

While all good things must come to an end, the enduring The Walking Dead franchise continues through various spin-offs. Although season 12 didn't materialize, enthusiasts of the comic book series and the AMC show can still indulge in thrilling narratives featuring their favorite characters.

The Decision Behind The Absence of The Walking Dead Season 12

The absence of The Walking Dead season 12 stemmed from AMC's choice to conclude the beloved TV series. Showrunner Scott Gimple expressed his difficulty accepting the show's conclusion, mentioning that it all seemed to transpire too swiftly. He remarked:

Gimple also emphasized:

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in November 2022, the show's ratings waned over time. While the season 6 finale attracted 10 million viewers, the number dwindled to under 2 million for same-day viewers. In September 2020, AMC decided not to proceed with The Walking Dead season 12 due to declining viewership and the show's substantial production expenses.

The announcement of the show's conclusion coincided with news of several spin-offs. The most notable among these is Fear The Walking Dead, which continues to be a topic of deliberation among fans. Additionally, the prequel Fear The Walking Dead: Dead in the Water came and went without significant fanfare.

However, several years ago, there was a sense that the team would have welcomed the opportunity to create The Walking Dead season 12. At a PGA panel in 2014, producer David Alpert expressed:

The Conclusion of The Walking Dead

In the final episode of The Walking Dead, titled