The downfall of ‘The Walking Dead’ 

If there’s one show known globally, it’s ‘The Walking Dead’, adapted from the graphic novel by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore; the show provided viewers with immersive and emotional storytelling, which inevitably guaranteed the show’s immediate success.

However, due to the long-running time, viewers were only left to feel disappointed with the problems with pacing, ruined character arcs and unrealistic scenarios. The deterioration in the quality of story writing immensely impacted the average views. Despite the average viewers per episode doubling by season five, there was a drastic drop in engagement by seasons 7 and 8, as the average viewers more than halved.

Despite it later leaving fans disappointed, the series was an instant smash and became one of the most popular shows in history; some argue that due to its success, there was a surge in the development of zombie media with the release of games and movies such as ‘The Last Of Us’, ‘Shaun Of The Dead’, ‘World War Z’ and many more. Although there was an increase in the production within zombie media, it is arguable that the success of ‘The Walking Dead’ had topped all. Audiences believe the show’s recognisable success was due to its themes, fandom investments and, most importantly, its overall message. The violent nature of the characters is constantly explored throughout the show. However, this is often challenged as the characters are left to question both their own and each other’s morality, which links the overarching theme of the series to forgiveness.

The series begins centred around Rick Grimes, a sheriff from Atlanta, Georgia; the audience is then taken on a journey of unpredictable twists and turns as the characters are forced to go through tests of strength and endurance to ensure the safety of themselves and the people they love. Although the gore and violence are evident throughout the show, it still could build relationships, attracting larger audiences as it enticed millions of fans who were not typically allured by the visceral nature of the show.

By the eighth season of the series, there was an unpredictable decline in both the show’s popularity and audience engagement; this is primarily believed to be because the show began to unnecessarily kill characters that were integral to the plot whilst also tarnishing key relationships that were previously established during the show. Many fans were shocked by the deaths of characters such as Glenn Rhee and Carl Grimes. Although many characters had the same deaths within the graphic novel, viewers developed a sense of distrust towards AMC, resulting in fans becoming dissatisfied with various outcomes of the show and altogether abandoning it despite their initial loyalty. 

By Alysha

Winchmore School Newsroom

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