For over a decade, The Walking Dead has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping portrayal of survival in a zombie apocalypse. Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic book series, this AMC hit show has delivered unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and intense walker action. Whether you’re a long-time fan looking to revisit your favorite moments or a newcomer eager to dive into the walker-infested world, this comprehensive Walking Dead Episode Guide is your ultimate resource.
This guide will walk you through every season and episode of The Walking Dead, providing you with a clear roadmap of Rick Grimes’ journey and the ever-evolving landscape of the undead world. Prepare yourself to relive the terror, the triumphs, and the heart-wrenching losses that define this iconic series. Let’s delve into the complete Walking Dead experience.
Season 8
Season 8 of The Walking Dead marks a pivotal point in the series, focusing heavily on the “All Out War” storyline against Negan and the Saviors. The communities of Alexandria, Hilltop, and the Kingdom unite to challenge Negan’s oppressive rule, leading to large-scale battles and significant character moments.
Episode 1: Mercy
The season premiere kicks off the “All Out War” with a coordinated attack on the Sanctuary. Rick rallies the allied communities for a preemptive strike against Negan, aiming to cripple the Saviors’ leadership and infrastructure.
Episode 2: The Damned
The battle continues as the allied forces push deeper into Savior territory. Multiple teams engage in skirmishes at different Savior outposts, facing resistance and moral dilemmas along the way.
Episode 3: Monsters
Moral lines blur as the war intensifies. The episode explores the difficult choices characters must make in wartime, questioning who are truly the “monsters” in this conflict.
Episode 4: Some Guy
Ezekiel and Carol find themselves in a precarious situation after an ambush. Ezekiel’s leadership and optimism are tested as he faces heavy losses and the harsh realities of war.
Episode 5: The Big Scary U
This episode delves into the Savior perspective, showing events at the Sanctuary and focusing on Negan and Gabriel trapped together. Intrigue and power struggles within the Savior ranks begin to surface.
Episode 6: The King, the Widow and Rick
Political alliances and personal grief take center stage. Rick and Daryl embark on a mission, while tensions rise at the Hilltop and the Kingdom grapples with recent losses.
Episode 7: Time for After
Negan attempts to regain control at the Sanctuary, which is under siege by walkers. Rick’s plan faces complications, and desperate measures are considered.
Episode 8: How It’s Gotta Be
The mid-season finale brings devastating consequences as the Saviors launch a counterattack. Alexandria and the Kingdom suffer heavy blows, and major characters face life-threatening situations.
Negan, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, in a tense moment from The Walking Dead Season 8. His complex character and leadership of the Saviors are central to the “All Out War” arc.
Episode 9: Honor
The aftermath of the Savior attack is explored. Characters grapple with loss and make difficult decisions about the future of the war and their communities.
Episode 10: The Lost and the Plunderers
Focus shifts to Oceanside and the junkyard group. The episode examines the consequences of past actions and the search for resources in a depleted world.
Episode 11: Dead or Alive Or
Desperate journeys and difficult choices define this episode. Groups travel to different locations, facing walkers and internal conflicts as resources dwindle.
Episode 12: The Key
Intrigue and new possibilities emerge with the introduction of Georgie and her group. Rick encounters a mysterious woman who offers a potential key to the future in exchange for supplies and knowledge.
Episode 13: Do Not Send Us Astray
The Saviors launch another attack on the Hilltop. The community must defend itself against a walker horde and Savior forces, testing their defenses and resilience.
Episode 14: Still Gotta Mean Something
Moral ambiguities and the cost of war are further explored. Rick and Morgan find themselves in a compromising situation and must confront their differing philosophies.
Episode 15: Worth
Power dynamics within the Saviors shift as Simon makes a move against Negan. Dwight’s loyalties are tested, and alliances begin to crumble.
Episode 16: Wrath
The season finale culminates in the final showdown of “All Out War.” The allied communities and the Saviors engage in a decisive battle that will determine the fate of their world.
Season 7
Season 7 of The Walking Dead introduces Negan and his group, the Saviors, in a brutal and impactful way. The season focuses on the aftermath of Negan’s devastating introduction, as Rick and the survivors are forced to live under his oppressive rule and navigate a new world order.
Episode 1: The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be
The season premiere is infamous for its shocking and violent introduction of Negan. The episode reveals the victims of Negan’s lineup and sets a dark and oppressive tone for the season.
Episode 2: The Well
A glimpse of hope and a new community is introduced with the Kingdom and its charismatic leader, Ezekiel. Carol and Morgan find refuge in this seemingly idyllic but carefully constructed society.
Episode 3: The Cell
Daryl is held captive by the Saviors and experiences Negan’s methods firsthand. The episode explores Daryl’s resilience and Negan’s psychological manipulation tactics.
Episode 4: Service
The Saviors pay their first visit to Alexandria to collect tribute. Rick and the Alexandrians are forced to submit to Negan’s demands, highlighting their vulnerability and the new power dynamic.
Episode 5: Go Getters
Maggie and Sasha seek refuge at the Hilltop, where they encounter Gregory’s self-serving leadership and the community’s internal tensions.
Episode 6: Swear
Tara stumbles upon a new community called Oceanside, a group fiercely protective of their isolation and harboring secrets of their own.
Episode 7: Sing Me a Song
Carl infiltrates the Sanctuary, seeking to confront Negan. The episode provides a deeper look into the Savior compound and Negan’s twisted sense of order.
Episode 8: Hearts Still Beating
The mid-season finale brings together multiple storylines as Rick returns to Alexandria and events escalate towards a breaking point with Negan and the Saviors.
Episode 9: Rock in the Road
Rick begins to rally support against Negan, seeking allies from the Kingdom and the Hilltop. The seeds of rebellion are sown as Rick searches for a way to fight back.
Episode 10: New Best Friends
Rick’s group encounters a mysterious and large group called the Scavengers, led by Jadis. An uneasy alliance is formed, highlighting the desperation for allies in the fight against the Saviors.
Episode 11: Hostiles and Calamities
Eugene is taken to the Sanctuary and attempts to adapt to life among the Saviors. His intelligence and survival instincts are tested in this new environment.
Episode 12: Say Yes
Rick and Michonne go on a supply run, strengthening their bond and facing walkers together. The episode offers a brief respite from the oppressive Savior storyline.
Episode 13: Bury Me Here
Tragedy strikes the Kingdom when the Saviors’ demands lead to a devastating loss. Ezekiel’s pacifist approach is challenged, and the reality of war inches closer to the Kingdom.
Episode 14: The Other Side
Sasha and Rosita take matters into their own hands, embarking on a dangerous mission to assassinate Negan, driven by grief and a desire for revenge.
Episode 15: Something They Need
Oceanside is forced to contribute to the coming war against the Saviors. Tara’s past actions come to light, and alliances are tested.
Episode 16: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
The season finale sets the stage for “All Out War” as Rick’s alliances come together to confront Negan. Betrayal, sacrifice, and a glimmer of hope mark the beginning of the fight.
Season 6
Season 6 of The Walking Dead is marked by significant expansion of the world and growing threats both from walkers and other human groups. The Alexandria Safe-Zone faces internal and external challenges, culminating in a terrifying encounter with the Saviors.
Episode 1: First Time Again
Alexandria faces a massive walker horde threatening to breach its walls. Rick takes charge, implementing a risky plan to redirect the horde, showcasing his leadership and the community’s growing capabilities.
Episode 2: JSS
A sudden and brutal attack on Alexandria by the Wolves tests the community’s defenses and preparedness. Carol and Morgan’s contrasting philosophies on violence are highlighted amidst the chaos.
Episode 3: Thank You
The aftermath of the Wolves’ attack continues as Rick and others deal with the immediate threats and lingering dangers outside Alexandria’s walls.
Episode 4: Here’s Not Here
A flashback episode delves into Morgan’s backstory, revealing his transformation from a broken man to a skilled fighter under the guidance of Eastman.
Episode 5: Now
Alexandria grapples with the walker horde surrounding them and internal anxieties. The community’s resilience and the bonds between its members are tested.
Episode 6: Always Accountable
Daryl, Abraham, and Sasha encounter trouble on a supply run, leading to a confrontation with a new group and Daryl’s capture.
Episode 7: Heads Up
Tensions rise within Alexandria as the walker horde remains a constant threat. A shocking event underscores the precariousness of their situation.
Episode 8: Start to Finish
The walker horde breaches Alexandria’s walls, forcing the survivors to take refuge and fight for survival within the Safe-Zone itself.
Episode 9: No Way Out
The mid-season premiere delivers intense walker action and significant character moments as the Alexandrians fight back against the overwhelming horde.
Episode 10: The Next World
A lighter episode follows Rick and Daryl on a supply run where they encounter the charming and enigmatic Jesus, hinting at new communities and possibilities.
Episode 11: Knots Untie
The group travels to the Hilltop Colony, a thriving community led by Gregory. They learn about the Saviors and Negan, foreshadowing a major conflict.
Episode 12: Not Tomorrow Yet
Rick’s group decides to preemptively strike the Saviors to protect Alexandria and the Hilltop, leading to their first direct confrontation with Negan’s forces.
Episode 13: The Same Boat
Carol and Maggie are captured by a group of Saviors. The episode focuses on their captivity and their resourcefulness in escaping a dangerous situation.
Episode 14: Twice as Far
Tragedy strikes as the Saviors retaliate, leading to a devastating loss for the Alexandrians and highlighting the escalating conflict.
Episode 15: East
Daryl seeks revenge, putting himself in danger. Rick and others search for him, and the threat of Negan and the Saviors looms larger than ever.
Episode 16: Last Day on Earth
The season finale culminates in the infamous lineup scene. Rick’s group is ambushed by the Saviors and brought before Negan, setting the stage for a new era of terror and oppression.
Season 5
Season 5 of The Walking Dead sees the survivors moving beyond Terminus and searching for a true safe haven. They face new threats, both human and walker, and grapple with the psychological toll of their experiences.
Episode 1: No Sanctuary
The season premiere picks up immediately after the events of Terminus. Carol launches a rescue mission, and the group fights their way out of the cannibalistic community.
Episode 2: Strangers
The survivors encounter Father Gabriel and find temporary shelter in his church. However, new threats and mistrust quickly emerge.
Episode 3: Four Walls and a Roof
The cannibals from Terminus track down Rick’s group to the church. A brutal confrontation ensues as Rick and his group defend themselves.
Episode 4: Slabtown
Beth awakens in a hospital in Atlanta, run by a group of police officers and doctors with their own rigid system and questionable motives.
Episode 5: Self Help
Abraham’s group continues their mission to Washington D.C., facing obstacles and learning more about Eugene’s supposed cure.
Episode 6: Consumed
A flashback episode focuses on Carol and Daryl’s journey back to Atlanta. They confront their past traumas and strengthen their bond.
Episode 7: Crossed
Plans are made to rescue Beth from the hospital. Different groups prepare for the rescue mission, highlighting the risks and complexities involved.
Episode 8: Coda
The mid-season finale culminates in a tense standoff at the hospital. The rescue attempt for Beth has tragic consequences, leading to heartbreak and loss.
Episode 9: What Happened and What’s Going On
The group travels to Noah’s home community, only to find it overrun and destroyed. They face another devastating loss and grapple with despair.
Episode 10: Them
The survivors face starvation and exhaustion on the road, struggling to survive the elements and their inner demons.
Episode 11: The Distance
A glimmer of hope appears when the group encounters Aaron, who invites them to join the Alexandria Safe-Zone, a seemingly secure community.
Episode 12: Remember
The group arrives at Alexandria and undergoes interviews to determine if they can be integrated into the community. Adjusting to a “normal” life proves challenging.
Episode 13: Forget
The Alexandrians throw a welcome party, but unease and distrust linger. Carol observes the community and recognizes its weaknesses.
Episode 14: Spend
A supply run to scavenge for parts goes horribly wrong, resulting in more losses for the group and highlighting the dangers outside Alexandria’s walls.
Episode 15: Try
Tensions within Alexandria escalate as Pete’s abusive behavior comes to a head. Rick intervenes, leading to conflict with the community’s rules and leadership.
Episode 16: Conquer
The season finale brings internal and external threats to Alexandria. A community meeting, a walker attack, and Rick’s actions reshape the future of the Safe-Zone.
Season 3
Season 3 of The Walking Dead introduces the prison and Woodbury, expanding the world and pitting survivor groups against each other in a fight for resources and survival.
Episode 1: Seed
Rick’s group searches for a new, secure location and discovers a prison. They begin the dangerous process of clearing it of walkers to make it their new home.
Episode 2: Sick
The challenges of securing the prison become apparent as Hershel suffers a walker bite. The group faces immediate threats and the need for medical supplies.
Episode 3: Walk with Me
Andrea and Michonne encounter a seemingly peaceful town called Woodbury, led by the charismatic Governor. A stark contrast to the harsh realities outside is presented.
Episode 4: Killer Within
Tragedy strikes the prison as walkers breach the defenses, resulting in devastating losses and testing the group’s resilience.
Episode 5: Say the Word
Rick grapples with grief, while Daryl steps up to lead. Meanwhile, Michonne becomes increasingly suspicious of Woodbury and the Governor.
Episode 6: Hounded
Michonne uncovers disturbing truths about Woodbury. Andrea’s loyalty to the Governor is tested, and Rick receives a phone call, offering a strange glimmer of hope.
Episode 7: When the Dead Come Knocking
The Governor’s true nature is revealed as he captures Glenn and Maggie. Rick’s group prepares to rescue them, setting the stage for conflict between the prison and Woodbury.
Episode 8: Made to Suffer
Rick’s group launches a raid on Woodbury to rescue Glenn and Maggie. Chaos and violence erupt, and new characters are introduced into the mix.
Episode 9: The Suicide King
The aftermath of the Woodbury raid is explored. Tensions rise within both communities, and the conflict between Rick and the Governor escalates.
Episode 10: Home
The Governor retaliates against the prison, launching an attack that tests the group’s defenses and resolve.
Episode 11: I Ain’t a Judas
Andrea travels between Woodbury and the prison, attempting to broker peace. However, the Governor’s manipulative nature and Rick’s distrust make it increasingly difficult.
Episode 12: Clear
Rick, Carl, and Michonne encounter a heavily fortified town and a familiar face – Morgan. They witness the extreme measures people take to survive in this world.
Episode 13: Arrow on the Doorpost
Rick and the Governor meet to negotiate a truce. However, their underlying animosity and distrust threaten to derail any possibility of peace.
Episode 14: Prey
Andrea attempts to escape Woodbury after realizing the Governor’s true intentions. A dangerous chase ensues as the Governor seeks to prevent her from leaving.
Episode 15: The Sorrowful Life
The Governor launches a final, devastating attack on the prison. The battle is brutal and results in significant casualties on both sides.
Episode 16: Welcome to the Tombs
The season finale concludes the conflict between the prison and Woodbury. The survivors face the aftermath of the battle and make decisions about their future and the fate of both communities.
This Walking Dead episode guide offers a journey through the initial seasons of this groundbreaking series. As you continue through each season, remember that The Walking Dead is more than just a zombie show; it’s a story about human resilience, morality, and the enduring bonds that connect us, even in the face of unimaginable horror. Enjoy your journey through the apocalypse!
