The Walking Dead Universe: What’s Next for the Beloved Zombie Franchise in 2025

The Evolution of The Walking Dead Franchise

Three years after the conclusion of the original series in 2022, The Walking Dead universe continues to thrive with multiple spinoff series keeping fans engaged. A retrospective panel at Mipcom marked the 15th anniversary of the TV series’ premiere on AMC Network, celebrating the franchise’s remarkable longevity and cultural impact.

The beloved zombie apocalypse saga, based on Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels, has evolved from a single series into a sprawling television universe. Spinoffs have guaranteed the future of the franchise as newer outings have continued the stories beyond the series finale’s credits, opening up new chapters for characters like Daryl Dixon, Carol Peletier, Maggie Rhee, Negan, Michonne and Rick Grimes.

What’s Coming in 2025

In 2025, fans will get The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2, followed by Daryl Dixon season 3. Dead City Season 2 aired earlier this year and will land on Netflix on Wednesday, December 31st, following the season’s initial run on AMC which premiered back in May 2025. The eight-episode season sees Maggie and Negan once again at odds in a battle for control of Manhattan.

Meanwhile, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3 premiered on September 7, 2025, continuing the adventures of fan-favourite Daryl in France alongside Carol. However, bittersweet news emerged when Daryl Dixon was renewed in July for a final fourth season that is in production in Spain, signalling the end of this particular chapter.

The Franchise’s Future Beyond 2025

The Walking Dead: Dead City has been renewed for Season 3 at AMC, a little less than a month after the Season 2 finale which premiered on June 22. The renewal comes with a creative shake-up, as Seth Hoffman is set to helm the show’s third season, bringing his experience from the original series.

Despite some uncertainty about the franchise’s direction, Scott Gimple, the steward of the Walking Dead universe, said the most recent spinoff series is but one example of the additional material to come from the universe. The message is clear: while individual shows may conclude, The Walking Dead universe itself has many more stories to tell, ensuring fans won’t be saying goodbye to this post-apocalyptic world anytime soon.