Ever since its debut in 2010,The Walking Deadhas become one of the biggest television franchises of the modern era, and its newest show is finally streaming on Netflix. The main series concluded in 2022, but the story has continued through a variety of spinoffs, with Rick and Michonne finally returning in 2024’sThe Ones Who Live. AfterAndrew Lincoln leftThe Walking Deadin season 9, it became unclear if he’d ever return, as his character was never officially killed off. Additionally, Danai Gurira departed the show the following season, leaving it without two major stars.
GivenRick and Michonne were among the longest-survivingWalking Deadcharacters still around before their exits, their absence was very noticeable, and it meant the narrative had to pivot massively. The series did manage to offer a somewhat satisfying finale, butThe Walking Deadseason 11’s endingmade it clear Rick and Michonne’s journeys were still unfinished. Initial plans hinted at Rick’s return happening through a movie series, but as plans changed,The Ones Who Livewas born and reunited the protagonist with Michonne. Now, the limited series is available to stream on Netflix, and it’s definitely worth a watch.
The Franchise’s Latest Spinoff Is A Love Story That Brings Rick & Michonne Together For The First Time In Years
As Netflix’s library ofWalking Deadshows continues to grow,The Ones Who Liveis the latest project to hit the platform. The story initially focuses on Rick’s turbulent time as part of the CRM and his desperate attempts to escape the villainous faction, as well as Michonne’s long search for her partner. Thankfully, the spinoff doesn’t waste too much time before reuniting the central characters, with the narrative shifting to highlight the strength of their relationship despite spending years apart, alongside how their love can overcome anything, including one ofThe Walking Dead’s most deadly factions.
10 Walking Dead Characters Who Appear In The Most Episodes (Including Spinoffs)
The Walking Dead has had plenty of memorable survivors over the years, but some lasted way longer than others while appearing in multiple spinoffs.
Having not seen each other for around a decade, their relationship is tested as they continue searching for a way out of the secret community, attempting to earn their freedom even after Rick’s mentality is weakened through his time with the CRM. AlthoughThe Ones Who Livelacks zombies, they still pose a mild threat, while the Civic Republic Military acts as the main obstacle for the protagonists to overcome. As a result,Rick and Michonne’s ability to stick together and fight against the odds creates plenty of gripping dramaand mental challenges that are hard to look away from.
Why TWD: The Ones Who Live Is Worth Watching (Even If You Stopped Watching The Main Show)
The Ones Who Live Doesn’t Require Viewers To Be Caught Up On The Overall Story
Despite its incredible popularity during its peak, many fans stopped watching the original series before it ended for a variety of reasons, butThe Ones Who Liveis still worth watching regardless. Even for those not caught up onThe Walking Dead, Rick and Michonne’s spinoff is still easy to understand. The show instantly sets the scene by recapping some major events, mainly the bridge incident that caused Rick’s disappearance alongside Michonne leaving Alexandria in search of him. From there, the rest of the story is mostly self-contained and doesn’t require any knowledge of the latter seasons.
Giving two fan favorites the spotlight once again paid off, as Danai Gurira and Andrew Lincoln’s phenomenal performances feel likeThe Walking Deadat its best.
Additionally,Rick and Michonne’s excellent reunionis easily one of the franchise’s most heartwarming moments, and given they’ve both been major characters for so long, it provides some real nostalgia. Giving two fan favorites the spotlight once again paid off, as Danai Gurira and Andrew Lincoln’s phenomenal performances feel likeThe Walking Deadat its best. Their chemistry is undeniable, and with the story being full of drama and emotion, there’s a lot to like aboutThe Ones Who Live.
While the spinoff can be a little inconsistent at times, its six episodes are some of the best TV the zombie universe has produced in years, and even if it doesn’t get viewers back intoThe Walking Dead, Rick and Michonne’s limited series is worthwhile simply to see where the characters end up.The Ones Who Liveis the perfect payoff to those who have spent years waiting for Lincoln and Gurira’s return, and for many it’s the perfect ending to their story, making the spinoff a must-watch forTWDfans.
The Walking Deadhas had plenty of spinoffs over the years, butThe Ones Who Livelooks to have cemented the number one spot.Daryl Dixonis easily its closest competition as the French setting gave it a truly unique vibe. It is different from any otherWalking Deadproject, but while season 1 was really solid, the second season dipped in quality slightly. The show is still great and another adventure worth watching, butThe Ones Who Liveremains more consistent across the board.
Dead Citywas the first spinoff to debut after the original series ended, and while it’s also a fun experience, the first season felt similar to what we’d seen before. Maggie and Negan reluctantly working together was already explored inThe Walking Dead’s final season, and withDead City’s first outing failing to resolve the duo’s tensions, it felt more like a set-up for season 2, meaning its ceiling is still unknown.Fear the Walking Deadstarted great, but it seemed to fall off somewhere along the way and felt a little underwhelming when it was all said and done.
The Walking Dead Is Changing In 2025, But The Story Is Far From Over
After a busy 2 years, The Walking Dead looks set for a somewhat quieter time in 2025. Nevertheless, the zombie franchise still has an exciting future.
World BeyondandTales of the Walking Deadboth failed to leave a lasting impression, while the franchise’s webseries don’t count as proper spinoffs. As a result,The Ones Who Liveremains the standard for other projects to try and surpass, as its opening episode is the closest any recent show has come to matching the franchise’s peak. Its memorable performances, stunning cinematography, and jaw-dropping action put it ahead of the other spinoffs, butDaryl DixonandDead Citystill have the chance to eclipse Rick and Michonne’s series as they both have upcoming seasons on the way.
Dead Cityseason 2 is set to be released in Spring 2025 andDaryl Dixonseason 3 is also confirmed for sometime in 2025.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live follows Rick Grimes and Michonne as they navigate a transformed world that challenges their relationship. Separated by distance and facing an unstoppable force, they strive to reunite and rediscover their identities in this continuation of the Walking Dead universe.
