The Walking Dead is an acclaimed AMC show that first aired in 2010. It follows Sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes as he awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. Since then, the show has gone on to release 12 seasons, garnering a large and devoted fanbase. With such an expansive series, there are bound to be some episodes that don't live up to the same level of quality as the others. Here, we will rank the worst episodes of The Walking Dead, in order to give viewers a better idea of which episodes to avoid.
Naturally, when ranking the worst episodes of The Walking Dead, we must take into account a variety of factors. We will look at the overall pacing, writing, and character development, as well as how much of an impact the episode had on the overall series. We will also take into consideration the fan reactions to the episodes, and how they have held up over time.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the worst episodes of The Walking Dead and see what they have to offer. From poor writing to uninspired characters, these episodes are sure to disappoint.
Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 16, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Daryl and Dog get captured by the Reapers. Taken to the Meridian, they reconnect with a familiar figure from their past.
The episode was rated 7.18 from 1829 votes.
Someone stumbles upon a brand new society unlike anything seen before.
The episode was rated 7.16 from 9304 votes.
With things looking up for Rick and the group, an argument breaks out at the Hilltop; the consequences of the decision are life versus death.
The episode was rated 7.15 from 5759 votes.
Still paranoid Alexandrians get riled up over the Whisperers and take their fear out on Negan; back at Hilltop, the group deals with an unexpected safety issue.
The episode was rated 7.14 from 3107 votes.
Eugene looks for Stephanie; Connie investigates a story on Trooper Davis; Carol helps Hornsby.
The episode was rated 7.14 from 1562 votes.
Gabriel and Aaron search for food and supplies to bring back to Alexandria. Small tragedies lead to bigger tragedies as faith is broken and optimism is fragmented when they are put to the ultimate test.
The episode was rated 7.05 from 2164 votes.
The origins of Alpha and Beta are revealed; Alpha attempts to toughen up Lydia as they prepare to walk with the dead; the Whisperers create their herds.
The episode was rated 7.04 from 3241 votes.
An adventure for Daryl and Carol turns sideways when they come across an old cabin. It takes Daryl back to the years when he left the group after Rick disappeared as he relives a time that only the apocalypse could manifest.
The episode was rated 6.69 from 2160 votes.
Eugene, Ezekiel, Yumiko and Princess are captured and separated. Princess struggles with memories of her traumatic past and tries to escape one way or another with the help of Ezekiel.
The episode was rated 6.64 from 2171 votes.
Daryl and Carol come to a fork in the road and head their separate ways. Each going into their own type of survival mode, the easiest of challenges become much harder. Will their individual journeys be the tipping point needed to mend their friendship, or is the distance between them permanent?
The episode was rated 5.98 from 2164 votes.
