The Walking Dead’s latest spinoff delay proves the main show must return with season 12, resolving the problem while providing a worthwhile future.The Walking Deadseries finalesawthe original show branch off into various spinoffs.This includes the ongoingDead CityandDaryl Dixon, alongside the finished miniseriesThe Ones Who Live.
Dead Cityseason 2 endedin June 2025, while theupcomingDaryl Dixonseason 3will be returning to AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, September 7. Both shows act as ongoing continuations of stories from the original series, though far-removed from one another. But they also prove why season 12 of the main series has to happen someday.
The Spinoffs Are Being Filmed At A Much Different Pace
While the ongoing spinoffs are centered around familiar characters, they’ve had very different histories since premiering in 2023. WhileDaryl Dixonhas managed to put out one new season every September,Dead Cityhad a two-year delay between seasons 1 and 2. This is because bothDead CityandDaryl Dixonhave had strikingly different production schedules.
Daryl Dixonseason 2 began production not long after season 1 was completed, with filming being far enough along that the 2023 Hollywood strikes didn’t impact its production much. Season 3 has also already been filmed, with season 4 in production as of writing. Thecast ofDaryl Dixonhas been consistently filming new episodes on a regular basis.
Daryl Dixonwas also renewed for season 2 before season 1 aired.
Meanwhile,Dead Cityseason 2 didn’t enter production until April 2024, almost a year after season 1 ended. Because production hadn’t started before the strikes, the show wasn’t ahead of schedule likeDaryl Dixonwas. Filming was also moved from New York to Boston, potentially adding to season 2’s hurdles.
These core differences in production causedDead Cityseason 2 to release almost two years after season 1, whileDaryl Dixonhas managed to maintain a yearly release schedule. WhileDead Cityseason 3hasn’t been confirmed, it has a chance to change this. However, another, easier solution for these delays also exists.
The Franchise Could Embrace The Release Schedule That Made It So Successful
Dead City’s delays in production could easily be resolvedifThe Walking Deadseason 12were to actually happen. For now, the shows have been split into various narratives that don’t have anything to do with one another. However, the characters involved all come from the same Virginia communities, being core focuses of the main show for a few years.
If season 12 were to bring spinoff characters back together, it would help make their stories more consistent, with a rigid schedule keeping production from changing course.
If season 12 were to happen,it would significantly impact the delays thatDead Cityin particular has experiencedduring its production. Following the same 16-episode format as the original show, a new season could be filmed just like previous seasons, with a set production month every year. This would ensure consistency, leading to a smaller likelihood of delays.
The Walking Deadalways returned around the same time in October each year, with eight episodes airing before the series went back on break until February of the following year. If season 12 were to bring spinoff characters back together, it would help make their stories more consistent, with a rigid schedule keeping production from changing course.
It would also allow characters who haven’t seen one another in quite some time to come back into the forefront.The Ones Who Liveendedwith Rick and Michonne returning to Alexandria, something that could be followed up on in season 12. It opens up doors that are not only possible, but make the most sense for the franchise’s evolution.
It’s Inevitable Everyone’s Stories Will Come Together Once Again
Even without considering how it would fix production delays,The Walking Deadseason 12 seems like the next logical narrative step for the franchise. Chief creative officerScott Gimple confirmed crossover plansbetweenDead CityandDaryl Dixonat some point in the future, with both shows still building their current narratives before getting there.
As of writing,Dead Cityseason 3 has yet to be confirmed.
Althoughthe stories inDead CityandDaryl Dixonare far-removed from one another, their connection through the main series means it’s inevitable everyone will come together once again. Daryl and Carol in particular are still trying to find their way back to the Virginia communities, making their arrival in America an eventual conclusion.
As forDead City,the show appears to be moving in a direction where Maggie and Negan will have to escape Manhattanat some point. However, with New Babylon potentially posing a threat now that they’ve conquered the city, it’s unclear if this means they’ll return to the Bricks, or be forced even further south, back to their old haunts.
No matter what happens in either spinoff,it seems logical for the franchise to continue with season 12from both narrative and production standpoints. The shows will eventually have to come back together, resolving a number of character storylines by seeing familiar faces interact again after so long, such as Rick and Daryl.
It would also help prevent further delays inThe Walking Deadspinoff production, sincea single show would revert back to a yearly production schedule. Although there’s still plenty of storytelling left before the series gets to this point, it seems to be inevitable. Given recent delays, though, it also makes sense logistically as a next step for the franchise.
