Essential Walking Dead Shows to Watch Before The Ones Who Live

Unmissable Walking Dead Shows for The Ones Who Live

When it comes to preparing for the highly anticipated spinoff, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, there are key shows in the franchise that you shouldn't miss. As the seventh installment in The Walking Dead universe, this spinoff promises to bring back beloved characters like Rick Grimes and Michonne, played by Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, respectively. These iconic figures are set to take on new adventures, but before you dive into their journey, here's a guide to essential viewing.

An image of Rick and Michonne about to fight the CRM in The Walking Dead

The Necessity of Watching The Walking Dead Series

The cornerstone of any Walking Dead fan's viewing experience is, of course, The Walking Dead series itself. With a whopping seven shows under the franchise's belt, it's easy to feel overwhelmed as a new viewer. However, focusing on the main show's first ten seasons is crucial to understanding the origins and evolution of characters like Rick and Michonne.

In particular, Rick's departure in Season 9 and Michonne's exit in Season 10 play significant roles in setting the stage for The Ones Who Live. These pivotal moments are intertwined with the Civic Republic Military (CRM), a major antagonistic group that shapes the narrative of the spinoff.

The main show establishes the characters of Rick Grimes and Michonne Hawthorne, their motivations, and their relationships with other survivors. From Rick's awakening in the hospital during the early days of the zombie apocalypse to Michonne's transformation into a fearless warrior, their journeys are intricately woven into the fabric of the series.

It provides context for Rick's departure in Season 9 and Michonne's exit in Season 10, which set the stage for their return in The Ones Who Live. Understanding the circumstances and emotional journeys that led them to their departures will enhance your appreciation for their eventual comeback.

The show introduces the Civic Republic Military (CRM), a powerful and enigmatic organization that plays a significant role in the spinoff. The CRM's presence and influence are gradually revealed throughout the series, showcasing their impact on the characters' lives and the larger post-apocalyptic world.

Delving into The Walking Dead Universe

For a comprehensive grasp of the CRM and its impact on Rick and Michonne's story, delving into The Walking Dead and its companion series, World Beyond, is essential. The two seasons of The Walking Dead: World Beyond offer unique insights into the CRM's operations and introduce characters like Jadis, a key player in the organization's hierarchy.

Morgan uses a walkie talkie in The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead: World Beyond expands on the CRM's operations and introduces key characters like Jadis, who becomes a major player in the spinoff. By following the journey of a group of young survivors, the series explores the CRM's influence on different communities and sheds light on their motivations and goals.

It provides a broader perspective on the post-apocalyptic world and the different factions that have emerged. World Beyond showcases the interconnectedness of various survivor groups and how their actions ripple through the larger narrative.

World Beyond serves as a bridge between the events of the main show and the upcoming spinoff, filling in gaps and providing context. By watching this companion series, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the CRM's history and its impact on Rick and Michonne's upcoming adventures.

Exploring Optional Spinoffs

While The Walking Dead and World Beyond are must-watch shows for The Ones Who Live, other spinoffs like Fear The Walking Dead, Dead City, and Daryl Dixon offer optional viewing experiences. Fear The Walking Dead, with its eight seasons, provides some insights into the CRM through characters like Morgan Jones and Dwight.

Daryl Dixon holding a gun next to a group of walkers in The Walking Dead

Fear The Walking Dead offers insights into the CRM through characters like Morgan Jones and Dwight, but its connections to Rick and Michonne's storyline are less direct. While the CRM's presence is felt in Fear, it primarily focuses on the experiences of different survivor groups and their struggles in a world overrun by the undead.

Dead City and Daryl Dixon feature familiar characters but do not directly tie into The Ones Who Live's narrative. These spinoffs provide additional entertainment and character development, allowing fans to further explore the post-apocalyptic universe, but they are not essential for understanding the upcoming spinoff.

For fans eagerly awaiting the premiere of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on February 25, 2024, familiarity with the essential shows will enrich the viewing experience and provide a deeper understanding of Rick and Michonne's journey.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan and Lauren Cohan as Maggie in Walking Dead Dead City

Walking Dead Dead City Maggie Negan

Custom image of Dwight aiming a gun outside the Sanctuary in Fear the Walking Dead season 8