The Walking Dead's Daryl Dixon Shatters Records, Achieving Rotten Tomatoes Certification After 5-Year Drought

Summary

Season 1 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon has received an 80% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, a feat not seen in the franchise in five years.

This spinoff is a part of the wider Walking Dead Universe, which includes multiple other shows, and it follows the story of Daryl Dixon after the main series. The most recent spinoff season to achieve the Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes was Fear the Walking Dead season 4 back in 2018.

Daryl Dixon's debut in France marks a milestone for The Walking Dead franchise. Following the conclusion of the original 11-season run in 2022, the show continues the zombie apocalypse narrative with Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) as the central character. As part of the expansive Walking Dead Universe, which includes spinoff shows like Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Tales of the Walking Dead, and The Walking Dead: Dead City, Daryl Dixon season 1 has garnered attention.

After its premiere on AMC, Rotten Tomatoes has aggregated reviews and bestowed an official Certified Fresh score of 80% for the season. With 30 reviews accounted for, this marks a significant achievement for a season outside of the flagship series. Not since Fear the Walking Dead season 4 in 2018 has a non-main series season received such recognition.

Daryl Dixon is Proof The Walking Dead Universe Can Live On

Daryl Dixon is the second spinoff of The Walking Dead to premiere after the original show's series finale. The other spinoff, Dead City, also received a Fresh score of 81%, but it has yet to be Certified Fresh on the platform.

Daryl Dixon's Certified Fresh status proves that AMC made the right decision to prioritize it as a follow-up to their popular zombie show. Moreover, both Daryl Dixon season 2 and Dead City season 2 have already been renewed, showcasing their critical and commercial success. This success demonstrates that the Walking Dead universe still holds strong, even before the highly-anticipated premiere of the next spinoff, The Ones Who Live, which brings beloved characters Rick (played by Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (played by Danai Gurira) back together.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon's introduction in France and the addition of a new ensemble cast have rejuvenated the franchise. Unlike other multimedia franchises that often fade away after the end of their main branches, The Walking Dead appears poised to endure for many years to come. With Reedus committed to reprising his role as Daryl, the future of the franchise looks extremely promising.