On December 11, 2010, the highly anticipated television series 'The Walking Dead' premiered on AMC. Based on the comic book series of the same name, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, focusing on a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies.
The show was developed by Frank Darabont, who was inspired by the graphic novels created by Robert Kirkman. Filming primarily took place in Georgia, which became an iconic location for the series.
Viewers responded enthusiastically, making it one of the most-watched premium cable series at the time. The series sparked discussions around survival, morality, and human nature in devastating circumstances.
Its success led to a massive franchise, including spin-offs, merchandise, and comic series, demonstrating the impact of the original show on contemporary culture.
The show's first episode, titled 'Days Gone Bye,' became an iconic staple in modern television history, introducing unforgettable characters and moments that have become ingrained in fandom.
At its peak, 'The Walking Dead' became one of the highest-rated shows on cable, attracting millions of viewers each week and winning multiple awards, including the Golden Globe.
A quirky fact is that before its success, producers worried the zombie genre would not attract an audience, leading to some initial hesitance in making the series.
Speaking of impact, the success of 'The Walking Dead' jump-started the current boom of zombie-related media, influencing movies, games, and other television shows toward similar themes.
What are your thoughts on zombie shows and movies? Do you have a favorite?