When Does "The Walking Dead" Start in 2019?
The Walking Dead, the popular AMC series based on Robert Kirkman's comic book series of the same name, has been a staple in the post-apocalyptic drama genre since its debut in 2010. Fans eagerly await each season's premiere, and with the show's 10th and final season on the horizon, here's what we know about its 2019 start date.
Delayed Start for Season 10
The Walking Dead's 10th season was initially expected to premiere in late 2019, following the pattern of previous seasons. However, AMC announced a delay, pushing the start date to 2020. This decision was made to accommodate the show's expanded episode order and the production team's desire to deliver a high-quality final season.
New Episode Count and Air Dates
Season 10 was originally planned to have 16 episodes, but AMC later announced that it would be extended to 22 episodes, split into two parts. The first part, consisting of 11 episodes, premiered on October 6, 2019. The second part, with the remaining 11 episodes, was initially planned to air in early 2020 but was further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why the Delay?
The delay in the 2019 start date for The Walking Dead's final season can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the show's expanded episode order, which allows the creators to explore more storylines and character arcs in the show's concluding season. Additionally, the delay provided the production team more time to prepare for the series finale, ensuring that it would be a memorable and satisfying conclusion for fans.
Spin-offs and Related Shows
While The Walking Dead's main series may have been delayed, 2019 saw the premiere of several spin-offs and related shows that kept fans engaged in the post-apocalyptic universe. Fear the Walking Dead, the show's companion series, aired its fifth season in 2019, providing a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse and expanding the story's mythology. Additionally, the Walking Dead Universe is set to grow with several upcoming projects, including a new series focusing on Maggie Rhee and a potential spin-off featuring Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier.
Looking Ahead to 2020 and Beyond
The Walking Dead's 2019 start date may have been delayed, but the final season's first part still provided fans with plenty of thrilling and emotional moments. As we look ahead to 2020 and beyond, fans can expect more Walking Dead content, including the conclusion of the main series, new spin-offs, and potentially even feature films set in the same universe. With the show's expanded episode order and the production team's commitment to delivering a high-quality final season, The Walking Dead's legacy is sure to continue well into the future.

- Season 10, Part 1 premiere date: October 6, 2019
- Season 10, Part 2 premiere date: February 28, 2021 (originally planned for early 2020)
- Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 premiere date: June 2, 2019
| Show | Premiere Date |
|---|---|
| The Walking Dead Season 10, Part 1 | October 6, 2019 |
| The Walking Dead Season 10, Part 2 | February 28, 2021 |
| Fear the Walking Dead Season 5 | June 2, 2019 |