Edit filter log

'{{Short description|First season of the zombie TV series}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2018}} {{About|the first season of the television series|the first season of The Walking Dead video game series|The Walking Dead (video game)}} {{Infobox television season |season_number = 1 |bgcolour = #8F9A7F |image = TheWalkingDeadPoster.jpg |caption = Promotional poster and home media cover art featuring [[Rick Grimes]] arriving to an abandoned Atlanta |starring = {{Plainlist| * [[Andrew Lincoln]] * [[Jon Bernthal]] * [[Sarah Wayne Callies]] * [[Laurie Holden]] * [[Jeffrey DeMunn]] * [[Steven Yeun]] * [[Chandler Riggs]] }} |country = United States |network = [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] |first_aired = {{Start date|2010|10|31}} |last_aired = {{End date|2010|12|5}} |num_episodes = 6 |episode_list = List of The Walking Dead episodes }} The first season of ''[[The Walking Dead (TV series)|The Walking Dead]]'', an American [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] [[Horror fiction|horror]] [[television series]] on [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]], premiered on October 31, 2010, and concluded on December 5, 2010, consisting of 6 episodes. Developed for television by [[Frank Darabont]], who wrote or co-wrote four of the season's six episodes and directed the pilot episode, "[[Days Gone Bye (The Walking Dead)|Days Gone Bye]]", the series is based on the [[The Walking Dead (comic book)|eponymous series of comic books]] by [[Robert Kirkman]], [[Tony Moore (artist)|Tony Moore]], and [[Charlie Adlard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amctv.com/originals/The-Walking-Dead/|title=The Walking Dead - AMC Series|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|access-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> It was executive produced by Darabont, Kirkman, David Alpert, [[Charles H. Eglee]], and [[Gale Anne Hurd]], with Darabont assuming the role of [[showrunner]]. The season received very positive reviews by critics. It was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award]] for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Television Series – Drama]] at the [[68th Golden Globe Awards]]<ref name="GG">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/14/movies/awardsseason/14globes-list.html|title=List of Golden Globe Nominees and Winners|date=December 14, 2010|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=December 14, 2010}}</ref> and received nominations for the [[63rd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards]] in several categories, winning [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie, or Special|Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie, or Special]].<ref name="PCAEA">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmy-nominations-2011-full-list-211331|title=Emmy Winners and Nominees 2011: Complete List|date=July 14, 2011|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> The pilot episode received 5.35 million viewers, and the finale garnered six million viewers, including four million viewers among adults ages 18–49, making it the most viewed [[Cable television in the United States#Basic cable|basic cable]] drama series at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/06/walking-dead-finale-draws-6-million-viewers-3-0-adults-18-49-rating/74468|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208023806/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/06/walking-dead-finale-draws-6-million-viewers-3-0-adults-18-49-rating/74468|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2010|title=''"The Walking Dead"'' Finale Draws Series High 6 Million Viewers, 3.0 Adults 18-49 Rating|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=December 6, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> Based on its reception, AMC renewed the series for a second season consisting of 13 episodes, which premiered on October 16, 2011.<ref name="Season 2">{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/11/08/amc-resurrects-the-walking-dead-for-a-second-season-639014/20101108amc01/|title=AMC Resurrects "The Walking Dead" for a Second Season|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|date=November 8, 2010|access-date=November 8, 2010}}</ref> This season adapts material from issues #1–6 of the comic book series and introduces notable comic character [[Rick Grimes]] ([[Andrew Lincoln]]), who awakens from a [[coma]], after being shot, in a [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] world filled with flesh-eating [[zombie]]s, dubbed "walkers". After befriending [[Morgan Jones (The Walking Dead)|Morgan Jones]] ([[Lennie James]]), Rick sets out to find his family and discover the origins of the walker virus. ==Production== ===Conception=== [[File:The Walking Dead is a Big Deal.jpg|thumb|A set-up of ''The Walking Dead'' at the [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in 2010]] [[Robert Kirkman]], who created the [[The Walking Dead (comic book)|comic book series]] in 2003,<ref>{{cite book |last=Sullivan |first=Michael Patrick |title=WEEK OF THE DEAD I: Robert Kirkman |url=https://www.cbr.com/week-of-the-dead-i-robert-kirkman/ |date=May 19, 2008 |access-date=June 20, 2018 |work=[[CBR.com]]}}</ref> says he had considered the idea of a ''Walking Dead'' television series, but never actively pursued it. "I certainly wanted it to happen, just because I knew it would be good for the book... I'm certainly not against adaptations, like some creators."<ref name="padspanels">{{cite web|url=http://www.padsandpanels.com/?p=10235|title=Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) [Interview]|work=Pads & Panels|last=Jones|first=Bill|date=July 21, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820061442/http://www.padsandpanels.com/?p=10235|archive-date=August 20, 2011}}</ref> When [[Frank Darabont]] became interested in adapting the comic books for television, Kirkman said it was "extremely flattering" and went on to say that, "He definitely cares about the original source material, and you can tell that in the way he's adapting it. It's an extreme validation of the work... Never in a million years could I have thought that if ''Walking Dead'' were to ever be adapted that everything would be going this well. I think that that's all because of Frank."<ref name="padspanels"/> Darabont himself had been a fan of the zombie genre since seeing [[George A. Romero|George A. Romero's]] 1968 film ''[[Night of the Living Dead]]'' when he was fourteen years old.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/2017/09/06/robert-kirkman-george-romero-walking-dead-/ |title=Robert Kirkman Writes Tribute To 'Walking Dead' Inspiration George Romero |last=Davis |first=Brandon |date=September 6, 2017 |access-date=June 20, 2018 |work=Comic Book}}</ref> ""Night of the Living Dead" had this weird vibe that was almost - it was like pornography... It had this marvelously attractive, disreputable draw... I loved it immediately."<ref name="sepinwall">{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/comic-con-interview-frank-darabont-on-amc-s-the-walking-dead|title=Comic-Con interview: Frank Darabont on AMC's 'The Walking Dead'|publisher=[[HitFix]]|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan|date=July 22, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194704/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/comic-con-interview-frank-darabont-on-amc-s-the-walking-dead |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref> Darabont recalls walking into a comic book store in [[Burbank, California]] and seeing ''The Walking Dead'' on the shelf in 2005. "Being that I've always had "the love of zombies genre," I of course grabbed it, took it home and read it, and immediately started pursuing the rights to it. I thought it would make a great TV show... I loved the idea of an extended, ongoing, serialized dramatic presentation set in the zombie apocalypse."<ref name="sepinwall"/> He described the process of developing the series and getting it set up at a network as "four years of frustration," and credits executive producer [[Gale Anne Hurd]] with finally getting the series on [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]. "I can't remember what the hell prompted her to read it [the script], but she said, "Wow, I really love this pilot you wrote. What are you doing with it?" I said I'd been trying to set it up forever... She said "I think AMC might be the place to take this." She did, and then bam! They were immediately interested. I had to credit Gale, her insight into marrying the material and the buyer."<ref name="sepinwall"/> ===Writing=== Darabont's original pilot script was split in half and embellished, making the first two episodes instead of one, "...just to slow the narrative down and dig into the characters more deeply, so it's not just plot-driven, event-driven stuff. You really want to drag these characters into the equation."<ref name="sepinwall"/> To write the remaining episodes of the season, Darabont recruited [[Charles H. Eglee]], [[Adam Fierro]] and [[Glen Mazzara]], all of whom he had worked with while directing an episode of ''[[The Shield]]''. [[Jack LoGiudice]] also joined the writing team, along with Robert Kirkman, also an executive producer. "I have the best of both worlds," says Kirkman. "It was a lot of fun writing Episode 104, and I'm hoping if it continues into Season 2, I'll be able to write more episodes."<ref name="padspanels"/> ===Filming=== Principal photography for the pilot episode, "[[Days Gone Bye (The Walking Dead)|Days Gone Bye]]", began on May 15, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/19047/tv-the-walking-dead-pilot-to-begin-lensing-in-may/|title=TV: 'The Walking Dead' Pilot to Begin Lensing in May|publisher=[[Bloody Disgusting]]|first=Brad|last=Miska|date=February 10, 2010|access-date=December 11, 2010}}</ref> with the subsequent five episodes beginning filming a few weeks later on June 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.secondary-fire.com/walking-dead-tv-series-starts-filming|title=Walking Dead TV Series Starts Filming!|publisher=Secondary Fire|last=Chan|first=Jon|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=December 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202073654/http://www.secondary-fire.com/walking-dead-tv-series-starts-filming|archive-date=December 2, 2010}}</ref> The first season was filmed in and around [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] where the episodes were primarily set.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2010/05/27/amcs-walking-dead-first-filming-locations-revealed-zombies-wanted/|title=AMC's 'Walking Dead' first filming locations revealed, zombies wanted|publisher=On Location Vacations|author=Christine|date=May 27, 2010|access-date=December 11, 2010|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714102857/http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2010/05/27/amcs-walking-dead-first-filming-locations-revealed-zombies-wanted/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Cast== {{Main|List of The Walking Dead (TV series) characters}} [[File:The Walking Dead, Season 1 Cast.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The primary characters of the first season include (from left to right): [[Amy (The Walking Dead)|Amy]], [[Shane Walsh (The Walking Dead)|Shane]], [[Glenn Rhee|Glenn]], [[Carl Grimes|Carl]], [[Lori Grimes|Lori]], [[Rick Grimes|Rick]], [[Dale Horvath|Dale]], and [[Andrea (The Walking Dead)|Andrea]]]] ===Main cast=== The first season features seven actors receiving opening credits billing: * [[Andrew Lincoln]] as [[Rick Grimes]], the series' [[protagonist]] and former sheriff's deputy from King County, [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], who awakens from a [[coma]] into the apocalypse. After becoming aware of the apocalypse, Rick sets out to find his wife, Lori, and son, Carl. * [[Jon Bernthal]] as [[Shane Walsh (The Walking Dead)|Shane Walsh]], Rick's best friend since high school and former colleague, who helped Rick's family escape the apocalypse and is the leader of the Atlanta camp. Believing Rick to be dead, he also started a relationship with Lori, leading to complications when Rick unexpectedly returns alive and well. * [[Sarah Wayne Callies]] as [[Lori Grimes]], Rick's wife and mother of Carl.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2010/04/30/sarah-wayne-callies-lands-walking-dead-lead/ |title=Exclusive: Sarah Wayne Callies Joins 'Walking Dead' |first=Andy |last=Patrick |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=[[Time, Inc.]] |date=April 30, 2010 |access-date=January 14, 2012}}</ref> Lori is an emotionally fragile yet independent woman, who started a relationship with Shane out of her grief for losing Rick, leaving her off-guard and very conflicted when Rick returns.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Schremph |first=Kelly |title=How Does Shane Return To 'The Walking Dead'? Jon Bernthal Is Set To Appear In Season 9 |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/how-does-shane-return-to-the-walking-dead-jon-bernthal-is-set-to-appear-in-season-9-9480922 |date=June 18, 2018 |access-date=June 26, 2018 |journal=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]}}</ref> * [[Laurie Holden]] as [[Andrea (The Walking Dead)|Andrea]], a former successful civil rights attorney and sister of Amy. Andrea has a slight temper, but has a compassionate side and is very protective of her sister; both of them share a close bond with Dale. * [[Jeffrey DeMunn]] as [[Dale Horvath]], an elderly survivor, who owns the RV around which the survivors have formed a camp. Dale is a wise man of morals, who isn't afraid to voice his opinion and is very protective of everyone's well-being, physically and emotionally. He serves as an adviser to Shane, then to Rick. Dale also has a close bond with Andrea and Amy. * [[Steven Yeun]] as [[Glenn Rhee]], a former pizza delivery boy, who knows his way around Atlanta and often embarks on dangerous supply runs for the group. Glenn is a highly intelligent and resourceful, though slightly cocky yet hopeful individual, who cares for everyone yet he is easily taken advantage of by the other group members; Rick trusts him on supply runs. * [[Chandler Riggs]] as [[Carl Grimes]], Rick and Lori's son. He and his mother are taken to Atlanta by Shane after the initial outbreak. ===Supporting cast=== {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} * [[Emma Bell]] as [[Amy (The Walking Dead)|Amy]], Andrea's younger, childish and innocent sister; both have a close bond with Dale. Amy is shown to generally care for the children in the camp. * [[Norman Reedus]] as [[Daryl Dixon]], Merle's equally aggressive and volatile younger brother and hunter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/10092/the-walking-dead-episode-3-review-tell-it-to-the-frogs |title=The Walking Dead episode 3 review: Tell It To The Frogs |last=Hogan |first=Ron |date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=[[Den of Geek]] |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing Limited]]}}</ref> Unlike Merle, however, Daryl is far more reasonable and willing to follow the group's lead. * [[IronE Singleton]] as [[T-Dog (The Walking Dead)|Theodore "T-Dog" Douglas]], a fellow survivor in the Atlanta group. T-Dog is a man of honor and duty, who always tries to do what's right by people even if they don't deserve it or he doesn't like it, and is heavily burdened when he makes mistakes and always tries to make it right. * [[Melissa McBride]] as [[Carol Peletier]], Lori's best friend since the outbreak occurred and the mother of Sophia and the friendly yet soft-spoken wife of Ed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/recap-the-walking-dead-tell-it-to-the-frogs/ |title=Recap {{!}} The Walking Dead: 'Tell It To The Frogs' |last=Melrose |first=Kevin |date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=[[CBR.com]]}}</ref> * [[Jeryl Prescott|Jeryl Prescott Sales]] as Jacqui, a member of the group, who is the only survivor of her family and a former zoning office worker. * [[Andrew Rothenberg]] as Jim, a mechanic and a quiet yet tortured member of the group, who saw his wife and children killed and eaten by walkers. * [[Juan Pareja]] as [[Morales (The Walking Dead)|Morales]], another member of the group, who knows the city's infrastructure and puts his family first, and is also a fairly optimistic person. * [[Madison Lintz]] as [[Sophia Peletier]], Carol and Ed's quiet daughter, and Carl's best friend.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=McCluskey |first=Megan |title=The Definitive Ranking of The Walking Dead's 20 Most Evil Villains |url=http://time.com/4194632/walking-dead-villains-ranking/ |date=February 10, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]]}}</ref> * [[Adam Minarovich]] as Ed Peletier, Carol's abusive husband and Sophia's father.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Walking-Dead-Watch-Episode-3-Tell-It-Frogs-28180.html |title=The Walking Dead Watch: Episode 3, Tell It To The Frogs |last=Venable |first=Nick |year=2011 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=Cinema Blend}}</ref> He frequently has issues with Shane and is implicated to have also abused other women at the camp. * Maddie Lomax as Eliza Morales, daughter of the aforementioned Morales and Miranda. She is the older sister of Louis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/889445/the-walking-dead-just-welcomed-back-a-surprising-face-we-haven-t-seen-since-season-1 |title=The Walking Dead Just Welcomed Back a Surprising Face We Haven't Seen Since Season 1 |last=Nilles |first=Billy |date=October 29, 2017 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=[[E! News]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]]}}</ref> * Viviana Chavez-Vega as Miranda Morales, wife of the aforementioned Morales and mother to Eliza and Louis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/the-walking-dead-season-8-episode-2-rick-comes-face-to-face-with-morales/117351.htm |title='The Walking Dead' season 8 episode 2: Rick comes face to face with Morales |last=Manuel |first=Julia |date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=[[Christian Today]]}}</ref> * [[Noah Lomax]] as Louis Morales, son of the aforementioned Morales and Miranda. He is the younger brother of Eliza.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Noah Lomax Interview |url=http://www.naludamagazine.com/noah-lomax/ |date=September 22, 2015 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |journal=Naluda Magazine}}</ref> * [[Noah Emmerich]] as Dr. Edwin Jenner, a pathologist in the Atlanta [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|CDC]] looking for any kind of cure.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Scheg |first1=Abigail G. |last2=Girardi |first2=Tamara |title=Hero or Villain?: Essays on Dark Protagonists of Television |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vtg5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA126 |publisher=[[McFarland Publishing]] |date=October 13, 2017 |page=126 |isbn=9781476630526}}</ref> {{div col end}} ===Guest cast=== {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} * [[Lennie James]] as [[Morgan Jones (The Walking Dead)|Morgan Jones]], Duane's father, Jenny's husband and the first survivor that Rick encounters.<ref>{{cite book |last=Keetley |first=Dawn |title="We're All Infected": Essays on AMC's The Walking Dead and the Fate of the Human |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_jrTAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA61 |publisher=[[McFarland Publishing]] |date=February 10, 2014 |page=61 |isbn=9781476614526}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Yuen |first=Wayne |title=The Walking Dead and Philosophy: Zombie Apocalypse Now |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f0cFBIGJYxQC&pg=PA34 |publisher=[[Open Court Publishing]] |year=2012 |page=34 |isbn=9780812697674}}</ref> * [[Michael Rooker]] as [[Merle Dixon]], former military and drug dealer and Daryl's racist, volatile and unreasonable older brother, who is also a hunter. His volatile tendencies often put him at odds with the group. * [[Jim Coleman (actor)|Jim R. Coleman]] as Lambert Kendal, a police officer, who works with both Rick and Shane.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theundefeated.com/features/all-27-black-characters-who-have-ever-appeared-on-the-walking-dead-ranked/ |title=All 27 black characters who have ever appeared on 'The Walking Dead' - Ranked |last=Johnson |first=Martenzie |date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |work=[[The Undefeated (website)|The Undefeated]]}}</ref> * Linds Edwards as Leon Basset, a somewhat inexperienced police officer, who works with both Rick and Shane.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/walking-dead-character-deaths-what-are-actors-doing-now-1432480 |title='The Walking Dead' Character Deaths: What Are The Actors Doing Now? |last=Remling |first=Amanda |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |work=[[IB Times]] |publisher=[[Newsweek Media Group ]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Linds+Edwards/Premiere+AMC+Walking+Dead+Arrivals/g6Mch9ps0e3 |title=Premiere Of AMC's "The Walking Dead" - Arrivals |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |work=[[Zimbio]] |last=Merritt |first=Jason |publisher=Livingly Media, Inc.}}</ref> * Keisha Tillis as Jenny Jones, Morgan's wife and Duane's mother.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.axs.com/news/the-walking-dead-returns-tonight-keisha-tillis-video-interview-100751 |title=The Walking Dead returns tonight! Keisha Tillis video interview |last=Lebowitz |first=Stephen |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |work=[[Axs.com]]}}</ref> * Adrian Kali Turner as Duane Jones, Morgan and Jenny's son.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/articles/interview-adrian-kali-turner-duane-from-walking-de/1100-142398/ |title=Interview: Adrian Kali Turner, Duane from Walking Dead |last=Guerrero |first=Tony |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |work=[[Comic Vine]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc.]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.axs.com/the-walking-dead-returns-tonight-adrian-kali-turner-video-interview-100755 |title=The Walking Dead returns tonight! Adrian Kali Turner video interview. |last=Lebowitz |first=Stephen |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=June 8, 2018 |work=[[Axs.com]]}}</ref> * [[Noel Gugliemi|Noel G.]] as Felipe, a member of Guillermo's gang, the cousin of Miguel and the grandson of "Abuela".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theundefeated.com/features/all-27-black-characters-who-have-ever-appeared-on-the-walking-dead-ranked/ |title=All 27 black characters who have ever appeared on 'The Walking Dead' |last=Johnson |first=Martenzie |date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=[[The Undefeated (website)|The Undefeated]] |publisher=[[ESPN Internet Ventures]]}}</ref> * [[Neil Brown Jr.]] as Guillermo, the leader of a Vatos group in Atlanta taking care of a hospital.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-walking-dead/news/a300802/brown-jr-could-return-to-walking-dead/ |title=Brown Jr. 'could return to Walking Dead' |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=January 28, 2011 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]}}</ref> * Anthony Guajardo as Miguel, a teenage member of Guillermo's gang, Felipe's cousin and "Abuela's" grandson.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://geektyrant.com/news/2010/12/15/interview-actor-anthony-guajardo-miguel-on-the-walking-dead.html |title=Interview: Actor Anthony Guajardo, Miguel On THE WALKING DEAD |last=Napier |first=Jim |date=December 15, 2010 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=Geek Tyrant}}</ref> * Gina Morelli as "Abuela", Felipe and Miguel's grandmother.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lucciardi |first=Antoine |title=The Walking Dead décrypté: Les secrets de la saga |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=phstDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT244 |publisher=City Edition |date=March 1, 2017 |page=244 |isbn=9782824645230}}</ref> * James Gonzaba as Jorge, a member of Guillermo's gang.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ktsm.com/sci-fi/el-paso-comic-con-convention-expected-to-draw-thousands-to-convention-center |title=El Paso Comic Con Convention Expected To Draw Thousands To Convention Center |last=Ortega |first=Oralia |date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=June 12, 2018 |work=KTSM.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529133619/http://www.ktsm.com/sci-fi/el-paso-comic-con-convention-expected-to-draw-thousands-to-convention-center |archive-date=May 29, 2012 |publisher=ComCorp of El Paso Inc. |url-status=live }}</ref> {{div col end}} The series features several actors ''Walking Dead'' developer Frank Darabont has worked with previously, including [[Laurie Holden]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/amc-adds-actor-producer-walking-53573|title=AMC adds actor, producer to 'Walking Dead'|first=James|last=Hibberd|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=May 4, 2010|access-date=January 15, 2012}}</ref> [[Jeffrey DeMunn]], [[Melissa McBride]] and [[Juan Pareja]]. All four appeared in his 2007 film ''[[The Mist (film)|The Mist]]'', along with [[Samuel Witwer]],<ref>{{cite web |title=What Could Have Been: Frank Darabont Speaks About His Original Walking Dead Season 2 Opener! |url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/52526 |last=Vespe |first=Eric |date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=[[Ain't It Cool News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/site/180707-being-human-star-slams-amc-over-aborted-walking-dead-web-series |title='Being Human' Star Slams AMC Over Aborted 'Walking Dead' Web Series |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=[[Crave Online]] |publisher=Evolve Media, LLC. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104010433/http://www.craveonline.com/site/180707-being-human-star-slams-amc-over-aborted-walking-dead-web-series |archive-date=November 4, 2017}}</ref> who appeared as a dying soldier,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paranormalpopculture.com/2012/01/sam-witwer-as-aidan-courtesy-syfy-as.html |title=Sam Witwer on 'Being Human,' a vampire - and 'Walking Dead' zombie? |last=Sagers |first=Aaron |author-link=Aaron Sagers |date=January 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2018 |work=Paranormal Pop Culture}}</ref> and with [[Thomas Jane]], who originally was set to star in the series when it was pitched to [[HBO]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/walking-dead-thomas-jane-frank-darabont/ |title=The Walking Dead: Frank Darabont Originally Wanted Thomas Jane to Star |last=Vieira |first=Anthony |date=December 26, 2015 |access-date=June 20, 2018 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> He was wanted to be [[Rick Grimes]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://screencrush.com/the-walking-dead-thomas-jane-rick/ |title='The Walking Dead' Showrunner Originally Wanted Thomas Janes as Rick |date=December 26, 2015 |access-date=June 20, 2018 |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Kevin |work=[[Screen Crush]] |publisher=[[Townsquare Media, Inc.]]}}</ref> He is also in talks with Darabont to possibly guest star on the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/popcornbiz/Thomas-Jane-Yearns-To-Be-One-of-the-Walking-Dead-101781763.html|title=Thomas Jane Yearns To Be One of "The Walking Dead"|first=Bryan|last=Alexander|publisher=[[WRC-TV|NBC Washington]]|date=September 20, 2010|access-date=December 13, 2010}}</ref> Laurie Holden also appeared in the 2001 film ''[[The Majestic (film)|The Majestic]]'' (she played Adele Stanton, [[Jim Carrey]]'s love interest), which Darabont directed. DeMunn has additionally appeared in several of Darabont's films, in addition to ''The Mist'' and ''The Majestic'': ''[[The Shawshank Redemption]]'' (1994) and ''[[The Green Mile (film)|The Green Mile]]'' (1999). ==Promotion== The show's official website released a motion comic based on the first issue of the original comic and voiced by [[Phil LaMarr]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/talk/2010/07/the-walking-dead-motion-comic-video|title=The Walking Dead Motion Comic Arrives Online|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|last=Neuman|first=Clayton|date=July 20, 2010|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518063653/http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/talk/2010/07/the-walking-dead-motion-comic-video|url-status=dead}}</ref> The site also posted a making-of documentary primarily about the first episode, as well as a number of other behind-the-scenes videos and interviews. In the documentary, comic series creator and show executive producer Robert Kirkman as well as artist [[Charlie Adlard]] expressed that they were pleased with how faithful the show is to the comic and remark on the similarities between the actors and the comic's original character drawings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/talk/2010/10/video-making-of-the-walking-dead|title=The Making of The Walking Dead Documentary|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|last=Neuman|first=Clayton|date=October 11, 2010|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-date=October 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022021947/http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/talk/2010/10/video-making-of-the-walking-dead|url-status=dead}}</ref> Several scenes from "[[Days Gone Bye (The Walking Dead)|Days Gone Bye]]" were screened July 23, 2010 as part of the [[San Diego Comic-Con|2010 San Diego Comic-Con International]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38495/sd-comic-con-2010-the-walking-dead-promotional-one-sheet|title=SD Comic-Con 2010: The Walking Dead Promotional One-Sheet|publisher=[[Dread Central]]|last=Miska|first=Brad|date=July 13, 2010|access-date=July 13, 2010}}</ref> Hurd asserted that "[they] really are doing six one-hour movie",<ref name="hr">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/amcs-walking-dead-panel-big-54078|title= AMC's 'Walking Dead' panel: 'This is big' |first=James|last=Hibberd|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=January 15, 2012}}</ref> and Darabont insisted that the series would closely reflect the development in the comics. "The path is a very strong template. But we're going to take every interesting detour we feel like taking. As long as were staying on the path of what Robert has done, I don't see any reason not to. If they have patience we'll eventually catch up to what Robert is doing."<ref name="hr"/> ''The Walking Dead'' debuted during the same week in 120 countries. "[[Days Gone Bye (The Walking Dead)|Days Gone Bye]]" premiered in Hong Kong on [[TVB Pearl]] on August 30, 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://programme.tvb.com/drama/thewalkingdead/episode/1 |title=Episode 1 - Days Gone By |publisher=[[TVB|Television Broadcasts Limited]]|access-date=August 31, 2011}}</ref> while it expanded in international markets during the first week of November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/06/08/amc-signs-unprecedented-deal-with-fox-international-channels-for-all-international-rights-to-original-series-the-walking-dead-36035/20100608amc01/|title=AMC Signs Unprecedented Deal with FOX International Channels for All International Rights to Original Series "The Walking Dead"|publisher=[[The Futon Critic]]|date=June 8, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> Two weeks prior to its official premiere in the United States, the contents of the episode leaked online.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://torrentfreak.com/the-walking-dead-tv-series-premieres-on-bittorrent-101021/ |title=The Walking Dead TV-Series Premieres On BitTorrent |date=October 21, 2010 |publisher=[[TorrentFreak]] |author=Ernesto |access-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref> As part of an expansive campaign to advertise and heighten anticipation for the premiere, international broadcasting affiliates of AMC and Fox coordinated a worldwide zombie invasion event proceeding days prior to premiere of the episode in the United States. The event occurred in twenty six cities worldwide,<ref name=amczomb/> and were hosted in select locations including the [[Brooklyn Bridge]] in [[New York City]], [[Lincoln Memorial]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], [[Palace of Westminster]] in [[London]], [[Bosphorus Bridge]] in [[Istanbul]], [[Acropolis of Athens]] in [[Athens]], and the [[Museo del Prado]] in [[Madrid]].<ref name=amczomb>{{cite web|url=http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/talk/2010/10/worldwide-zombie-invasion|title=Photos From The Walking Dead's Worldwide Zombie Invasion|first=Clayton|last=Neuman|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|date=October 25, 2010|access-date=January 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name=zombieevent>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/walking-dead-plans-global-zombie-32345|title='Walking Dead' plans global zombie invasion stunt|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=October 25, 2010|access-date=July 24, 2011}}</ref> The campaign events commenced in [[Hong Kong]] and [[Taipei]], and culminated in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name=zombieevent/> ''The Walking Dead'' was included on the cover of the December 2010 edition of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', which featured Rick Grimes pointing a gun at a horde of walkers.<ref name=ew29/> According to the journalist of the magazine, it "examines the past, present, and future" of the television franchise; "from the comic book's humble beginnings, to unlikely path to the small screen, to even more unlikely path as a bona fide hit."<ref name=ew29>{{cite web|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/11/24/the-walking-dead-ew-cover/|title='The Walking Dead': This week's EW cover story goes behind the scenes on TV's best new show|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|date=November 24, 2010|access-date=January 14, 2012}}</ref> Kirkman was ecstatic upon hearing of the news. "I've got to say—not to kiss your magazine's a– or anything—but when they called me and said Frank [Darabont] wanted to do the show, I was like, 'Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.' And then when AMC was like, 'We're picking up the show,' I was like, 'Yeah, alright, whatever.' When they actually started shooting the pilot I was like, 'Well, this is kind of real, this is neat.' But when they called me and said, 'Your show's on the cover of ''Entertainment Weekly'',' I think that was the first time I was like, 'Oh my god, I can't believe this is happening to me!'"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/11/29/walking-dead-kirkman-finale-wildfire/|title='Walking Dead' writer Robert Kirkman talks about last night's episode and teases next week's season finale|first=Clark|last=Collis|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|date=November 29, 2010|access-date=January 14, 2012}}</ref> ==Episodes== {{See also|List of The Walking Dead episodes}} <onlyinclude>{{Episode table |background=#8F9A7F|overall=5 |season=5 |title=23 |director=16 |writer=27 |airdate=11 |viewers=10 |country=U.S. |episodes= {{Episode list/sublist|The Walking Dead (season 1) |EpisodeNumber = 1 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1 |Title = [[Days Gone Bye (The Walking Dead)|Days Gone Bye]] |DirectedBy = [[Frank Darabont]] |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|t=Frank Darabont}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|10|31}} |Viewers = 5.35<ref name="1.01">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/02/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-kills-boardwalk-empire-steady-swamp-people-dexter-ghost-hunters-live-much-more/70585|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119002438/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/02/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-kills-boardwalk-empire-steady-swamp-people-dexter-ghost-hunters-live-much-more/70585|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2010|title=Sunday Cable Ratings: ''The Walking Dead'' Kills; ''Boardwalk Empire'' Steady; + ''Swamp People'', ''Dexter'', ''Ghost Hunters Live'' & Much More|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Seidman|first=Robert|date=November 2, 2010|access-date=November 3, 2010}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Sheriff's deputy [[Rick Grimes]] wakes from a gunshot-inflicted coma to discover the world overrun with walkers. He goes back to his house to try and find his wife and son but meets survivor [[Morgan Jones (The Walking Dead)|Morgan Jones]] and his son Duane. Deciding to separate from them, Rick heads to Atlanta with a bag of weapons to find his wife [[Lori Grimes|Lori]] and son [[Carl Grimes|Carl]], unaware they are safe with other survivors, led by his former partner [[Shane Walsh (The Walking Dead)|Shane]]. He encounters hordes of walkers and becomes trapped inside a tank. First appearance of Rick Grimes, Shane Walsh, Lori Grimes, Dale Horvath, Glenn Rhee, Carl Grimes, and Morgan Jones. |LineColor = 8F9A7F }} {{Episode list/sublist|The Walking Dead (season 1) |EpisodeNumber = 2 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2 |Title = [[Guts (The Walking Dead)|Guts]] |DirectedBy = [[Michelle MacLaren]] |WrittenBy = Frank Darabont |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|11|7}} |Viewers = 4.71<ref name="1.02">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/09/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-lives-boardwalk-empire-up-real-housewives-hannah-montana-kendra-much-more/71446|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114060311/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/09/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-lives-boardwalk-empire-up-real-housewives-hannah-montana-kendra-much-more/71446|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 14, 2010|title=Sunday Cable Ratings: ''The Walking Dead'' Lives!; ''Boardwalk Empire'' Up; + ''Real Housewives'', ''Hannah Montana'', ''Kendra'' & Much More|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=November 9, 2010}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Rick is ambushed by a walker horde but is rescued by scavenger survivor [[Glenn Rhee|Glenn]] when he becomes trapped inside a tank. They meet up with the rest of the survivors and study the building to discover the best plan for escape. An unruly teammate, [[Merle Dixon|Merle]], begins to attract walkers and attack the group and is then cuffed by Rick to a pipe. Glenn and Rick later pose as walkers to go out on the street and successfully rescue the rest of the group, but they are forced to abandon Merle and Rick's gun bag behind in the chaos. First appearance of Andrea Harrison, and Merle Dixon. |LineColor = 8F9A7F }} {{Episode list/sublist|The Walking Dead (season 1) |EpisodeNumber = 3 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3 |Title = [[Tell It to the Frogs]] |DirectedBy = [[Gwyneth Horder-Payton]] |WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s=[[Charles H. Eglee]] & [[Jack LoGiudice]]|t=Charles H. Eglee & Jack LoGiudice and Frank Darabont}} |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|11|14}} |Viewers = 5.07<ref name="1.03">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/16/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-sarah-palin-again-still-boardwalk-empire-drops-real-housewives-sonny-with-a-chance-kendra-much-more/72307|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118235845/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/16/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-sarah-palin-again-still-boardwalk-empire-drops-real-housewives-sonny-with-a-chance-kendra-much-more/72307|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 18, 2010|title=Sunday Cable Ratings: ''The Walking Dead'', ''Sarah Palin'' (again, still); ''Boardwalk Empire'' Drops; ''Real Housewives'', ''Sonny With a Chance'', ''Kendra'' & Much More|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Seidman|first=Robert|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=November 16, 2010}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Glenn takes Rick to the survivors' camp where he finds Lori, Carl, and Shane. Lori, who had been having an affair with Shane because she believed her husband to be dead, grows resentful of Shane because she now believes Shane purposely told the lie of her husband's death. Feeling guilty and needing more weapons, Rick leads a group, including Glenn, [[T-Dog (The Walking Dead)|T-Dog]], and Merle's younger brother, [[Daryl Dixon|Daryl]], back to Atlanta to recover his weapons and rescue Merle. Upon arriving on the rooftop, they find out that Merle escaped by sawing off his own hand. When they try take Rick's weapon bag off of the street, Glenn is kidnapped by Latino survivors and the group holds a young Latino survivor to trade for Glenn's life. First appearance of Daryl Dixon, and Carol Peletier. |LineColor = 8F9A7F }} {{Episode list/sublist|The Walking Dead (season 1) |EpisodeNumber = 4 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4 |Title = [[Vatos]] |DirectedBy = [[Johan Renck]] |WrittenBy = [[Robert Kirkman]] |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|11|21}} |Viewers = 4.75<ref name="1.04">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/23/sunday-cable-ratings-sarah-palins-alaska-falls-the-walking-deadagain-still-boardwalk-empire-drops-real-housewives-sonny-with-a-chance-kendra-much-more/73243|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126232528/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/23/sunday-cable-ratings-sarah-palins-alaska-falls-the-walking-deadagain-still-boardwalk-empire-drops-real-housewives-sonny-with-a-chance-kendra-much-more/73243|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 26, 2010|title=Sunday Cable Ratings: ''Sarah Palin's Alaska'' Falls; ''The Walking Dead'' (again, still); ''Boardwalk Empire'' Drops; ''Real Housewives'', ''Sonny With a Chance'', ''Kendra'' & Much More|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=November 23, 2010|access-date=November 24, 2010}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Rick's group briefly scuffles with the Latino survivors, only stopping the war between the two groups when he discovers the other group are protecting the residents of a nursing home. When Rick's group return to their vehicle outside of town, they realize that Merle has taken it and may exact revenge against their group. They return to camp too late to stop a walker horde from attacking, killing [[Andrea (The Walking Dead)|Andrea]]'s sister [[Amy (The Walking Dead)|Amy]], and [[Carol Peletier|Carol]]'s husband Ed. |LineColor = 8F9A7F }} {{Episode list/sublist|The Walking Dead (season 1) |EpisodeNumber = 5 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5 |Title = [[Wildfire (The Walking Dead)|Wildfire]] |DirectedBy = [[Ernest Dickerson]] |WrittenBy = [[Glen Mazzara]] |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|11|28}} |Viewers = 5.56<ref name="1.05">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/30/sunday-cable-ratings-boardwalk-empiredips-soul-train-awards-real-housewives-dexter-top-gear-more/73858|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204090118/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/11/30/sunday-cable-ratings-boardwalk-empiredips-soul-train-awards-real-housewives-dexter-top-gear-more/73858|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2010|title=Sunday Cable Ratings: ''Boardwalk Empire'' Dips; ''Soul Train Awards'', ''Real Housewives'', ''Dexter'', ''Top Gear'' & More|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=December 1, 2010}}</ref> |ShortSummary = After the survivors bury the dead, Rick leads the rest to the CDC facility in Atlanta against Shane's advice. The CDC appears abandoned and locked-down, and the group are at odds with Rick due to the poor decision. The facility's only survivor, Dr. Edwin Jenner, is initially reluctant but gives in to Rick's desperate pleading and allows them inside. |LineColor = 8F9A7F }} {{Episode list/sublist|The Walking Dead (season 1) |EpisodeNumber = 6 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6 |Title = [[TS-19]] |DirectedBy = [[Guy Ferland]] |WrittenBy = [[Adam Fierro]] and Frank Darabont |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|12|5}} |Viewers = 5.97<ref name="1.06">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/07/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-boardwalk-empire-finales-rise-sarah-palins-alaska-dexter-the-hasslehoffs-more/74601|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211205637/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/07/sunday-cable-ratings-the-walking-dead-boardwalk-empire-finales-rise-sarah-palins-alaska-dexter-the-hasslehoffs-more/74601|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 11, 2010|title=Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead,' 'Boardwalk Empire' Finales Rise; 'Sarah Palin's Alaska,' 'Dexter,' 'The Hasslehoffs' & More|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=December 8, 2010}}</ref> |ShortSummary = Dr. Edwin Jenner of the CDC welcomes the survivors, allowing them to enjoy the amenities of the powered building while explaining what he knows about walkers. When the survivors discover that the building will self-detonate once it runs out of backup power, Dr. Jenner tries to prevents them from leaving. Rick convinces Jenner to let them go, and Jenner whispers something to Rick. They escape just before the building explodes, and the group departs the city. |LineColor = 8F9A7F }} }}</onlyinclude> ==Reception== ===Critical response=== The first season of ''The Walking Dead'' received mostly positive reviews from critics. On [[Metacritic]], the season holds a score of 82 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 25 critics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-walking-dead/season-1|title=The Walking Dead: Season 1|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the season holds an 87% with an [[Weighted arithmetic mean|average rating]] of 7.35 out of 10 based on 100 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads: "Blood-spattered, emotionally resonant, and white-knuckle intense, ''The Walking Dead'' puts an intelligent spin on the overcrowded zombie subgenre."<ref name="RT S1"/> Following the pilot episode's debut, ''[[TV Guide]]''{{'}}s Matt Roush called the show "a stark and harrowing survival parable ... visually stunning ... and daring in its artful use of silence."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Roush-Review-Zombie-1024677.aspx|title=Roush Review: Zombie Terror Alert!|work=[[TV Guide]]|last=Roush|first=Matt|date=October 25, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> Following the second episode, Simon Abrams from ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' awarded the show three and a half stars out of a possible four; "To say that Darabont has kicked his series off with a bang would be a serious understatement ... [he] has fashioned a fully realized alternate reality and it's a thrilling thing to experience."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/tv/review/the-walking-dead-season-one/217|title=The Walking Dead: Season One|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|last=Abrams|first=Simon|date=October 26, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref> In response to the season finale, James Poniewozik of ''[[Time (magazine)|TIME]]'' magazine gave the first season of ''The Walking Dead'' a glowing review stating, "the show has an urgency and bravery that make it something special".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2010/12/06/walking-dead-watch-the-big-decision/|title=''Walking Dead'' Watch: The Big Decision|last=Poniewozik|first=James|date=December 6, 2010|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|TIME]]|access-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref> Josh Jackson of [[Paste (magazine)|''Paste'']] magazine also praised the season by writing, "the characters are worth caring about" despite "occasional stilted monologues, quick tempers and unfortunate stereotypes".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/12/the-walking-dead-review-episode-16-ts-19.html|title=''The Walking Dead'' Review (Episode 1.6 "TS-19")|last=Jackson|first=Josh|date=December 6, 2010|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|access-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref> Some reviews were mixed, including one from Kofi Outlaw of ''Screen Rant'' who concluded, "The Walking Dead still hasn't really defined itself as anything more than a vague survival story about the human condition" but added, "you can be sure I'm one of those Dead-heads already chomping at the bit for season 2".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://screenrant.com/the-walking-dead-season-finale-reviews-discussions/|title=''The Walking Dead'' Season Finale Review & Discussion|last=Outlaw|first=Kofi|date=December 5, 2010|work=Screen Rant|access-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref> Sean McKenna of TV Fanatic also offered mixed criticism saying the first season "had its ups and downs" noting that the second season should focus on "a more specific story arc and strengthening of the character development".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2010/12/the-walking-dead-review-ts-19/|title=''The Walking Dead'' Season Finale Review: "TS-19"|last=McKenna|first=Sean|date=December 6, 2010|publisher=TV Fanatic|access-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref> Logan Hill of [[New York (magazine)|''New York'']] magazine was more critical, claiming the episodes contained "atrocious dialogue" and "a lot of plot machinery that has been contrived to create action suspense but ... hasn't really moved the story itself anywhere in particular", though he admits the fifth episode showed "flashes of promise".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2010/12/the_walking_dead_recap_it_ends.html#|title=''The Walking Dead'' Recap: A Bang That's a Whimper|last=Hill|first=Logan|date=December 5, 2010|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|access-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref> {{Television Rotten Tomatoes scores | title = The Walking Dead | label = Season 1| year = 2010| color = #8F9A7F | ref = <ref name="RT S1">{{cite web |title=The Walking Dead: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_walking_dead/s01/ |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> | 100| 75| 92| 91| 91| 82}} ===Accolades=== {{See also|List of awards and nominations received by The Walking Dead}} The first season of ''The Walking Dead'' was named one of the [[American Film Institute Awards 2010|Top 10 Television Programs in 2010]] by the [[American Film Institute]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/afiawards/default.aspx|title=AFI Awards|publisher=[[American Film Institute|AFI.com]]|access-date=December 13, 2010}}</ref> The season was also nominated for [[TCA Award for Outstanding New Program|Outstanding New Program]] at the [[27th TCA Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ew.com/article/2011/06/13/tca-nominations/ |title='Game of Thrones,' 'The Killing,' 'Walking Dead' nominated for TCA Awards |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=June 13, 2011 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=June 13, 2011}}</ref> and [[Writers Guild of America Award for Television: New Series|Best New Series]] at the [[Writers Guild of America Awards 2010|63rd Writers Guild of America Awards]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/12/08/amc-garners-six-wga-award-nominations-for-acclaimed-original-dramas-mad-men-breaking-bad-and-the-walking-dead-712414/20101208amc01/|title=AMC Garners Six WGA Award Nominations for Acclaimed Original Dramas "Mad Men," "Breaking Bad" and "The Walking Dead"|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|date=December 8, 2010|access-date=December 9, 2010}}</ref> It was also nominated for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Television Series – Drama]] at the [[68th Golden Globe Awards]]<ref name="GG"/> and [[Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Drama Series|Best Drama Series]] at the [[1st Critics' Choice Television Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/06/mad-men-fringe-modern-family-community-critics-choice-awards/|title=''Mad Men'', ''Fringe'', ''Good Wife'', ''Modern Family'', ''Community'', ''Justified'' Lead Critics Choice Kudos|first=Michael|last=Ausiello|date=June 6, 2011|publisher=[[TVLine]]|access-date=June 8, 2011}}</ref> For the [[37th Saturn Awards]], the season received six nominations, winning [[Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation|Best Television Presentation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/talk/2011/06/saturn-awards-2 |title=The Walking Dead and Frank Darabont Win Saturn Awards |publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] |access-date=May 5, 2017}}</ref> The nominations were for [[Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television|Best Actor on Television]] ([[Andrew Lincoln]]), [[Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television|Best Actress on Television]] ([[Sarah Wayne Callies]]), [[Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television|Best Supporting Actor on Television]] ([[Steven Yeun]]), [[Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television|Best Supporting Actress on Television]] ([[Laurie Holden]]), and [[Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role on Television|Best Guest Starring Role on Television]] ([[Noah Emmerich]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/inception-walking-dead-top-saturn-160979 |title='Inception,' 'Walking Dead' Top Saturn Awards Nominations |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=February 24, 2011 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=February 24, 2011}}</ref> The pilot episode, "[[Days Gone Bye (The Walking Dead)|Days Gone Bye]]", received three [[Primetime Emmy Award]] nominations for the [[63rd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards]], winning [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie, or Special|Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie, or Special]], and received nominations for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing for a One-Hour Series|Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series]] and [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects|Outstanding Special Visual Effects]].<ref name="PCAEA"/> [[Frank Darabont]] was nominated for [[Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Drama Series|Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series]] for his work on "Days Gone Bye".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dga.org/News/PressReleases/2011/0111-DGA-Awards-Nominees-for-TV-and-Commercials.aspx|title=DGA Awards Nominees for TV and Commercials|date=January 11, 2011|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|access-date=January 11, 2011}}</ref> ===Ratings=== The pilot received 5.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched series premiere episode of any AMC television series.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2010/11/01/amc-original-series-the-walking-dead-garners-highest-18-49-delivery-for-any-cable-series-premiere-for-2010-424510/20101101amc01/|title=AMC Original Series "The Walking Dead" Garners Highest 18-49 Delivery for Any Cable Series Premiere for 2010|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|date=November 1, 2010|access-date=November 1, 2010}}</ref> The first-season finale received 6 million viewers, a season high; with 4 million viewers in the 18-49 demographic, making it the most watched [[Cable television in the United States#Basic cable|basic cable]] series for the demographic.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/06/walking-dead-finale-draws-6-million-viewers-3-0-adults-18-49-rating/74468|title="Walking Dead" Finale Draws 6 Million Viewers, 3.0 Adults 18-49 Rating|publisher=[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]|date=December 6, 2010|access-date=December 6, 2010|archive-date=May 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519153116/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/12/06/walking-dead-finale-draws-6-million-viewers-3-0-adults-18-49-rating/74468/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first season had an average of 5.24 million viewers and a rating of 2.7 in the 18-49 demographic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/01/24/2010-year-in-review-2011-year-in-preview-amc-558111/9082/|title=2010 Year in Review/2011 Year in Preview: AMC|publisher=[[The Futon Critic]]|date=January 24, 2011|access-date=March 25, 2012}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, it premiered one week after it did in the United States, on November 5, 2010 on digital channel, [[Fox (UK and Ireland)|FX]]. The premiere had 579,000 viewers, almost double for any other show on FX that week. The viewership dipped during the season then rose to 522,000 viewers for the final episode.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing/weekly-top-10?|title=Weekly Top 10 Programmes|publisher=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]]|access-date=December 16, 2010}}</ref> The terrestrial premiere on [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]] on April 10, 2011, averaged 1.46 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.ca/british-tv/s135/the-walking-dead/news/a313880/the-walking-dead-scares-up-15m-on-c5.html|title='The Walking Dead' scares up 1.5m on C5|work=[[Digital Spy]]|last=Laughlin|first=Andrew|date=April 11, 2011|access-date=April 11, 2011}}</ref> Based on its ratings, the series was renewed for a second season on November 8, 2010.<ref name="Season 2"/> {{Television episode ratings <!--Please note that ratings tables are supported by WP:TVRECEPTION!--> | hide_dvr = y | hide_dvrv = y | hide_total = y | hide_totalv = y | title1 = [[#ep1|Days Gone Bye]] | date1 = October 31, 2010 | rs1 = 2.7/7 | viewers1 = 5.35<ref name="1.01"/> | title2 = [[#ep2|Guts]] | date2 = November 7, 2010 | rs2 = 2.5/7 | viewers2 = 4.71<ref name="1.02"/> | title3 = [[#ep3|Tell It to the Frogs]] | date3 = November 14, 2010 | rs3 = 2.5/7 | viewers3 = 5.07<ref name="1.03"/> | title4 = [[#ep4|Vatos]] | date4 = November 21, 2010 | rs4 = 2.4/6 | viewers4 = 4.75<ref name="1.04"/> | title5 = [[#ep5|Wildfire]] | date5 = November 28, 2010 | rs5 = 2.8/7 | viewers5 = 5.56<ref name="1.05"/> | title6 = [[#ep6|TS-19]] | date6 = December 5, 2010 | rs6 = 3.0/8 | viewers6 = 5.97<ref name="1.06"/> }} ==Home media releases== The first season was released on [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] in region 1 on March 8, 2011<ref>{{cite web|title=The Walking Dead - AMC/Anchor Bay's Press Release for 'The Complete 1st Season' on DVD and Blu-ray|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Walking-Dead-Season-1-Press-Release/14890|publisher=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]]|date=January 6, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824182034/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Walking-Dead-Season-1-Press-Release/14890|archive-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> and in region 2 on May 16, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Walking Dead - Season 1|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ASOQ6M|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=March 10, 2011}}</ref> Special features on the sets include six featurettes—"The Making of ''The Walking Dead''", "Inside ''The Walking Dead'': Episode 1–6", "A Sneak Peek with Robert Kirkman", "Behind the Scenes Zombie Make-Up Tips", "Convention Panel with Producers" and "''The Walking Dead'' Trailer". Also included are other behind the scenes featurettes—"Zombie School", "Bicycle Girl", "On Set with Robert Kirkman", "Hanging with Steven Yeun", "Inside Dale's RV" and "On Set with Andrew Lincoln". A three-disc special edition of the first season was released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 4, 2011. The sets include all the previous special features, plus brand new extras. The new extras include audio commentary on all six episodes, the black and white version of the pilot, and six new featurettes—"We Are ''The Walking Dead''", "Bring Out the Dead: KNB and the Art of Making Zombies", "Digital Decay: The VFX of ''The Walking Dead''", "No More Room in Hell: ''The Walking Dead'' Phenomenon", "Adapting the Dead" and "Killer Conversations: Frank Darabont & Greg Nicotero". In addition to the DVD and Blu-ray release, a limited edition Blu-ray collector's tin contains an exclusive wearable zombie mask from the [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association]] designed by the series own make-up artist, [[Greg Nicotero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Walking-Dead-season-1-special-edition/15688|title=The Walking Dead - Press Release for Season 1 Special Edition|publisher=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]]|first=Gord|last=Lacy|date=July 21, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723234346/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Walking-Dead-season-1-special-edition/15688|archive-date=July 23, 2011}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Wikiquote}} {{Portal|Speculative fiction/Horror|Television}} * {{Official website|https://www.amc.com/twdu/the-walking-dead/season-1}} * {{Imdb episodes|1520211|The Walking Dead|season=1}} {{The Walking Dead}} {{The Walking Dead episodes}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Walking Dead (season 1), The}} [[Category:2010 American television seasons]] [[Category:The Walking Dead (TV series) seasons|01]] [[Category:Television shows set in Atlanta]]'