AMC Networks will expand The Walking Dead franchise with additional spinoff television shows beyond its current programming slate.
The announcement was made by network executives on July 9, 2026.
The expansion aims to maintain the universe's long-running cable broadcast presence.
The network is currently addressing the impending conclusion of the spinoff series focusing on Daryl Dixon, which will end after its fourth season.
AMC is attempting to prevent a programming gap that would interrupt a 17-year streak of broadcasting the franchise's content.
Chief Content Officer and President of AMC Studios, Dan McDermott, detailed the network's long-term commitment to the franchise in an interview with The Ankler.
"We will always have Walking Dead shows on our platforms..." said Dan McDermott, President of AMC Studios.
McDermott also confirmed that active discussions are underway with actor Norman Reedus regarding a future return to his signature role.
This development aligns with prior statements from franchise producers indicating that the conclusion of the specific spinoff series would not permanently end the storylines for the main characters.
Meanwhile, the third season of the ongoing spinoff series Dead City is scheduled to premiere on July 26, 2026.
Dead City Season 3 Details
The upcoming season will run an eight-episode schedule through September 13, 2026.
Showrunner Seth Hoffman took over the creative leadership for the upcoming season, which focuses on a collaborative effort to rebuild Manhattan.
During a special screening at the Monte Carlo Television Festival, the main cast members discussed the structural shifts in character dynamics and upcoming production elements.
"This is our best season – by far. This is such a different relationship now," said Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Actor.
The actor noted that the evolution of the narrative allows for a more multidimensional exploration of his character after a decade of adversarial storylines.
"Negan was a great villain, and now he just got more layers.
He will always be this person that walked out of a trailer 11 years ago, but he's more multidimensional.
This year there's such a shift in their relationship that brings out yet another side of him. That's why I want to play him.
It's still new to me, every year. Who would do a series with two enemies who wanted to kill each other?
And yet here we are," said Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Actor.
Morgan expressed satisfaction with the depth of the new scripts, which allowed the core characters to interact without violence.
"We played as much hate as we could over the last 10 years. Now, we have known each other longer than anyone else alive.
To survive, they need each other, and that was a big revelation. To see Maggie smile was so nice – haven't seen it in 10 years!
To have scenes that have genuine meaning and depth, it was amazing. We got to see new sides of each other.
She didn't even stab me one time!" said Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Actor.
The actor also highlighted his relationship with his character's iconic prop weapon. "Lucille is Lucille.
It's the only prop I've ever had as an actor that I really love. It changes my posture and the way I talk.
I am not really Negan, I know it's a shock, but she indicated this character for me," said Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Actor.
Co-star Lauren Cohan explained that her character's motivation shifts away from trauma in the new episodes to serve a broader communal objective.
"This is really the first year when Maggie recognizes that to be defined by grief doesn't serve her anymore.
It started in Season 2 with her son – she knew that something had to change, which was very uncomfortable.
There's something bigger: a bigger purpose.
We are these unlikely allies that realize how much they can rely on each other and how much they know each other.
The irony of their relationship, with how they met, is interesting," said Lauren Cohan, Actress.
The creative team also indicated that the production will introduce new mechanical and narrative concepts to the fictional creatures in the series.
"This season, we are exploring the humanity of the Walkers. We have recurring Walker characters that have names and personalities, to some extent.
We also want people to think: 'This is still The Walking Dead, but it's also brand new,'" said Seth Hoffman, Showrunner.
The premiere episode will debut on the AMC cable network and stream on AMC+ on Sunday, July 26, followed by weekly releases.
AMC executives confirmed the franchise will expand with new series and character returns as Dead City Season 3 prepares for a July 26 premiere.
