The series The Walking Dead, which became a cultural phenomenon over its eleven seasons, has been the subject of reflection by its protagonists regarding its decline in viewership and relevance. At its peak, the series was compared to other major television events like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, but its popularity has drastically decreased since the iconic and controversial death of Glenn Rhee at the hands of Negan, an event that many consider a critical turning point.
A decision that perhaps did not sit too well with the public
Ross Marquand, who played Aaron, addressed this topic at AwesomeCon, stating that the brutality of Glenn’s death scene was so shocking that it caused many fans to leave the series. “It was so visceral and intense that I think a lot of people thought: I’m out. I can’t take it anymore,” Marquand expressed, highlighting that the special effects, while well-executed, were perhaps excessively shocking.
The death of another key character, Abraham Ford, played by Michael Cudlitz, also caused other fans to distance themselves from the plot. Although The Walking Dead was on its way to a possible season 12, the series was canceled after the eleventh season, which generated controversy among fans who still maintained some loyalty. This decision was due to the prioritization of other spin-off projects within the successful franchise.
Starting from the seventh season, The Walking Dead began to experience a drastic decline in its audience numbers, a phenomenon that according to some critics, indicates the loss of narrative direction of the series. Many fans agree that Glenn’s death marked a turning point, becoming an event that defined the future of the series and its connection with the fans.
