Every Episode of The Walking Dead Ranked by Tomatometer
Updated 10/12/2018 to include the season 9 premiere, “A New Beginning,” which landed at No. 19.
The Walking Dead fans have hung with AMC’s zombie series for going into nine seasons now — 116 episodes — and secured its place as 2017’s highest rated primetime series.
Apparently, the saga of Rick (Andrew Lincoln), Carl (Chandler Riggs), Michonne (Danai Gurira), Daryl (Norman Reedus), Carol (Melissa McBride), Maggie (Lauren Cohan), Glenn (Steven Yeun), Morgan (Lennie James), and the rest of the gang has legs — and feet and arms and decapitated heads — to spare.
We decided to look at how each of its episodes so far have fared on the Tomatometer and found the most Rotten episodes occurred in season 6, with four of the 12 episodes in that season being deemed Rotten by a consensus of critics. The current season was a close second with three Rotten eps, so far.
Season 6’s overall score — it is Certified Fresh at 78% — was lifted by standout episodes like episode 13, “The Same Boat,” which topped the list. The episode, in which McBride particularly impressed critics, had the highest score at 100% with the most reviews (28). It’s worth noting, however, that the second episode of season 7, “The Well,” scored a 97% on the Tomatometer with a substantial 37 reviews.
At the same time, season 5 scored the most episodes in the top 10, claiming half of those slots, each at 100%. Season 7’s premiere, “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be,” had the most reviews of any individual episode with 50 — unsurprising, perhaps, given that it was the episode in which viewers found out which characters Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) had brained.
What was your favorite episode of The Walking Dead? Tell us in the comments.
The Walking Dead Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6
TWD EPISODES WORST TO BEST
#116With things looking up for Rick’s group, an argument breaks out at the Hilltop. The consequences of the decision are life versus death.
#115After having a few moments of peace, trouble finds its way to Alexandria yet again. Only this time, the threat might be too big to defeat.
#114After having a few moments of peace, trouble finds its way to Alexandria yet again. Only this time, the threat might be too big to defeat.
#113With the Governor’s attack looming, Rick and his people need to determine if the prison is worth defending.
#112Alexandria is finally able to start pulling itself back together, and there’s peace between the group and the Alexandrians, but no one knows how long it will last.
#111The mood in Alexandria is quite grim after a number of setbacks, which might prove too much for the sheltered citizens inside the gates.
#110The plan involving Alexandrians, Kingdommers and Hilltoppers unfolds. As Rick continues to fight, he encounters a familiar face.
#109Life on the road has the group beaten and beleaguered.
#108A new and scary chapter begins to form at a camp outside the prison.
#107Shane’s deadly sacrifice leads to strange behavior, while the rest of the group contemplate the fine line between living and dying.
#106Conflict with the Saviors leads to unintended consequences for the Hilltop, the Kingdom and Alexandria. Morality proves tricky in wartime.
#105Two different groups leave Alexandria on supply runs. While both are concerned with the future of the community, immediate danger will derail them.
#104In this episode, a familiar face stumbles upon a brand new society. Their rules, location, and setup are unlike anything we’ve seen before.
#103The remaining members of the core group hold together in Alexandria. Then, they receive a sobering visit.
#102Daryl finds himself in bad company as his group heads to the Hilltop, and Gabriel’s faith gets tested.
#101When Rick and Shane agree on a pivotal decision, Dale begins to suspect a lack of humanity fostering among the group; meanwhile, Carl’s actions have an unexpected impact.
#100With the Governor busy pursuing a runaway dissenter, a traitor looks to sabotage his impending plans.
#99A group of other survivors are encountered.
#98Every story and battle comes crashing together.
#97Rick possibly stumbles upon another safe spot while attempting to come to the aid of someone in danger. Meanwhile, Shane heads off on a mission for much-needed medical supplies.
#96In the seventh-season premiere, Negan’s actions will haunt the surviving members of Rick’s group forever.
#95Rick and the Governor contemplate a peace treaty.
#94A familiar face returns as the group members struggle to find humanity in a world of constant threats.
#93Rick seeks a peaceful agreement when rules and morals are tossed aside by new enemies.
#92
Alexandria is alerted after realizing someone is missing. Several search parties will venture out, but what they find isn’t what they’re hoping for.
#91A group of Alexandrians embark on a journey to a distant community; and one group member must make a heartbreaking decision.
#90In the aftermath of a horrific discovery, Rick must restore order; meanwhile, Hershel falls back into a bad habit and disappears, leaving Glenn and Rick to track him down in town.
The Walking Dead Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6
