Fear the Walking Dead

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 23, 2015
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 604 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 297 out of 604
  2. Mixed: 115 out of 604
  3. Negative: 192 out of 604
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User Reviews

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  1. DavidWerdiger
    Oct 17, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a big fan of TWD as a social commentary. This companion series could have been so much more. It touched lightly on the ethical & moral issues of initially understanding what was happening, and then dealing with the infected and the zombies. It also dealt with the mistrust of authority and communication between them and the people at various stages.
    But it could have taken a lot more time to really explore those themes, and also to explain how it all started and how the authorities understood it and tried to deal with it, to consider things from their perspective (govt, police, army) as well as the people, to consider the "tipping points" when things got out of hand, either because of the rioting, or when the scale became so large that areas had to be abandoned, how major infrastructure like power failed.
    Instead, after just 6 episodes, we are already post-apocalyptic. There is so much more this could have been. I'm disappointed.    … Expand
  2. podunk411
    Sep 1, 2015
    5
    I hope it gets better, but so far not a great start. The writing, characters & story are somewhat muddled, just not strong at all (not all bad, but certainly not good either, and nowhere near as good as TWD pilot). I'll keep watching in hopes it gets better, and really, it's the strength of TWD that has me interested in FTWD.
  3. BigPoppaFitz
    Sep 1, 2015
    6
    I think the first mistake people make when watching this is assuming that it will either be identical to 'The Walking Dead' or that it will at least hold true the same antics and situations. It's important to treat this as a completely separate entity (which it is). It is not a companion series. That being said, I find the show to be average. It's hard to judge a show off of two episodes,I think the first mistake people make when watching this is assuming that it will either be identical to 'The Walking Dead' or that it will at least hold true the same antics and situations. It's important to treat this as a completely separate entity (which it is). It is not a companion series. That being said, I find the show to be average. It's hard to judge a show off of two episodes, but in 2015 producers know that if a series doesn't suck you in by the first two episodes, the rest of it is likely to fail. I could be wrong, but it seems like it's going to be the same old predictable plot where the virus breaks out, they're stuck in the city and are trying to escape. Everything in between is just fluff. The acting is average at best and none of the characters are relatable even in the slightest bit. Since it is Robert Kirkman, I will give it until the end of season 1 but I doubt the series is going to take a hard left and take off so I give it a 6 as it stands.… Expand
  4. GundamMars
    Aug 24, 2015
    4
    Okay, how to start. It's dull and that vibes continues through the show. When it starts up visually you're given the same look as the mainline show so you're tricked into thinking the **** has already hit the fan. But no this clever rouse takes us a few days before the all out infection of the country. Not saying that's a bad way to start, but when you're given a very limited run you needOkay, how to start. It's dull and that vibes continues through the show. When it starts up visually you're given the same look as the mainline show so you're tricked into thinking the **** has already hit the fan. But no this clever rouse takes us a few days before the all out infection of the country. Not saying that's a bad way to start, but when you're given a very limited run you need to start off with a BANG, not a fart. The setting is LA, which they really take advantage of showing more minority characters, which isn't bad, but nobody here is interesting or makes you care for them with Z-Day right around the corner. The main character is a junkie who plays being a junkie loser quite terribly. We're introduced to his family and they're as equally as annoying, from the **** mom, to the annoying teenage daughter all the troupes of a bad drama are represented. We get a couple of side characters that do little if nothing for the plot and any glimpses of zombies are short and don't have the same fell as they do in WD. We as the audience knows what's coming, but everyone in the show is completely clueless to the world around them. I was going to rate this show lower, but I want to see if they can improve. So far though, I was not fearing the Walking Dead, just starting to root for them.… Expand
  5. Prosmooth
    Sep 7, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I still watch the other series, and think it is decent most of time. I've seen two episodes of this one and it's honestly too soon to review it. Not impressed that much with anything yet. The teen daughter is hot--but she looks about 30. A lot of Mexicans on this one--kind of like Fear the East LA.… Expand
  6. MarquisInSpades
    Sep 14, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After 3 episodes I'm starting to want the male lead character dead. Having narrowly escaped a full scale riot he gets home and despite the family saying 'let's go now' - he's still like 'we'll go in the morning'. Then in the morning he's fannying about putting the bins out! WTF ARE YOU DOING YOU F@CKING KNOB! Who's going to empty the bins in the middle of a zombie holocaust? Honestly it's actually getting quite amusing - what other things is he going to say or do which YOU JUST WOULDN'T F@CKING DO in a life emergency? Walk the dog? Pop out for newspaper?… Expand
  7. cimerians
    Aug 23, 2015
    5
    The pilot episode was bad but got better towards the final 30 minutes. The acting was atrocious for the most part but enjoyed some scenes from Curtis and Dillane. Way too many characters introduced and none of them are initially appealing. None you care about. Of course this is the beginning and one show does not determine the entire series but so far its at an almost tragic start. I'llThe pilot episode was bad but got better towards the final 30 minutes. The acting was atrocious for the most part but enjoyed some scenes from Curtis and Dillane. Way too many characters introduced and none of them are initially appealing. None you care about. Of course this is the beginning and one show does not determine the entire series but so far its at an almost tragic start. I'll leave it at that for now.… Expand
  8. j1177o1
    Aug 30, 2015
    5
    I really tried to like this show, but it's slow pace, boring characters, and overall lack of emotional depth and excitement has made this show very disappointing. A lot of scenes are somewhat illogical (sudden riots in downtown LA) and the character dynamics are seriously dull. I really dislike how one character who seems to be cognizant of an impending zombie apocalypse (brings a weaponI really tried to like this show, but it's slow pace, boring characters, and overall lack of emotional depth and excitement has made this show very disappointing. A lot of scenes are somewhat illogical (sudden riots in downtown LA) and the character dynamics are seriously dull. I really dislike how one character who seems to be cognizant of an impending zombie apocalypse (brings a weapon to school, gathers up supplies, forebodes the end to civilization) shows no fear or urgency or bother to explain how he came to that realization and was rather emotionally apathetic the whole time.… Expand
  9. AaronAction
    Aug 24, 2015
    4
    Being in a room of 14 people who all completely hated this, I was the only one who tried to defend it for, "trying to build character development." In the reality of things, this is one of the worst premiers I've ever seen. I hope the rest of the Season isn't this boring, predictable, and poorly written.
  10. dbunye
    Aug 23, 2015
    6
    There is a lot of potential for this show.
    The urban setting creates a significant range of options that we do not really see in the rural setting of Walking Dead.
    I recall a major letdown in the movie World War Z was not seeing as much of the start of the Zombie Apocalypse as I hoped for. The movie was good, but fell short of the book. Fear the Walking Dead has the potential to fill    There is a lot of potential for this show.
    The urban setting creates a significant range of options that we do not really see in the rural setting of Walking Dead.
    I recall a major letdown in the movie World War Z was not seeing as much of the start of the Zombie Apocalypse as I hoped for. The movie was good, but fell short of the book. Fear the Walking Dead has the potential to fill in those gaps, so to speak.
    But this episode was long and slow. For an hour and a half, not much happened.
    So, it was disappointing, but I remain hopeful that the series will be worth the wait.    … Expand
  11. mbmartins
    Aug 29, 2015
    4
    I was expecting something different, a introduction perhaps, but I saw more of the same thing without the intensity of the original show. Maybe the next chapters change something but i dont think that this is the way that the series will continues.
  12. mjboldy
    Aug 26, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I admit that reviewing after a single episode is a little quick but it isn't the greatest start for the show.

    My biggest issue is that none of the characters are initially sticking out to me. The son, I actually found myself hoping that he was going to the zombies a couple of times. Of course they had to go down the route of him being the first to see them. He's a drug addict who was hallucinating after all. Excuse me while I tear my hair out. To be honest, it would have been nice to skip the disbelief phase as it's always a frustrating moment for the viewer any time it's done. The mom and father seem decent enough though a bit forgettable as characters. We'll have to see how they develop. The daughter, of course, you'd be forgiven if you forgot that she existed. I feel like she had a total of 5 minutes of screen time.

    Unfortunately, the main focus of this first episode was more about what the son saw in the church as opposed to adequately introducing us to the characters. I'm a little skeptical as to why the father would investigate the church by himself. I gave it a pass the first time but was a bit in disbelief when he brought his wife around for the second trip. A building with a history of violence and drug deals to which they were well aware of.

    Of course the big elephant in the room during the entire episode for most people was, when was all hell going to break loose. Many people on here seem to be complaining that it moved too slowly and that it needed more action. "Get to the zombies already." It is a TV show, though, so the story needs to complete a marathon run. If you want non-stop zombie killing action, might I recommend a 2-hour zombie flick.

    In my opinion, I was a little disappointed that it happened so soon. Here I was excited that this show was going to have the opportunity to build up a solid character base before the zombies truly came into the picture. Obviously it is a premiere so they have to give the people what they came for but The Walking Dead prided itself on the characters. I was hoping for the same here.

    What we have so far are a mom and dad with a hackneyed story line of raising their troubled kids. To be honest, I don't see myself connecting with any of them though I could be wrong. The acting seemed a bit spotty but not terrible. I guess we'll see how it goes but I'm not holding my breath.    … Expand
  13. idiot---boy
    Jan 31, 2016
    5
    Okay it's just 6 episodes, so it's hard to get some proper character development, but oh boy, there is absolutely none. The character are one dimensional, its a perfect family with only 1 weird guy who is the best actor of all. The story is boring, has absolutely no to little tension build up and the events are so unbelievable and feel so forced. And next to all this, everyone keeps onOkay it's just 6 episodes, so it's hard to get some proper character development, but oh boy, there is absolutely none. The character are one dimensional, its a perfect family with only 1 weird guy who is the best actor of all. The story is boring, has absolutely no to little tension build up and the events are so unbelievable and feel so forced. And next to all this, everyone keeps on living a normal life as if nothing happens and nothing affects them. Still I give it a 5, it has the good old walking dead feel to it, the rough guy doing some nasty stuff to a soldier gave the series some extra thrill, and there are some scary, tense moments. after all, I still wouldn recommend watching this, as the story is still quite boring, random and is sometimes very predictable. Even for a spin off, they could have done WAY better. Cant wait for the walking dead to return in 2 weeks.… Expand
  14. jamess
    Sep 8, 2015
    5
    I've liked Cliff Curtis and Kim Dickens for years as fine supporting actors, and they're fine as the leads of this Dead prequel. The problem is similar to The Strain, where a plague of some sort is spreading across a large metropolitan city, but everyday life goes on as if nothing is happening. Footage of a gunshot exchange where the victim doesn't die would've blown up the internet.I've liked Cliff Curtis and Kim Dickens for years as fine supporting actors, and they're fine as the leads of this Dead prequel. The problem is similar to The Strain, where a plague of some sort is spreading across a large metropolitan city, but everyday life goes on as if nothing is happening. Footage of a gunshot exchange where the victim doesn't die would've blown up the internet. Instead it's "oh look at this...". It's the lack of communication that drives me crazy. The leads sense something is going on, but you bludgeon your former boss with a fire extinguisher, and tell no one?? Crazy.… Expand
  15. mrmonster
    Sep 2, 2015
    4
    As a big fan of the Walking dead, I had high hopes for this show. To say I am greatly disappointed is an understatement. Its boring, its drawn ount way too long, and at its core, its a cash grab meant to cash in on the popularity of thr Wakling Dead.
  16. jerminel
    Sep 14, 2015
    4
    After 1st EP, I said. Ok, it's normal, the show maybe needs time to get the Fear part. I just watched the 3rd Ep, and it's still as boring. The point of TWD is "what do we have to do to survive". FTWD, in comparison, is just another family soap.
  17. Ravens1294
    Oct 11, 2015
    6
    The show was fine, but nothing special. i actually liked the slower pace, but the writing and acting need a little bit of work. The Season Finale was surprisingly pretty good and it sets up a potentially better season 2.
  18. jasharkowalski
    Sep 2, 2015
    6
    I am afraid the show will be re-titled at the end to "Pass The Walking Dead"....it's so obvious now how good the original show is because i have no nerve to watch the slow developments int this spin-off....i rate 6 out of 10 only because i cannot wait til' the original walkers get back...
  19. Mastodon
    Sep 7, 2015
    4
    Thus far after two episodes I give this show a 4 out of 10. It's not that I have something against character plots and building a story.... but I feel like for one reason or another that so far the story hasn't unfolded naturally and believably. There wasn't many stand-out moments as of now either. I will revisit my review of the show in a few more episodes, but not a fantastic start IMO.
  20. Moo-vies
    Nov 30, 2016
    4
    This spin off is underwhelming to say the least.
    Despite 2 full seasons released, we still have to see any major event that would raise some kind of appeal for the series but ... no such thing has come up in the writing.
    The casting is a bit weird. As if it was tailored to reflect more the southern demographics of the states (to which personally have no problem with in these dark    This spin off is underwhelming to say the least.
    Despite 2 full seasons released, we still have to see any major event that would raise some kind of appeal for the series but ... no such thing has come up in the writing.

    The casting is a bit weird. As if it was tailored to reflect more the southern demographics of the states (to which personally have no problem with in these dark times), but the characters are somehow off. I think whoever was who made the casting should get another job as there was no spark of genius or talent here but a lot of Hollywood narcissism totally cut out of real life.

    The lack of alchemy for the casting and boring writing is what brings this series down.
    Beyond that, the CGI for the boat are a sham, and the camera and scene work reveal a lack of talent or inspiration for an obvious commercial spin off of a walking dead series that will soon come to a conclusion.

    In the end, it is quite funny to see that despite the fact that the word "Zombies" has fallen out of fashion after all the Romero's overrated movies of the 80's, the "walking dead" remain a stupidly resistant imagery of a backward America still stuck in its religious fundamentalism.    … Expand
  21. KayVen17
    Aug 27, 2016
    5
    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Story: 14/25 Punkte
    Schauspieler: 13/25 Punkte
    Technik/ Bildbearbeitung: 17/25 Punkte
    Sound/ Voice: 13/25 Punkte

    Gesamtpunktzahl

    57/100 Punkte
  22. Jes1310
    Sep 24, 2019
    6
    Slow in pace, but always disturbing and frightening. Loved the first episode, especially all the Things in the background. Like the constant police sirens and images of skyscrapers (telling that there is a lot of Walkers waiting / coming). If you liked the original TWD this is a must see.

    ---- But after a while it just gets plain stupid... the storyline is horrible, the acting    Slow in pace, but always disturbing and frightening. Loved the first episode, especially all the Things in the background. Like the constant police sirens and images of skyscrapers (telling that there is a lot of Walkers waiting / coming). If you liked the original TWD this is a must see.

    ----

    But after a while it just gets plain stupid... the storyline is horrible, the acting mediocre, and its just a good show...    … Expand
  23. Krypto_Dogg
    Sep 28, 2015
    6
    Far too slow a burn. I know some of these shows are trying to be character driven and all, but you feel like after an hour like nothing is happen and you're unsatisfied, left to wait another week to see if anything will pay off and in the case of The Leftovers, nothing paid off really, nor with True Detective Season 2. It makes one skeptical of every show that attempts this type ofFar too slow a burn. I know some of these shows are trying to be character driven and all, but you feel like after an hour like nothing is happen and you're unsatisfied, left to wait another week to see if anything will pay off and in the case of The Leftovers, nothing paid off really, nor with True Detective Season 2. It makes one skeptical of every show that attempts this type of storytelling. Makes you want to just wait for it to air on Netflix (in which case it may fail on network tv if you don't watch it). Maybe all tv should be like Netflix and just air all the shows at once. If you want to binge, you should be able to binge. I don't think a show needs to be ashamed of wanting to be a really long movie. That's fine, just don't make me wait a week inbetween while you want to have nothing happen. With a short season, I'm wondering if I'll end up having wasted a month and a half on a show that may get better next season.… Expand
  24. Tibster
    Sep 10, 2018
    4
    Fun until Morgan from the original series arrived in this one too, now both shows are ruined. Remove Morgan !!!
  25. dmanizzle
    Oct 27, 2015
    4
    Hershel's Farm had more action than this show....

    The beginning is very slow, and the amount of drama and pointless conversations continue for the first half. I understand some shows need buildup and introduction, but it felt like a waste in the end. Like others, I feel that the characters, writing, and story leave me a bit disappointed. Also, the motives, actions, judgement and    Hershel's Farm had more action than this show....

    The beginning is very slow, and the amount of drama and pointless conversations continue for the first half. I understand some shows need buildup and introduction, but it felt like a waste in the end. Like others, I feel that the characters, writing, and story leave me a bit disappointed. Also, the motives, actions, judgement and feelings of some of the characters leave me baffled. In all, I was not really impressed with this show at all. My judgement is a little biased because of TWD, but the show felt like an utter disappointment. I prefer watching others zombie shows such as Izombie, Z Nation, and of course TWD.    … Expand
  26. diogomendes
    Apr 13, 2016
    6
    A pretty stupid, slow-moving affair, to be honest. "Fear the Walking Dead" clearly suffers from some of the original series' problems (e.g.: dumb characters) but the tension does have a nice ring to it, and the cast, while most of them aren't given much to do, they do a good job.

    Promising ideas that are cast aside in favor for pointless overarching conflicts.

    6/10.
  27. marc5477
    Sep 12, 2016
    5
    Its average. Nothing really stood out, it was just lackadaisical from start to finish. Character building is slow and the characters are not very deep. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, you can always throw boring people into an interesting story and still have a good show which is basically what the main series does. But the problem here is the story was boring too. We spent too muchIts average. Nothing really stood out, it was just lackadaisical from start to finish. Character building is slow and the characters are not very deep. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, you can always throw boring people into an interesting story and still have a good show which is basically what the main series does. But the problem here is the story was boring too. We spent too much time on meaningless scenes like the kids trashing an abandoned home or the military who cant seem to pick which side they are on. One second they are helping people (albeit in a mean way), and the next they don't care. Why bother helping then? If there was a reason, they did a poor job conveying it in this show. All in all, it an average show but I can see it going either way in season 2.… Expand
  28. shivoncarla
    Oct 20, 2015
    4
    I, like many others, can't help but compare 'Fear the Walking Dead' with 'The Walking Dead' and while I really hoped it would either surpass or offer an alternative to the same ol' zombie stereotype. I did not. In fact, I was begging for SOMETHING in the first episode. Excitement maybe? Suspense? Better Acting? Something other than... well, boredom.
  29. HeribertoFilho
    Oct 27, 2015
    6
    I liked more than The Walking Dead, but this series has some nonsense and forced moments that have made me give this score. I'll recommend wait for the next season and read users reviews about.
  30. Cyniam
    Nov 7, 2015
    6
    I'm probably repeating most other people when I say this but this series started quite strong and exactly the way it was marketed as: "the beginnings of the Zombie apocalypse happening gradually over time", in contrast to The Walking Dead's skipping a month. The last couple episodes however threw that idea out the window and although it remained quite interesting, it was ultimately aI'm probably repeating most other people when I say this but this series started quite strong and exactly the way it was marketed as: "the beginnings of the Zombie apocalypse happening gradually over time", in contrast to The Walking Dead's skipping a month. The last couple episodes however threw that idea out the window and although it remained quite interesting, it was ultimately a slight let down in it's focus although it is somewhat better than what I expected it to be overall.… Expand
  31. Tellit-likeitis
    Jan 31, 2016
    4
    Yea, I love the walking dead series, but this one is running very, very, very slow.
    I find myself fast forwarding through a ton of parts. I trying with all of my might to stick in there but it is just moving way too slow.
    I like the actors, they are OK. Some are just frustrating, but it really needs to move faster. Nothing keeps me wanting to watch the next episode like Walking Dead    Yea, I love the walking dead series, but this one is running very, very, very slow.
    I find myself fast forwarding through a ton of parts. I trying with all of my might to stick in there but it is just moving way too slow.

    I like the actors, they are OK. Some are just frustrating, but it really needs to move faster. Nothing keeps me wanting to watch the next episode like Walking Dead where they leave you on a cliff and I am "dying" to see the next episode.

    I find myself watching it as the last think on the DVR.    … Expand
  32. FerKal-
    Jun 8, 2016
    4
    It's worth watching, but you will definitely not feel the same feeling the original show gives you. You don't have the same character development and it's only a few characters that are memorable. The show takes way to long to develop it's story and you seem to stay episode after episode at the same place. compared to the real show where they somehow move the story so much in the sameIt's worth watching, but you will definitely not feel the same feeling the original show gives you. You don't have the same character development and it's only a few characters that are memorable. The show takes way to long to develop it's story and you seem to stay episode after episode at the same place. compared to the real show where they somehow move the story so much in the same place.
    There is no real villain or enemy in the show, there is the walkers.
    The camera movement is way to shaky, and gives an amateur feeling and there is not enough panorama views or bird perspectives that gives you an overview of the scene and the situation they are in.
    There is no real villain or enemy in the show, there is the walkers.    … Expand
  33. Crazygar
    Apr 24, 2023
    6
    At first I was pretty excited to tackle this show. After a few years of hesitation I finally started to watch it.

    First 5 seasons were great. Truly enjoyed it and was always in the "just one more" mode. Season 6 comes along, ok, things take some different turns but still manages to captivate and capture my attention. Then Season 7. Seriously, this killed it for me. I could    At first I was pretty excited to tackle this show. After a few years of hesitation I finally started to watch it.

    First 5 seasons were great. Truly enjoyed it and was always in the "just one more" mode.

    Season 6 comes along, ok, things take some different turns but still manages to captivate and capture my attention.

    Then Season 7. Seriously, this killed it for me.

    I could barely muster 2 episodes a night (sometimes, skipping entirely or just watching 1 episode). The acting, the writing, even the darn Dead are well... bad and at times so painful to watch you feel embarrassed/ashamed/uninterested yourself.

    After watching the final episode of the season, I decided this is where I am going to call it quits. For a show that started off with great potential, this is a huge let down.

    I can only imagine how truly bad Season 8 will be though I have no plans to experience it.    … Expand
  34. Dragonfly44
    May 6, 2018
    6
    This is a show that starts off slow and shows a whole lot of promise, but isn’t able to deliver much in the first season. The characters are somewhat likeable and the show never really feels bad, but it never feels good either. It’s a show that makes you want to keep watching it, particularly if you are a fan of The Walking Dead like me, but is far from addicting.

    Rating - 66%
  35. yoshif8tures
    Mar 4, 2021
    6
    A good prelude to the main series. Much better watching consecutively than weekly.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
16
#16 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Aug 24, 2015
    75
    Fear the Walking Dead is heavy on spooky atmosphere and light on zombies (they’ll be known as “infected,” not walkers, we’re told) in the early going.
    Read full review
  2. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Ned Ehrbar
    Aug 24, 2015
    80
    Fear the Walking Dead pulls off a great feat in prequel land: using that nagging sense of inevitability to its advantage. It shouldn’t work, but it totally does.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Aug 24, 2015
    80
    Fear the Walking Dead is a wonderfully refreshing reboot that reminds viewers of the exciting, moving, and dramatic potential The Walking Dead had in its first season - a potential the show has all but squandered.
    Read full review
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