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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  1. BShaps
    Sep 2, 2015
    2
    I'm a big TWD fan and watched with another big TWD fan. The pilot was so bad that I had to turn it off about halfway through. The acting was terrible and none of the characters were remotely believable to me. The characters are what make TWD so good and that aspect was completely lacking in the pilot.
  2. 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...
  3. 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.
  4. HarlanSaysSo
    Sep 1, 2015
    9
    I am a huge Walking Dead fan. It's funny because I only gave it a try because there was nothing else on T.V..and it became such and engrossing part of my television watching habits. Sundays are just not the same without it. When it is on hiatus, I just get saddened by how long I have to wait to continue the journey with the characters that I have grown to love. So, when I found out aboutI am a huge Walking Dead fan. It's funny because I only gave it a try because there was nothing else on T.V..and it became such and engrossing part of my television watching habits. Sundays are just not the same without it. When it is on hiatus, I just get saddened by how long I have to wait to continue the journey with the characters that I have grown to love. So, when I found out about this show and how it was going to be a different direction from the first, I immediately felt the urge to give it a try and not be so skeptical. That horror T.V can work. I am very happy to say that this show definitely pulls it's own weight. What I love most about this show is the different angle in which it is playing. The Walking Dead focuses on survival, whereas Fear the Walking Dead focuses on infection, and the outbreak which started it all, and how people are coming to terms with the chaos that is caused from it. It works. Very well. Because it becomes terrifying in a sense that WE as a viewer know what has happened and how to deal with certain scenarios or situations, but seeing as these characters are in the midst of the outbreak and not the aftermath, they are more vulnerable and oblivious to the dangers and how to face them effectively. And since this is the beginning of the outbreak, the zombies are more "fresh" and not so obvious of what they truly are, which heightens the intensity of the situations that occur on hand .The characters are all portrayed very well and the city is a welcome atmosphere as opposed to the countryside. People who are complaining about not having enough zombies are just ignorant to the fact that they just want the horror part of the story. That is just one part of it . There is a story being told and I am glad that the shows producers are not forgetting that. I would definitely give this show a chance. So far its a great opening to what we have come to know of this Universe and I am very eager to see where they take it . Bravo.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. 007foxtrot
    Sep 1, 2015
    3
    1. After episode 2. When does the daughter get to know her mother and brother killed zombies/people?
    2. Anti-police. Mom rakes the cops at the hospital. She probably has had her own run ins with the law. Probably drug related as she has a great amount of sympathy for her son who is trying desperately to check out.
    3. Mom let's the knife boy out of the car on his own, doesn't warn    1. After episode 2. When does the daughter get to know her mother and brother killed zombies/people?
    2. Anti-police. Mom rakes the cops at the hospital. She probably has had her own run ins with the law. Probably drug related as she has a great amount of sympathy for her son who is trying desperately to check out.
    3. Mom let's the knife boy out of the car on his own, doesn't warn daughter, doesn't warn neighbors. Please don't make her the "Rick Grimes" of this series. Her exit via zombie hopefully is sooner than later.
    4. At least take Knife Boy's knowledge. The civilized grid will soon go down, get moving, at least sharpen some sticks.

    May survive on the back of The Walking Dead.    … Expand
  7. Odin-
    Sep 1, 2015
    3
    Three words, shameless cash grab.

    This show is pure unadulterated crap. The content is repetitive and boring, mirroring the same constant theme over and over again with very little to mix it up. When you go from Rick grappling with a post-apocalyptic world apologising to a zombie missing legs with incredible music in the background to scenes where Alicia and her impetuous teenager love    Three words, shameless cash grab.

    This show is pure unadulterated crap. The content is repetitive and boring, mirroring the same constant theme over and over again with very little to mix it up. When you go from Rick grappling with a post-apocalyptic world apologising to a zombie missing legs with incredible music in the background to scenes where Alicia and her impetuous teenager love obsession with some guy coupled with her adolescent rebellious nature dominating scenes it feels more like home and away episode than anything else. The script writer’s attempt to mix things up by having a drug addict suffer from withdrawal syndrome doesn’t really keep suspense or the story interesting either.

    Disaster scenes feel cheap and fake which may point to a lack of funding. Riot scenes have a handful of riot police and protesters which is a stark contrast to the sheer calamity the show is trying to convey. The acting is poor and their characters feel forced rather than superb acting in the Walking Dead. Every scene is stretched out to ad nauseam, the dialogue is awful and the characters are monotone and boring.

    There is nothing to compel you to watch it further.    … Expand
  8. johnyflyin
    Aug 31, 2015
    2
    This show is hiding in the shadow of its big brother. Granted it was not the best opening premiere, but this show was a let down even by normal tv standards. There was family tropes left and right; a daughter who wont listen to her mother and madly in lovely with her bf, a son who is a bad egg, parents who had divorce. It was a bit bland for those used to the walking dead's plot. Now iThis show is hiding in the shadow of its big brother. Granted it was not the best opening premiere, but this show was a let down even by normal tv standards. There was family tropes left and right; a daughter who wont listen to her mother and madly in lovely with her bf, a son who is a bad egg, parents who had divorce. It was a bit bland for those used to the walking dead's plot. Now i personally have never been a big fan of the walking dead's dialog(any scene with Carl and his father has horrible dialog) but this show is on par if not a bit worse with its cheesy lines. There is not much to say other than it was a huge let down and not worth watching unless you want to experience some of the lore before the events of the walking dead.… Expand
  9. thugchamp
    Aug 31, 2015
    10
    Amazing character development so far, not so much meaningless action as TWD first episodes but hey thats TWD is for. Personally I prefer the approach this show is taking over just people you dont even know getting eaten all over the place. Also, Im sure we can expect plenty of that as the series builds and gets further into the breakout. 10/10
  10. manwe7
    Aug 31, 2015
    9
    Thisshowblows needs to go get his blowing quota in as he's an idiot if he didn't like the second episode. You know there is a thing called character building that they have to do to start the show off, which they did and moved on. THe second episode had me on the edge of my chair as things are building up and the drama is tense.
  11. Hollyyyy09
    Aug 31, 2015
    9
    There is a lot of promise and great moments in the first two episodes. The second episode is stronger than the first so hopefully it should just keep getting better and better! A lot of people are complaining that the first one doesn't have enough walkers. However, the show is not a carbon copy of the Walking Dead. It is set in the same universe and one day, will look the same. However,There is a lot of promise and great moments in the first two episodes. The second episode is stronger than the first so hopefully it should just keep getting better and better! A lot of people are complaining that the first one doesn't have enough walkers. However, the show is not a carbon copy of the Walking Dead. It is set in the same universe and one day, will look the same. However, Fear is exploring the early days. There has to be family drama and normality before everything goes to hell! You cannot expect the first episode of Fear to be just like the first episode of the Walking Dead. There isn't that many zombies yet. It is just stupid to expect otherwise. The second episode picks up the pace a bit and was very good! A couple of the characters were a bit annoying at the beginning. However, trying to find rational explanations is what we would all do. Frank Dillane is the breakout star for me!… Expand
  12. 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
  13. thisshowblows
    Aug 30, 2015
    0
    Stupid characters, can't connect with any of them because they aren't very likable. The first episode was insanely boring, and the second one isn't any better.
  14. murph07
    Aug 30, 2015
    2
    I really did not like the characters in this show. Are these people that we want to survive? The mom was very rude to the cops and the nurses even though she is an educator so you think she would give other public service people a bit more respect. I can't stand the "bail my kids out of their situation regardless of their own stupidity" type of parenting. The step dad finds bloodI really did not like the characters in this show. Are these people that we want to survive? The mom was very rude to the cops and the nurses even though she is an educator so you think she would give other public service people a bit more respect. I can't stand the "bail my kids out of their situation regardless of their own stupidity" type of parenting. The step dad finds blood everywhere in the church but seems to see no need to call the authorities. The kid then commits murder and the parents are already talking about how to get him out of that. I am hoping that they all get eaten in the second episode and a better group of people becomes the cops.… Expand
  15. vgmkyle
    Aug 30, 2015
    9
    I was hooked as soon as it started. It's nice to switch to a new atmosphere, it's nice to see that maybe the virus can be explained; the talent chosen for this spin-off is great! The story is well-paced, and more action will balance that out in following episodes.
  16. Kreso
    Aug 30, 2015
    9
    Very good. It starts slow, but based that it's just the start of the outbreak this is normal...cast is good, setting is great and I'm just sorry there is 6 episodes this year....
  17. 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.
  18. maxwelldemianx
    Aug 29, 2015
    3
    There is way too much family drama and not enough fear, horror , zombies. They make it feel as if they stretched the family drama extra long in order to spread the little horror they can show on a spin off pilot. At some point it was like watching a B-serie movie about a drug addict, his somewhat hot sister and their interacial parents. Positives : good actors, good special effects, theThere is way too much family drama and not enough fear, horror , zombies. They make it feel as if they stretched the family drama extra long in order to spread the little horror they can show on a spin off pilot. At some point it was like watching a B-serie movie about a drug addict, his somewhat hot sister and their interacial parents. Positives : good actors, good special effects, the premise make sense, story gets interesting when there is finally some action. Negatives : slow unfolding, boring transitions, cheap startling techniques that reminded me of the 1990's **** horror movies. Overall it showed some promise but I really scaled my expectations down. For me it's a low for AMC. 4/10.… Expand
  19. 53bload53
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    I honestly wasn't expecting much of this spin off, I thought it was just gonna be a low-quality copy cad of the actual show directed by a bunch of kidos.

    My mind is completely blown at how good the 1st episode was, it really has the feeling the actual show has and they did really good in making up an interesting story to follow. Can't wait for episode 2.
  20. chuckvw
    Aug 28, 2015
    9
    I think the slow burn really works. The LA locales are shot expertly, and the production values are excellent across the board. The cast is also strong. I liked the occasional ominous shot of the hazy LA skyline. Nice foreshadowing!

    I'm looking forward to seeing how the show unfolds.
  21. XisXis
    Aug 28, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The pilot for this show was slow and the writing was terrible. I get the idea of the show is partly to explore the effects on everyday people. That is part of the charm of the original series. It is not all about the political elite and extraordinary heroes. It about the human spirit and how various personalities tap into that spirit with varying outcomes.
    Okay, so why are these characters doing stupid stuff that no one would do. Why do the police fail to investigate a place that has been named as crack den where a gruesome murder just took place. Sure the witness is a crackhead, but still. So instead, the kids step dad - for no good reason - decides to go and investigate the crack-den gruesome murder scene himself - at night. Sure enough, its true. But does he call the cops? Nope, him and his wife decide to go back and check it out again, alone. Yep, still a crack-den scene of gruesome murder. Does anyone call the cops? No. But then the wife's judgement is so good that she decides to keep the knife wielding of a student just their little harmless secret.

    And so on. The characters are just cardboard cut outs, their actions the consequence of just unaccountably stupid plot twists.

    Me thinks the writers of this series have contempt for their audience.    … Expand
  22. LEDMAN
    Aug 27, 2015
    7
    I want to see the writers substantiate the origin of "the zombies" and why the walking dead must live on the blood of humans and not other mammals. We all know civilization collapses so why not invest some time in building upon the collapse? It certainly is scary enough to see such a disease spread through crack houses and perhaps the "fear" could be directed in a humanitarian view as aI want to see the writers substantiate the origin of "the zombies" and why the walking dead must live on the blood of humans and not other mammals. We all know civilization collapses so why not invest some time in building upon the collapse? It certainly is scary enough to see such a disease spread through crack houses and perhaps the "fear" could be directed in a humanitarian view as a deterrent to drug abuse. It would certainly scare some people strait just seeing this.

    However, I'm tired of seeing Los Angels and New York City as the setting for all TV and Motion picture productions and found the original series setting in the south great and refreshing in general. Most likely a pandemic would more likely originate in Areas of high population density and without adequate infrastructure. Those that experienced and survived super storm Katrina know all too well what happens when civilization collapses.

    Sifting through the horror, guts, and blood, the opportunity presents itself to expand on how well FEMA is prepared to step in and hopefully slow down the collapse so we can see how well all the preppers living off grid will manage.    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. DereckS
    Aug 26, 2015
    8
    Was it great? Meh. Did it have to be? Nope. Was it better than most of the other stuff out there? Most assuredly.

    Here's the thing, this is all about the beginning. While the family dynamic is a bit cliche, the point is that when anything initially begins (particularly a pandemic event), people casually ignore the signs and life moves on UNTIL they see it with their own eyes. It WOULD    Was it great? Meh. Did it have to be? Nope. Was it better than most of the other stuff out there? Most assuredly.

    Here's the thing, this is all about the beginning. While the family dynamic is a bit cliche, the point is that when anything initially begins (particularly a pandemic event), people casually ignore the signs and life moves on UNTIL they see it with their own eyes. It WOULD be a bit dull UNTIL it got personal. I felt that this episode did a great job with this aspect. No, the city hasn't gone to hell yet, but I'm sure we'll get there.(Further, we already saw that in Atlanta). I don't think that this pilot was ever going to be about blood and gore, but more about how people could believe or comprehend what they were seeing and how they would react. You see how it starts....quiet paranoia. This will likely lead to civil unrest, which will lead to dinner bells for the walkers.

    I trust that the blood and spitting guts are to come, but in a way I am very interested to see how a couple of teachers and their kids will enter and MAYBE survive some of the zombie apocalypse. I doubt very much that we will be disappointed.

    Looking forward to next week. Solid 8 for me. Not mind blowing, but far from disappointed.    … Expand
  25. ahastings7878
    Aug 26, 2015
    0
    There was so much hype about FTWD, so no small wonder why it was the most watched premiere. Every fan of TWD waited in anticipation, hoping for something to hold them over until October. FTWD doesn't seem to have the appeal, the excitement, the FEEL of TWD. It doesn't compare. I'll watch episode 2, but I'm not sure I'll watch episode 3, 4, 5 or 6. Come on October!
  26. Quinny202
    Aug 26, 2015
    7
    Fear The Walking Dead's slow pace may put off fans of the main show, but overall manages to keep you wanting more with its interesting narrative that places you in the early days of the initial outbreak.
  27. brockcheese
    Aug 25, 2015
    7
    This show is still very good although it cannot even come close to comparing with the original. One problem is the lack of zombie action as it is still occuring.
  28. DanniBoi
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    So far the expectancy of this series will be a 10 for me, this has a unique perspective from the original TWD we all know of and most of us are already tired of seeing the same thing over and over, but yet we still watch it non the less.

    The development is new show is so slow, and more slow that the previous installment from the feel of this "plot" (and that is good!) Because it will    So far the expectancy of this series will be a 10 for me, this has a unique perspective from the original TWD we all know of and most of us are already tired of seeing the same thing over and over, but yet we still watch it non the less.

    The development is new show is so slow, and more slow that the previous installment from the feel of this "plot" (and that is good!) Because it will take us in a journey to understand and be more interested in the characters.

    And of course it is intensive, because is building the "hype" / "excitement" for the moment we all waiting for, the zombie break trough. But as we go there, we get to know and love or hate each of the main characters and so forth as we continue down that road, but yet doing it in a slow sensitive manner by tangling us, the viewers, in this interesting slow phase perspective and life of this families in which is building a few new interesting premises from what we know already. So each of this characters that we still do not know nothing about, but yet we still know the obvious reasons of each one.

    Something new and different from the previous installment (as I mention) it is for sure a great and a different intensive new cool experience and perspective from this "beforemath" soon to be a "aftermath"    … Expand
  29. OmneIgnotum
    Aug 25, 2015
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Big fan of TWD, so when I heard Kirkman was involved and might finally get a chance to give some origin to the epidemic, I decided to give it a shot. Boy was that a mistake. All you need to know from this hour long snore fest was that the kid is a drug addict and that causes the "modern day" family situation stress. That's all. Time that should've been spent building suspense in the world (mumblings about the disease while standing in line at the grocery, or clips of morgues overflowing) was over ridden by the teenager's drug use. I get it as a tool for delivering doubt at the onset of the pandemic, I even get it as an attempt to make you understand/care about the new characters (completely failed btw), but the way this is force fed to you over and over makes me think that they were under the impression that they were the first tv show to ever tackle the topic of teenage drug use. I didn't expect zombies everywhere as this is set pre-epidemic, and the sirens and choppers that seemed to grow louder as the episode went on was a nice touch, but I disliked the characters, and seeing as how all they attempted to do in this episode was make me care about what happens to angsty teenagers and the edu-rents, that's not a good sign. The kid uses heroin. Really, I got it. Won't be watching this again, i'll stick to the flagship where something actually happens.… Expand
  30. roinujrino
    Aug 25, 2015
    7
    Well, even it did not reach the quality expexted, Fear the Walking Dead is solid, and the pilot leaves the promisse of a good season. I believe the series can and will grow in the next years.
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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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