The Walking Dead

:

Season 5
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 31, 2010
Season #: 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 909 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 658 out of 909
  2. Mixed: 86 out of 909
  3. Negative: 165 out of 909
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User Reviews

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  1. gaga4ever
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    best season premier yet. great character development, great Gore scenes and it was just gut wrenching, perfectly written. it was just great.carol is a hero. it is going to be a top notch season
  2. JamesIrish68
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Walking Dead is one of the disliked popular shows with plenty of online critics who find fault. But its popular for a reason, its unpredictable, savage, uplifting and depressing in equal measure. Nobody's safe, no one can rest on their laurels and nobody is beyond reproach. Its also very brave and will go against the grain. Kids have been shot on this show, which breaks all the rules.ItWalking Dead is one of the disliked popular shows with plenty of online critics who find fault. But its popular for a reason, its unpredictable, savage, uplifting and depressing in equal measure. Nobody's safe, no one can rest on their laurels and nobody is beyond reproach. Its also very brave and will go against the grain. Kids have been shot on this show, which breaks all the rules.It isn't cheap either, detail is always paid to everything. Its compulsive and for me ideal binge. This show could go on for eons, and I hope it does.… Expand
  3. callumjsouth
    Aug 6, 2015
    7
    Season 5 is a good season of The Walking Dead. The story is entertaining enough and well acted by the still extremely talented cast. We begin with a bang in 'No Sanctuary' one of the best episodes yet, which is thrilling, emotional and thoroughly enjoyable. However, the season seems to lose it's direction as it heads towards the mid-season break. It begins to seem too hung up on Beth'sSeason 5 is a good season of The Walking Dead. The story is entertaining enough and well acted by the still extremely talented cast. We begin with a bang in 'No Sanctuary' one of the best episodes yet, which is thrilling, emotional and thoroughly enjoyable. However, the season seems to lose it's direction as it heads towards the mid-season break. It begins to seem too hung up on Beth's situation. Later, the start of the second half is a case of 'on the road again'. A particular case that made season 4 such a problem. This freedom adds a degree of welcomed mystery but does take away an important reason to feel intrigued in terms of progression. The Alexandria story arc is my favourite thing about this season. The characters are again in a place where trust is a luxury and challenges are a formality. The addition of new characters adds a fresh air whilst allowing for interesting theorising to commence. The season ends with a new foe in sight, perhaps the worst yet. The Walking Dead's fifth season puts the show back on the right track and re-establishes the consistency of season 3 following the erratic and disappointing season 4. We get thrills and chills and a genuine longing for season 6 to come around sooner.… Expand
  4. RyanMogg98
    Nov 12, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Walking Dead Season 5 has to take a different avenue. Season 1 & 2 were fantastic but 3,4 & now seemingly 5 seem to all be too similar. I was hoping that trying to reach Washington may be more of the old like series 1 & 2 but they keep on going away from what the show is all about. Survival!!! Too much drama, I think this snow needs a major twist. Will it happen... probably not because it makes way too much money and a twist could lose that.… Expand
  5. jazzythechef
    Mar 15, 2015
    6
    I feel like they're getting really adept at getting through a 40min episode without anything really happening at all, each series gets a little more dull than the previous one. To be fair its probably pretty hard to come up with fresh subject matter, but It feels to me at this stage like we're trying to suck every bit of life out of this show. It needs a dramatic final ending before it'sI feel like they're getting really adept at getting through a 40min episode without anything really happening at all, each series gets a little more dull than the previous one. To be fair its probably pretty hard to come up with fresh subject matter, but It feels to me at this stage like we're trying to suck every bit of life out of this show. It needs a dramatic final ending before it's sucked dry. Is this to be the last season? I feel it really should be… Expand
  6. BasilZero
    May 2, 2015
    8
    Season 5 brings another season of equal balance between character development and action like the last season however due to the scenario, location and the characters - this was actually the weakest season since Season 3. This season felt more like a filler season than anything - it felt like at first they were in a scene similar to Season 2's but it was not as exciting and the storySeason 5 brings another season of equal balance between character development and action like the last season however due to the scenario, location and the characters - this was actually the weakest season since Season 3. This season felt more like a filler season than anything - it felt like at first they were in a scene similar to Season 2's but it was not as exciting and the story progression felt rush.… Expand
  7. ReubenIsAGod
    Nov 10, 2014
    8
    good start to the season so far. Hopefully the season will continue to entertain me, for so far it has been intresting seen the new straggles for the group and cannibals are rather spooky.
  8. JoaoVictorLR
    Mar 9, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Only two good episodes this season. The first one, and Four Walls and a Roof, the rest was filler. And another thing about the first half. Why do they killed off Gareth so quick? It was an amazing, interesting character. Beth getting killed was so lame, so bad directed, bad written. It's the same plot since the first season. Rick and his group looks for a place to stand, to be comfortable, to live a life, and then they destroy everything, they go to another place, destroy everything, that's it. And now, AMC will produce a Spin-Off, congratulations to AMC, and the one who will see the show, that it will probably be another show that it just entertains you, with a bad written, ok actors, ok characters, bad directed, etc.… Expand
  9. VenomHD
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    Season 5 started out extremely well, surprising since I didn't think the show would get better after seasons 3 and 4 unfortunately towards mid season I felt the show sidetracked and focused on things that weren't too necessary. Up to now the show has slowly built up to really show off how the main characters have evolved yet they retain their unquestionable will to survive - this seasonSeason 5 started out extremely well, surprising since I didn't think the show would get better after seasons 3 and 4 unfortunately towards mid season I felt the show sidetracked and focused on things that weren't too necessary. Up to now the show has slowly built up to really show off how the main characters have evolved yet they retain their unquestionable will to survive - this season although it hasn't ended is on par with the first season, absolutely phenomenal.… Expand
  10. Chillywinter
    Mar 30, 2015
    6
    About 3 episodes in season 5 were exciting 8 to 9 outta 10 episodes, the rest were boring 2 - 3 outta 10 episodes. My god even Tribes from 20 years ago was more entertaining than this, and that was just low budget, teenage actors, trying to beat each other up kinda drama. I'm gonna struggle to watch season 6, but will hold out in the fleeting hope that 1 or 2 episodes might be half decent.
  11. cpoverman2015
    May 25, 2015
    10
    this season started off fast but slowed down alot but redeemed itself at the 2 half of season 5 i cant wait for season 6. This so far is my favorite season yet Robert kirkman is a genius and so is the writing of the TV show.
  12. itsrobertsfam
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Season 5 of AMC's "The Walking Dead" tells a story of trust, betrayal, and suspicion as we see our heroes persevere through some of the darkest moments in the show's history.
  13. princepk
    Mar 23, 2015
    3
    This season has gone too far. What started as a 8/10 show is now a 4/10 show for me. Rick is crazy, Sasha is crazy, the whole world is crazy. If you're going to lengthen a show, at least do so with some respect to the characters. I will still keep watching this show but with a 10 second fast foward every time a character starts to tell how sad or lost they feel.
  14. ozymandias79
    Feb 10, 2015
    6
    The mid-season premier was really weak. More of the same plus some forced drama. I'm starting to not care about these characters. If they start to rely on killing off characters for impact, this show will go downhill fast.
  15. nvk1001
    May 25, 2015
    10
    I watched every episode over the space of 2 days and I got to say this is one of the best seasons of TV ive ever seen!! If I had watched it week by week with a mid season break I may have felt differently because of the slow pacing of some episodes. But on the whole Id still recommend this season to anyone. A great season of TV!!
  16. soccersw2
    Oct 12, 2014
    9
    What we get, in sum, is what the majority of fans crave in every episode-- a constant bombardment of blood, gore, and chaos, without neglecting to add elements of character development along the way. My only concern is whether producers have what it takes to shape the rest of the season to still carry a sense of originality, rather than following the same, repetitious story-line consistingWhat we get, in sum, is what the majority of fans crave in every episode-- a constant bombardment of blood, gore, and chaos, without neglecting to add elements of character development along the way. My only concern is whether producers have what it takes to shape the rest of the season to still carry a sense of originality, rather than following the same, repetitious story-line consisting of the group marching to a place of "sanctuary" only to (big surprise) find out that it is corrupted. With that aside, the season opener has everyone ready to see more, and I'm ready for every minute of it.… Expand
  17. JacksReviews
    Oct 12, 2014
    9
    The best season premiere since Season 1 - Scott M. Gimple is the best thing to happen to this show for a VERY long time. The last minute reveal is incredibly promising.
  18. PoppyParker
    Oct 27, 2014
    4
    The writers of this show are lazy and incompetent. And just how lazy and incompetent are they? Well, the show creator just had to assure fans that the entire thing isn't happening inside a coma patient's head, because that's the only way people can explain all the otherwise inexplicable BS on the show. Season 5 had a promising premiere but now things are back to what's been the problemThe writers of this show are lazy and incompetent. And just how lazy and incompetent are they? Well, the show creator just had to assure fans that the entire thing isn't happening inside a coma patient's head, because that's the only way people can explain all the otherwise inexplicable BS on the show. Season 5 had a promising premiere but now things are back to what's been the problem with this show since season 2: Slow, comatose plot, inconsistent characterization (due to aforementioned lazy and incompetent writers), head scratching decisions that make no sense. For example, Abraham and co wanted to leave at night due to the danger of those cannibals. Well, after they killed them all and that danger no longer exists, why did they still leave? Why split? In a world where you KNOW that being in the group is essential why not wait a day or two and then leave together? The cannibals are dead, which is why he wanted to leave in the first place. OMG. And why did Maggie and Glen go? To keep their promise? Like what, if they hadnt gone, Abraham would have sued them? COME ON. This did not make any sense at all. And then Glenn saying to Rick it was his decision to leave with Abraham and that it should be respected, just so 5 seconds later he can make that decision FOR Maggie. Watching this show is like pulling hairs and the reason for it is Scott Gimple and his completely and utterly incompetent writing staff. Seriously, Fire them all and hire a new show-runner.… Expand
  19. Sirik_Matak
    Feb 17, 2015
    1
    I've seen only the first and the second seasons, got pretty bored with this show... A typical shovelwere hyped to the masses as a deep and sophisticated show, while it's just a parade of nonsensical piece of an untalented, unconsistent writing.

    Now, I've watched a single episode of the 5rh season. A man got bitten by a zombie in a zombie riddled village, because he was apparently    I've seen only the first and the second seasons, got pretty bored with this show... A typical shovelwere hyped to the masses as a deep and sophisticated show, while it's just a parade of nonsensical piece of an untalented, unconsistent writing.

    Now, I've watched a single episode of the 5rh season. A man got bitten by a zombie in a zombie riddled village, because he was apparently looking at a photo. **** shocking and drama.

    It's a boring farce.    … Expand
  20. googolendtimes
    Feb 21, 2015
    5
    "The Walking Dead" can deliver epic instalments of blistering intensity and energy - absolute brilliance. Then it's followed by long stretches of rudimentary storytelling where nothing of any real significance happens. And those stretches are getting longer. In fact, I'd say this stretch has been going on for about a season and a half. The season five premiere "No Sanctuary" was one of the"The Walking Dead" can deliver epic instalments of blistering intensity and energy - absolute brilliance. Then it's followed by long stretches of rudimentary storytelling where nothing of any real significance happens. And those stretches are getting longer. In fact, I'd say this stretch has been going on for about a season and a half. The season five premiere "No Sanctuary" was one of the best episodes of television I saw last year - it was fast, it was bloody, and dispensed with the Terminus plotline with a swift and total lack of mercy. But the rest of the episodes have gone nowhere. This is a show that used to have some of the best writing and acting on television. The cinematic qualities are still there, but the writing isn't and the cast would be as great as they were in seasons past if they had better material to work with than the repetitive, uninteresting and poorly paced formulas the show now depends upon. As someone who enjoyed "The Walking Dead" in seasons 1, 2 & 3, I wish I could still watch and not spend every episode disappointed at how far it is from the show I used to love. I wish they could deliver an episode like "No Sanctuary" on a week-to-week basis, rather than just one or two episodes like it a season.… Expand
  21. The_Magnificent
    Nov 10, 2014
    4
    Season 5 started good but now it went back to the same old boring episode stuff with questionable decisions and it's just painful to watch.

    But thanks HBO for canceling Boardwalk Empire.
  22. Dufflad
    Nov 25, 2014
    1
    Walking Dead has had one hell of a run, but this will be the last season I watch. You can tell by watching the new episodes that the popculture fame has gotten to the teams heads' and the show itself is getting worse because of it. Things are either getting pointlessly artsy, or physically impossible depending on the episode we're addressing. This season has been the biggest letdown yetWalking Dead has had one hell of a run, but this will be the last season I watch. You can tell by watching the new episodes that the popculture fame has gotten to the teams heads' and the show itself is getting worse because of it. Things are either getting pointlessly artsy, or physically impossible depending on the episode we're addressing. This season has been the biggest letdown yet and I have a hard time continuing to justify watching it. The writing behind each episode is just lazy now and just because you can write multiple storylines just to tie them together later is not as unique as you think it is. In fact lots of what brings the heroes back together is unexplained and just conveniently happens. This season is like the last season of Lost, and I won't go through that again.… Expand
  23. thetvreviewman
    Nov 4, 2014
    1
    This show has been dragged out for far too long. In the beginning (2 seasons) it was great! Suspenseful! Action packed! but now it has just become one big soap opera with the occasional zombie killing.
  24. ChrisOrthodox
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    INCREDIBLE SEASON OPENING!!! I know that the season just started, but I must say that the writers really did listen to the fans this time (More action, more zombies, and more traveling). In my opinion, all seasons were good, but the second and third seasons had very little action and that is what made many fans upset. The fourth season was better and had a good cliff hanger. To me, thisINCREDIBLE SEASON OPENING!!! I know that the season just started, but I must say that the writers really did listen to the fans this time (More action, more zombies, and more traveling). In my opinion, all seasons were good, but the second and third seasons had very little action and that is what made many fans upset. The fourth season was better and had a good cliff hanger. To me, this was probably the best season opening ever and I really feel like the show is back at it's best. Looking forward to the next episodes.… Expand
  25. shopsticks
    Feb 18, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion Season 5 is starting to drag. Episode 509 was boring. I think that this should be the last season to make it more exciting. They should struggle to make it Washington, kill a few more characters, and find a cure in Washington.… Expand
  26. Jim-Beam
    Dec 3, 2014
    5
    Up and down and then down again; Zzzzzzzzz. It's a real shame; after a strong 3-episode opening of this incredibly patchy series the writers have decided, once again, to indulge in some more of their patented 'ultra-padding', in which uninteresting plot meanderings (Beth in hospital and Abraham's tedious Washington mission) fill out entire episodes, while the most interesting charactersUp and down and then down again; Zzzzzzzzz. It's a real shame; after a strong 3-episode opening of this incredibly patchy series the writers have decided, once again, to indulge in some more of their patented 'ultra-padding', in which uninteresting plot meanderings (Beth in hospital and Abraham's tedious Washington mission) fill out entire episodes, while the most interesting characters remain completely absent. Season four wasted a staggering amount of time on tiresome one-off episodes in which the scattered factions of the cast engaged in irrelevant and plodding misadventures following the forced exodus from their prison (this itself following on from the already excruciatingly dull flu outbreak story in which people we didn’t care about moaned and sweated). Give me strength.

    From the majority of reviews here it looks as though avid fans of the series are willing to let the writers get away with the same trick. Four episodes into season five and we have clearly reached the ceremonial slump which will no doubt pick up by about episode 13 or 14 - just in time to wake the parish up so they might froth to everyone about how good it all is. Of course this season may prove me wrong yet.

    I will resist from ranting about the many bizarre and unconvincing motivations of the characters (most recently Abraham & Glen) and the ill-conceived Eugene (oh Jesus don’t get me started on Eugene) and just say this; the show works best when it keeps focus and details the challenges that Rick Grimes faces in keeping his people safe. Now that the character of Rick has reached near Mad Max levels of intensity, the writers would do better to work with his story without the misguided deviations – this is not The Wire.

    The Walking Dead is not without its merits, I have clapped with joy and anxiety at some moments – I was near orgasmic when the Terminus crew reached their end at the church – but let’s be honest, these kinds of payoffs are few and far between. To be completely fair, the show is generally diverting, I wouldn’t have come this far if it wasn’t, it even has moments of excellence, but if you’re older than 12 and genuinely think this is the best thing on TV, I feel bad for you son.    … Expand
  27. manofthemoon
    Feb 20, 2015
    4
    The show that doesn't know where its going featuring characters that haven't yet realized they've run out of storyline. As meandering as the comics, a real shame to see a one quality show that needs to wrap it up.
  28. SchroederRock
    Mar 23, 2015
    8
    Having actually watched the entire season (too many of these reviews only rate on a few episodes), I find myself more and more comfortable with calling season 5 of TWD the best season this show has offered up. It could be that because season 4 was too slow and thus felt a bit boring more often than not, making season 5 feel like a roller coaster ride at times. But the many plot linesHaving actually watched the entire season (too many of these reviews only rate on a few episodes), I find myself more and more comfortable with calling season 5 of TWD the best season this show has offered up. It could be that because season 4 was too slow and thus felt a bit boring more often than not, making season 5 feel like a roller coaster ride at times. But the many plot lines explored within this 5th season has kept each episode feeling fresh and unpredictable. TWD has never been better than it is now, and if this is the kind of good the show can keep up, I hope to see multiple seasons to follow before the show inevitably meets its end.… Expand
  29. WhySoSerious54
    Sep 14, 2015
    10
    Best Season so far. Amazing character development and a deeper look into the emotions of the group as feelings begin to change regarding hope and survival. Yes the action a minute, no attention span, horrible comic book movie fans may disagree because face it, this series came from a comic book, but was made into a great character study with lots of new challenges to overcome. I love theBest Season so far. Amazing character development and a deeper look into the emotions of the group as feelings begin to change regarding hope and survival. Yes the action a minute, no attention span, horrible comic book movie fans may disagree because face it, this series came from a comic book, but was made into a great character study with lots of new challenges to overcome. I love the action, but the feelings of dread and the loss of hope captivate us, as each person gets to expand there acting chops a bit.… Expand
  30. tigerskin84
    Apr 1, 2015
    0
    one of the worsts seasons of TWD, they killed the wrong characters,the series continues recycling itself and is getting too boring, im done with this... there are a lot of better tv shows right now far way better than this Cr@p, bye TWD
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best TV Season of 2014
11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
50
#50 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Elisabeth Vincentelli
    Oct 10, 2014
    75
    It’s swiftly paced, disgusting--lots of shots of walkers chomping on screaming faces--and puts down some much needed signposts for the rest of the season. Consider us still hooked.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Ed Gonzalez
    Oct 10, 2014
    75
    Right off the bat, this new season strongly hints that the series will continue to ruminate on primal sensations of fear and survival, but that it will be more content to allow action, as opposed to a plethora of argumentative moral debates, to speak to such existential matters.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Patrick Kevin Day
    Oct 10, 2014
    70
    When death no longer holds the dread it once did, what's left is the fear of what life can become. And that is the boogeyman with which the characters must now wrestle.
    Read full review
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