AMC's The Walking Dead became so popular that the network launched an after-show talk show called Talking Dead to follow each episode. In each episode, host Chris Hardwick welcomes three different guests, including cast and crew from the show, and other celebrities who happen to be die-hard fans.
Everyone discusses and dissects the episode and what just happened, delves into theories about certain aspects of the series, and learns behind-the-scenes facts. There are also videotaped interview segments with cast and crew, audience questions, and even an in memoriam segment for all of the people – or walkers – who died that week. The show always provides lots of juicy nuggets of information about the series, cast, crew, and how things work. Here are 10 of the most amazing things we learned from Talking Dead.
The Cast Learned Sign Language
Lauren Ridloff, who plays (played?) Connie, and Angel Theory, who plays Kelly, are both hearing impaired. As guests on the talk show, they revealed that in between takes, the cast has been trying to learn sign language so they can communicate with them more clearly.
Even on the show, the two communicate with others using sign language, and fans can see characters like Daryl trying to learn sign language so he can communicate with Connie without having to write little notes. It was sweet to know that the actors were as invested in learning the language as well, to communicate with their new castmates.
Everyone Was Mesmerized By Cailey Fleming's Performances
Any cast member who appeared on the show in the latest seasons has praised the work of Cailey Fleming, who plays 10-year-old Judith. A precocious and fiercely smart young girl on the show, it appears Fleming is much the same in real life.
All who appeared on the show and had filmed scenes with her talked about how impressed they were with her dedication to the craft and fabulous talent at such a young age.
Michael Cudlitz Came Back To Direct
While Abraham was killed off long ago in brutal fashion, it's worth noting that Michael Cudlitz, the actor who played him, reunited with the cast on the Talking Dead couch. But it seems this wasn't his first reunion. Cudlitz has actually come back to direct a few episodes.
He has since directed three episodes: "Stradivarius" in 2018 and "Silence the Whisperers" and "Open Your Eyes" in 2019.
Everyone Looks Up To Andrew Lincoln
There appeared to be genuine respect and admiration for British actor Andrew Lincoln, who played Rick Grimes, and he will reprise that role for the upcoming film series. All of his castmates seemed to be in awe of his talent.
While it's clear that he and Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl, have a special bond and close friendship, every cast member who has appeared on the Talking Dead couch has sung Lincoln's praises, both as a solid and dedicated actor and human being.
How Walkers Are Made
Some of the best episodes feature Greg Nicotero as a guest. He is an executive producer and primary director of the show, but, most interestingly, also the special make-up effects supervisor. Nicotero and his team provide a deep dive into how various walkers are made, including everyone from the bloated well walker to the partially charred Walker and Winslow, the metal-clad walker stuck in Jadis' trash pile.
It's tough to pick just one, but really, it's most amazing to learn about how all of the Walkers are created and molded on the show.
The Johnny Depp Walker
In one episode in the sixth season of the show, there was a secret celebrity cameo of sorts, in the form of a Walker. One decapitated head in a scene that featured several was actually a mold of Johnny Depp!
In the scene, Rick was trying to find a head that could pass for Gregory. One of the heads is actually a mold of Nicotero's, he revealed. But he also reluctantly disclosed on the show that another of the heads was used from a dummy head of Depp.
Behind The Scenes Of Big Explosions
The show has provided a behind the scenes look at how its big explosions are created, and the teams who work passionately to create them in a safe yet compelling way.
For example, the CDC building is one that was totally blown up on the show. It happened in that important episode when Dr. Jenner whispered to Rick that everyone was infected, right before perishing along with the building. It's also revealed that the building used is actually the Cobb Energy Center, a performing arts center in Atlanta.
Other Celebs Who Are Die-Hard Fans
The show has revealed various celebrities as big fans of The Walking Dead, the biggest of whom (aside from Hardwick) is Yvette Nicole Brown. She takes notes while watching episodes and keeps them in a trusty notebook she brings to the show to discuss the nuances of her observations. She has also filled in for Hardwick as host.
Other celebrities who are massive fans and have appeared on the show as guests include Alice Cooper, Dave Navarro, Kevin Smith, Nathan Fillion, Chris Jericho, and Lil Jon.
Death Dinners
Every time a major character is killed off and the actor films their final take, the cast and crew get together for what they call a "death dinner" in order to bid the person farewell. During the dinner, they all enjoy some grub and say a few words to their dearly departed.
It's almost like a living funeral for a character to celebrate with the actor who played them. Were these death dinners anything like the Thanksgiving dinner dream sequence that appeared on the show?
Winter Would Be Tackled
It was on Talking Dead that showrunner Angela Kang revealed that, for the first time, The Walking Dead would actually tackle the idea of inclement weather, including snow, ice, and extreme cold temperatures.
The episodes that followed included the big scene when Negan saved Judith (and dog!) who were lost in a snow squall and the crew had to find cover from a snowstorm and warmth amidst sub-zero temperatures.