The first reviews for The Walking Dead: World Beyond are in, and they don't bode well for the zombie spin-off. For years now, The Walking Dead has reigned supreme on AMC, even as its viewership has begun to sink. As a result, AMC decided to turn The Walking Dead into a franchise, with its first spin-off Fear the Walking Dead premiering in 2015. World Beyond is the third spin-off set within this universe, and there's one more on the way following the end of The Walking Dead centered on Carol (Melissa McBride) and Daryl (Norman Reedus).

World Beyond is an interesting case in that it will only run for two seasons. Set ten years after the zombie apocalypse began, the series will focus on a group of teens as they embark on a mission across walker-infested land (or, as they are referred to here, empties). This will mark the first time The Walking Dead universe focuses mainly on young adults, which on paper seems like a unique new angle for the long-running franchise. However, the first batch of reviews for World Beyond aren't exactly overflowing with praise.

Related: Walking Dead: World Beyond Spinoff’s Only Real TWD Comic Connection

Ahead of World Beyond's October premiere, a slew of critics have released their first thoughts on the latest zombie series. Overall, the response isn't very positive, though several reviews have noted World Beyond's resonance with today and that the cast puts on some solid performances. However, it's hard to deny World Beyond's initial offerings look bleak. Check out some excerpts down below.

Richard Trenholm, CNet

There's at least one deliciously dark image in each of the first two episodes shared with press by AMC, which is surely what zombie fans crave. But the action is otherwise reined in from the irresistibly inventive and notoriously nasty goriness of the main show and previous spin-off Fear The Walking Dead.

Charlie Mason, TVLine

Those of us who tune in to the other two shows in the franchise have already been here, seen this — and we’ve seen it done with greater artfulness, efficacy and urgency. Adding this third series to the rotation, even temporarily, feels more than a little bit like beating an undead horse.

David Opie, Digital Spy

Sure, this show is basically the YA equivalent of The Walking Dead and should therefore appeal to younger fans. Still, did we really need to see some tacky CGI fireflies flit around a walker while the kids play board games in their treehouse? World Beyond was never going to be a gore-fest like its older counterparts, but we could have forgiven the pilot's tame approach to horror if it had something new to say.

Candice Frederick, TV Guide

Still, World Beyond doesn't offer audiences fresh ideas or even fascinating characters for which to root. Rather — regardless of where you think they fit on the morality scale — it is the same level of banal. Even the zombies don't seem all that pressed to attack them.

Alex Zalben, Decider

What’s fascinating is that of course it didn’t mean to capture this moment so perfectly; it was produced, filmed, and mostly finished by the time coronavirus hit in full. The first of two planned 10-episode long seasons was originally meant to be released on April 12. But that’s often how the best art works, reflecting the world outside, whether it means to or not. And World Beyond, more than either of the previous Walking Dead series, nails that feeling, while still working as entertaining zombie fiction.

A common refrain among these reviews is that World Beyond lacks the same tension found in The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead. Despite being set within the zombie apocalypse, the first two episodes appear to be devoid of significant thrills, partially because World Beyond starts within a closed, relatively safe community. However, even when the young characters at the center of the series venture out, World Beyond risks becoming too similar to the other shows in the franchise. This looks to be another tale of human survivors traveling a barren country while fighting off the undead.

Still, World Beyond sounds like it will resonate with young viewers, and for those who are interested in the mysterious CRM, it'll be essential viewing. CRM is expected to tie into the Rick Grimes movies in a big way, and World Beyond will provide some much-needed information about this shady organization. It might not be the slam-dunk AMC is hoping for, but World Beyond has a few things working in its favor despite some serious issues.

More: Walking Dead Theory: World Beyond's Secret Story Is Finding Rick's Group

The Walking Dead: World Beyond premieres on October 4.

Source: Various (see above)