As The Walking Dead season 11 takes its final bow, the franchise's unconventional future means The Walking Dead season 12 is yet to be given a definitive headshot. Beginning in 2010 and racking up all manner of cable TV records on its way to becoming a global sensation, AMC announced in September 2020 that The Walking Dead would end with season 11. After a stop-start final run, that last chapter has finally arrived in the form of "Rest In Peace," which wraps up The Walking Dead's Commonwealth storyline and the battle against Pamela Milton.

Somewhat unconventionally for a TV show drawing its final breath, The Walking Dead's future looks bright. The Walking Dead season 12 may not be in AMC's pipeline, but a procession of spinoffs are. The Walking Dead: Dead City brings back Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan and Lauren Cohan as Maggie. Daryl Dixon stars Norman Reedus as the eponymous rogue, and a third spinoff reunites Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira as Rick Grimes and Michonne, respectively. Fear The Walking Dead season 8 also begins in 2023, and the potential for further projects - including a mooted The Walking Dead comedy series - remains open.

Related: Walking Dead Finale Theory: Pamela Calls The CRM (& Sets Up Rick's Spinoff)

Why The Walking Dead Season 12 Isn't Happening

Andrew Lincoln as Rick in Walking Dead

Predictably, AMC's cancelation statement did not cite a specific reason The Walking Dead season 12 had been axed, but with season 11 covering the final arc of Robert Kirkman's original comic books, the adaptation's ending falls in line with its source material. The Walking Dead's declining ratings across recent seasons cannot be ignored either. Were Daryl Dixon and friends still consistently pulling the same numbers they enjoyed circa 2016, The Walking Dead season 12 immediately becomes a more attractive business prospect. Indeed, Jeffrey Dean Morgan has claimed The Walking Dead season 12 was expected to happen among cast and crew, and the cancelation came by surprise.

Why The Walking Dead Season 12 Could Still Happen

Negan from The Walking Dead smiling arrogantly

A popular TV show being canceled and replaced by a spinoff is not uncommon. A popular TV show being canceled and replaced by a variety of spinoffs starring the exact same characters, on the other hand, is a seldom seen occurrence. AMC clearly has major plans for the wider Walking Dead franchise, and that means The Walking Dead season 12 cannot be completely ruled out forever. Depending on how Daryl Dixon, Maggie & Negan, and Rick & Michonne fare - both in terms of viewership and their respective fictional journeys - it is plausible that the main survivors could one day reunite for a traditional The Walking Dead season 12.

What Would The Walking Dead Season 12's Story Be?

Elizabeth with CRM soldiers, a helicopter in the background, from a scene in Walking Dead: World Beyond.

The Walking Dead season 12's story would hinge entirely on how AMC's post-apocalyptic universe develops. With Daryl Dixon heading to France and Negan accompanying Maggie to New York City, The Walking Dead's world is set for a massive geographical expansion, bringing new lore and new twists. Any potential The Walking Dead season 12, therefore, would feel markedly different from previous outings. One potential story inclusion is the CRM. The helicopter group that took Rick Grimes has been hinted at across all Walking Dead properties, and will likely play a major part in upcoming spinoffs. If The Walking Dead season 12 ever happens, the CRM could adopt the main antagonist role.

When Could The Walking Dead Season 12 Release?

Daryl from The Walking Dead leaning up against a wall, sort of half smiling.

If The Walking Dead season 12 does happen, the premiere would only come a long way down the track. The Walking Dead: Dead City, Daryl Dixon and the Rick & Michonne show are all anticipated to premiere through 2023 alongside Fear The Walking Dead season 8, leaving zombie fans well catered for. If AMC does decide to then pivot toward The Walking Dead season 12 instead of pursuing second spinoff seasons, the revival would likely not happen until 2025 at the earliest, taking into account production and the logistical challenge of uniting the original cast. The Walking Dead season 12 is highly unlikely, but a slim chance of reanimation remains.

Next: The Walking Dead's Penultimate Episode Sets Up All 3 New Spinoffs