The anticipated release of "The Walking Dead" Season 8 has been a subject of considerable interest among its loyal fans. But when did this action-packed season actually hit our screens?
Let's dive into the timeline of "The Walking Dead" Season 8 to find out.
The Announcement and Filming
The renewal of "The Walking Dead" for an eighth season was officially announced by AMC in October 2016, bringing cheer to fans worldwide. The filming of Season 8 started in late 2016 and wrapped up in December 2017.
This extended filming period was notably due to the show's shift towards the battle-focused "All Out War" story arc from Robert Kirkman's comic series.
Production Details
Season 8 was directed by several accomplished directors, including series mainstay Greg Nicotero, and newcomers to the show like Michael E. Satrazemis and Danricted Kinnunen.
The Majority of Season 8 was shot on studio sets and around Senoia, Georgia, with limited shooting in other states like Virginia and New York.
Secrets and Spoilers
To keep plot twists under wraps, the cast and crew were reportedly very tight-lipped about the season's details during production. Even so, some spoilers did leak, sparking excitement and speculation among eager fans.
The showrunners cleverly played on this anticipation, periodically releasing teasers such as the eye-catching "New Beginnings" trailer, which highlighted the impending war between Rick Grimes' coalition and Negan's Saviors.
The Release Date and Viewership
After much wait, AMC premiered Season 8 of "The Walking Dead" on October 22, 2017, with a special episode paying tribute to the series' 100th episode.
The season continued to air weekly, with the finale broadcast on April 15, 2018. Despite some fluctuations, the show maintained strong viewership numbers throughout the season, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this zombie apocalypse drama.
Crossover and Spin-off
Season 8 also introduced several notable developments, including the crossover of Morgan Jones from "Fear the Walking Dead" and the spin-off series "The Walking Dead: World Beyond," set to premiere in 2020.
The season's end also set the stage for the upcoming "The Walking Dead" Season 9, which continued the story of the war's aftermath and Rick's mysterious disappearance.
In summary, the release of "The Walking Dead" Season 8 marked an exciting chapter in the series, filled with intense battles, heart-wrenching moments, and promising new directions. Fans eagerly look forward to what the future holds for the beloved zombie apocalypse series.