One of the biggest shows on TV, The Walking Dead, is in its final season. As a show that has no qualms over killing off its main characters, it’s worth taking note of the characters who’ve survived all the way until Season 11.
While some characters like Rick and Michonne are most likely alive but not confirmed for Season 11—or their status is unknown (like Georgie, Hilda, and Midge)—there are still plenty of characters who did what so many weren’t able to do: survive until the end.
24Leah Shaw – Season 10 Episode 19
Though she was only shown in a flashback in Season 10 as a romantic interest for Daryl and Dog’s former owner, Leah (played by Lynn Collins) has made her return in the early episodes of Season 11 as a member of the Reapers.
23Elijah – Season 10 Episode 16
One of Maggie’s people from her journeys, Elijah arrived with her upon her return but not before saving Gabriel from the Whisperers. Portrayed by Okea Eme-Akwari, Elijah is recognizable by his striking mask and his impressive fighting skills.
22Juanita “Princess” Sanchez – Season 10 Episode 14
Eccentric and bold in her purple hair and fuzzy pink jacket, Princess, played by Paola Lázaro, was found by Ezekiel, Eugene, and Yumiko and joined them. While she got on Yumiko’s nerves and walked them into a minefield, Princess eventually won her over.
21Virgil – Season 10 Episode 8
After saving Luke’s life, Virgil was found in Oceanside trying to steal a boat to “get back to his family.” Played by Kevin Carroll, Virgil had lived on an island sanctuary and had led Michonne there with the promise of weapons. Virgil had lied but some good had come from meeting him, as Michonne was able to find a clue to Rick still being alive.
20Lydia – Season 9 Episode 9
The Whisperers’ leader’s daughter, Lydia, portrayed by Cassady McClincy, left her people to be with Henry and the other survivors after realizing her mother’s abuse and manipulations. Lydia has become a member of Alexandria since Henry’s death and has become like a daughter to Daryl.
19Rick “R.J.” Grimes Jr. – Season 9 Episode 6
Before Rick Grimes’ disappearance and presumed death, he and Michonne became pregnant and she gave birth during the time-skip in the middle of Season 9. Named for his dad, R.J., played by Antony Azor, is 7 years old in Season 10 and isn’t involved with a lot of the action.
18Yumiko – Season 9 Episode 5
Formerly a criminal defense lawyer, Eleanor Matsuura’s Yumiko was a member of what was known as Magna’s group that had arrived at Alexandria when the community had a strict isolationist policy. Yumiko became a leader in her own right and even started a relationship with Magna.
17Magna – Season 9 Episode 5
A very suspicious and untrusting woman, Magna, played by Nadia Hilker, was the leader of the small group of survivors that made a home at Hilltop in Season 9. She’s a great fighter and extremely loyal to the people of her group. Magna and Yumiko began dating but eventually called things off.
16Luke – Season 9 Episode 5
A music teacher and fairly skilled with a serrated mace, Luke is the lone male survivor of Magna’s group. Played by Dan Fogler, Luke believes in the importance of beauty and art, especially in a post-apocalyptic world.
15Kelly – Season 9 Episode 5
Connie’s younger sister, Kelly is often an ASL interpreter for her sister as Connie is deaf due to a genetic disorder. Eventually, Kelly, played by Angel Theory, found that she too was losing her hearing.
14Connie – Season 9 Episode 5
Connie is a deaf woman, though she feels that it’s her superpower, as she’s more than able to handle herself against walkers or any other dangers. An extremely optimistic person, it seemed like Connie, played by Lauren Ridloff, was done for in Season 10, but she managed to make her escape and head into Season 11.
13Hershel Rhee – Season 9 Episode 1
When he and his mother made their return towards the end of Season 10, Hershel Rhee was played by Kien Michael Spiller. Now 9 years old as of Season 10, Hershel and his mother spent their time away from Hilltop helping other communities throughout the South.
12Nabila – Season 7 Episode 13
A former resident and gardener of the Kingdom, Nadine Marissa’s Nabila is a likable character and charmed everyone immediately the first time she came on-screen. Nabila is married to Jerry, Ezekiel’s right-hand man and the two of them have three children together.
11Jerry – Season 7 Episode 2
10Ezekiel – Season 7 Episode 2
Once the ruler of the Kingdom, a companion to the noble tiger Shiva, and Carol’s husband, Ezekiel may be alive going into The Walking Dead‘s final season, but his days are numbered due to the thyroid cancer he has. Even so, Ezekiel’s star shines brightly throughout the series.
9Negan Smith – Season 6 Episode 16
Once the big bad wolf that killed Glenn and Abraham, Negan and his Saviors were beaten by Rick Grimes, and Negan was imprisoned for years by the Alexandrians. As the seasons have gone on, Negan has remained a popular character thanks to the outstanding charisma of Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
8Aaron – Season 5 Episode 10
Ross Marquand’s Aaron, from the Alexandria Safe-Zone, was the one to bring Rick and his group of survivors to the place they came to call home. Since then, he has lost an arm, his boyfriend, and a lot of his people. However, Aaron has gained a daughter and he’s still alive going into Season 11.
7Gabriel Stokes – Season 5 Episode 2
Once known as the cowardly priest who let the people of his church be killed by walkers, Gabriel, played by Seth Gilliam, has since become a distinguished leader within Alexandria. He’s lost the use of his right eye, he now has a girlfriend and adopted daughter.
6Rosita Espinosa – Season 4 Episode 10
Rosita Espinoza (Christian Serratos) was part of the team with the mission to get Eugene to D.C. back in Season 4 and has come a long way since. After Abraham’s death, she wanted only revenge on Negan but has moved past her anger and managed to have her baby daughter, Coco, while also starting a relationship with Gabriel.
5Eugene Porter – Season 4 Episode 10
Initially surviving the apocalypse using only his wits and ability to make himself sound like a scientist that could save the world, Eugene has since become one of the most important characters in The Walking Dead. Played by Josh McDermitt, Eugene’s knowledge has helped Alexandria and the other communities thrive.
4Judith Grimes – Season 3 Episode 4
Li’l Ass-Kicker went from a symbol of hope in a post-apocalyptic world to the surest little voice of reason in Alexandria. Judith’s first appearance was her birth on the episode “Killer Within” and she’s been through quite a bit since then. After the show’s time-skip, Cailey Fleming has played Judith as a 9-year-old sword-wielder wearing the famous Rick Grimes Sheriff’s hat that her brother Carl wore before her.
3Maggie Rhee – Season 2 Episode 2
First introduced in Season 2, Lauren Cohan’s Maggie quickly became a love interest for Glenn Rhee, whom she eventually married. The two of them had a son, named after Maggie’s father. Since her first appearance, Maggie has become a strong leader, though she was gone for the bulk of season 10.
2Daryl Dixon – Season 1 Episode 3
An original character created for the AMC TV show, Norman Reedus’ Daryl has been around since Season 1, making his first appearance in Episode 3 “Tell It To The Frogs.” One of the most popular characters of the series, Daryl always has his leather vest, his trusty crossbow, and his faithful dog, Dog.
1Carol Peletier – Season 1 Episode 3
Portrayed by Melissa McBride, Carol’s come a long way, not only from The Walking Dead’s third episode but even more so from the comics where her character was killed off rather quickly. Carol has had the biggest evolution of any character and she’s proven herself to be the most capable person around.
