It is hard to believe that despite The Walking Dead TV series debuting in 2010, that the stories for many of its core characters are still ongoing. Even now in 2024, we are still set to see more of Daryl Dixon, Negan, and Maggie, solidifying one of the biggest criticisms of the series that it does not know when to end. It is a shame because the franchise already has its perfect next installment that could revamp the franchise through an on-screen adaptation of The Walking Dead games from Telltale.

Lee & Clementine

Telltale’s The Walking Dead games are set in an alternate continuity from that of the show and comics. The central cast are two original characters made for the games, Lee Everett and a young girl named Clementine.

Lee becomes like a surrogate father to Clementine after she winds up alone. He makes it his mission to protect her as the world becomes overrun by zombies, no matter the cost.

A Huge Hit

First releasing in 2012, The Walking Dead games quickly became extremely popular and highly praised. Made to be interactive episodes, the games released in seasons where the player’s choices along the way carried over and impacted the outcomes of later events.

It harkened back to the era of adventure games that were popular in the ‘80s.

Telltale had a major hit on their hands with The Walking Dead games, with the first story earning numerous Game of the Year awards. Players really enjoyed the father and daughter dynamic between Lee and Clementine and grew to care more about that emotional aspect than they did about the action of killing zombies.

It is probably fair to say that despite being non-canon, Lee and Clementine are likely some of the most popular characters in the franchise.

Rejuvenating The Franchise

That is why when it comes to the shows in the franchise, it would make so much sense if we got an adaptation of The Walking Dead games for a TV audience.

It could be a way to freshen things up after 14 years spent with the same characters. The new show could be set in a separate continuity just like the games are, so fans would not need any prior knowledge to enjoy it.

The Franchise Has Become Too Dense

Whether you are still a fan of the current Walking Dead shows or not, it is hard to deny that they have overstayed their welcome at this point. Online, many fans who gave up on the shows express amazement that they are still going with the same continuity even in the spinoffs.

Meanwhile The Walking Dead games clearly had a concrete ending point in mind that made for much tighter storytelling.

The fact is, the current Walking Dead has become a mess to try and enter into because it has become like a TV version of the MCU. It starts feeling unapproachable when a show has so many spinoffs that you don’t even know which order to watch them in.

A reboot starting over with an adaptation of The Walking Dead games would be the perfect way to simplify everything.

Many people will not give video games a chance, no matter how good they are. While that is a shame, it is a reality, and it is why tons of people are still missing out on one of the best stories to come out of The Walking Dead universe.

We have seen enough of Rick Grimes and Darryl at this point. It is time to bring The Walking Dead games to live action so everyone can experience the story.