The Walking Dead Season 1: Episodes, Casts and Reviews
The Walking Dead season 1 episode list
S01EP01: Days Gone Bye
The series premiere, "Days Gone Bye," introduces Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a sheriff's deputy who awakens from a coma to a world overrun by zombies. Disoriented and alone, he learns from Morgan Jones (Lennie James) and his son Duane about the outbreak's devastation. Determined to find his missing family, Rick journeys to Atlanta, only to become trapped in a tank surrounded by walkers. The episode sets a tense tone, showcasing his resilience and the harsh new reality, paving the way for his rescue and the formation of a survivor group.
S01EP02: Guts
In "Guts," Rick is saved by Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun) and a group of survivors holed up in a Atlanta department store. To escape a walker horde, they smear themselves with zombie guts to blend in, leading to a harrowing exit. Internal tensions flare as Rick’s leadership is challenged, and the group debates sparing a trapped survivor. Their successful escape highlights teamwork but leaves underlying conflicts unresolved, setting up future drama within the fragile alliance.
S01EP03: Tell It to the Frogs
"Tell It to the Frogs" reunites Rick with his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) and son Carl (Chandler Riggs) at a camp outside Atlanta. Despite Shane Walsh's (Jon Bernthal) resistance, Rick leads Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), Glenn, and T-Dog (IronE Singleton) back to the city to rescue Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) and retrieve guns. At camp, interpersonal tensions rise, foreshadowing deeper rivalries and moral dilemmas as the group struggles to adapt.
S01EP04: Vatos
In "Vatos," Rick’s team faces a hostile group while searching for Merle and the weapons in Atlanta. A tense confrontation turns into a negotiation, revealing the other group's mission to protect their elderly. Meanwhile, at the camp, Jim (Andrew Rothenberg) digs graves obsessively, alarming the survivors. The episode delves into the ethical gray areas of survival, showcasing the diverse challenges and human connections in a broken world.
S01EP05: Wildfire
"Wildfire" depicts a devastating walker attack on the camp, claiming lives like Amy (Emma Bell). The group, reeling from the loss, debates their next step, with Rick pushing to seek refuge at the CDC. An infected Jim is left behind as they set out, building suspense as they near the fortified facility. The episode underscores their dwindling hope and sets the stage for a climactic season finale.
S01EP06: TS-19
The season finale, "TS-19," brings the group to the CDC, where Dr. Edwin Jenner (Noah Emmerich) reveals the zombie virus's incurable nature and shows a brain scan of "Test Subject 19." As the facility prepares to self-destruct, the survivors barely escape, losing Jacqui (Jeryl Prescott) and Jenner. The episode ends with them driving into an uncertain future, highlighting the fragility of hope in a relentless apocalypse.
The Walking Dead season 1 casts
The cast of "The Walking Dead" Season 1 features a standout ensemble, led by Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, the steadfast sheriff’s deputy. Sarah Wayne Callies portrays Lori Grimes, Rick’s resilient wife, while Chandler Riggs plays their son, Carl Grimes. Jon Bernthal brings intensity as Shane Walsh, Rick’s conflicted friend. Norman Reedus debuts as Daryl Dixon, a tough survivor, and Steven Yeun shines as Glenn Rhee, the group’s resourceful scout. IronE Singleton as T-Dog, Laurie Holden as Andrea Harrison, and Jeffrey DeMunn as Dale Horvath add depth. Melissa McBride appears as Carol Peletier, with Lennie James as Morgan Jones and Michael Rooker as Merle Dixon in supporting roles.
The Walking Dead season 1 reviews
The Walking Dead season 1 reviews on Reddit
On Reddit, particularly r/thewalkingdead, fans laud Season 1 for its gripping pilot and atmospheric tension. The slow-burn narrative is appreciated by some for building character depth, though others criticize mid-season pacing dips. The CDC finale sparks debate, with praise for its suspense but complaints about its abruptness. Fans highlight Rick and Shane’s rivalry as a highlight, though some feel zombie action was underwhelming compared to later seasons, reflecting a mix of nostalgia and critique.
The Walking Dead season 1 reviews on imdb
IMDb rates Season 1 at 8.1/10 from over 1.2 million votes, with "Days Gone Bye" earning a 9.2/10 for its cinematic debut. Reviews praise Andrew Lincoln’s portrayal and the show’s tense atmosphere, though some note repetitive walker scenes. The finale, "TS-19," scores 8.7/10, appreciated for its dramatic reveal, though opinions vary on its execution. The overall consensus is a strong start that established the series’ potential.
The Walking Dead season 1 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes awards Season 1 an 87% approval rating with a 7.35/10 average from 101 reviews, earning "universal acclaim." Critics celebrate its smart take on the zombie genre, crediting Frank Darabont’s direction and the emotional focus on humanity. The consensus praises the pilot’s intensity and blood-spattered style, though some note a mid-season lull. Audience scores mirror this, affirming its enduring popularity and critical success.
Where to watch online?
As of 12:18 PM HKT on Monday, July 21, 2025, "The Walking Dead" Season 1 is available on Netflix, streaming all episodes with plans starting at $6.99 monthly. AMC+ offers access for $8.99 per month or $83.88 annually, often with a 7-day free trial. Hulu provides the season for $7.99 with ads or $17.99 ad-free, including a 30-day trial. For purchase, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV sell episodes at $2.99 each or the season for $19.99. Check regional availability on official sites, as licensing may differ.
