: While it ended in 2022 with a "whimper" compared to its 17-million-viewer heyday, it remains one of the biggest cable shows in history [15]. The Future of the "Walking Dead Universe"
: Viewership began to drop significantly after season seven [3]. Critics pointed to repetitive "Hero Group vs. Villain Group" cycles and the shock-value deaths of fundamental characters, such as Carl Grimes [2, 4, 5.3]. THE WALKING DEAD
: Focuses on the unlikely duo of Maggie and Negan, with a third season expected as early as summer 2026 [21]. : While it ended in 2022 with a