In this first and only guide to AMC's exceptional hit series The
Walking Dead, the Wall Street Journal's Walking Dead columnist
celebrates the show, its storylines, characters, and development, and
examines its popularity and cultural resonance.
From its first episode, The Walking Dead took fans in the United
States and across the world by storm, becoming the highest-rated series
in the history of cable television. After each episode airs, Paul Vigna
writes a widely read column in which he breaks down the stories and
considers what works and what doesn't, and tries to discern the small
details that will become larger plot points.
So how did a basic cable television show based on Robert Kirkman's
graphic comic series, set in an apocalyptic dog-eat-dog world filled
with flesh-eating zombies and even scarier human beings, become a
ratings juggernaut and cultural phenomenon? Why is the show such a
massive hit? In this playful yet comprehensive guide, Vigna dissect
every aspect of The Walking Dead to assess its extraordinary success.
In the vein of Seinfeldia, Vigna digs into the show's guts, exploring
its roots, storyline, relevance for fans and the wider popular culture,
and more. He explores how the changing nature of television and media
have contributed to the show's success, and goes deep into the zombie
genre, delineating why it's different from vampires, werewolves, and
other monsters. He considers why people have found in zombies a mirror
for their own fears, and explains how this connection is important to
the show's popularity. He interviews the cast and crew, who share
behind-the-scenes tales, and introduces a cross-section of its diverse
and rabid viewership, from fantasy nerds to NFL stars. Guts is a must
have for every Walking Dead fan.
