Does Rick die in The Walking Dead?

Last Modified Apr 9, 2025 15:58 EDT
Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead
Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead (Source: YouTube)


No, Rick Grimes did not die in The Walking Dead.


Based on Robert Kirkman’s well-known comic book series, The Walking Dead had an impressive run on AMC. The show follows Rick Grimes, a post-apocalypse survivor who wakes from a coma to find the world overrun by zombies, called walkers. As he struggled to understand what caused the outbreak, the show gained a strong following and spawned several spinoffs.


Fan-favorite Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) heads to France in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, while Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) team up in The Walking Dead: Dead City, set in Manhattan. The main Walking Dead series aired for 11 seasons, wrapping up in November 2022, but left Rick Grimes’ fate up in the air. That changed, however, thanks to The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which is a spin-off starring Rick and Michonne although it does leave a few questions about Rick Grimes and his future up in the air.


Warning: The following article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead and its various spin-offs.


Is Rick dead in The Walking Dead?


No, Rick Grimes doesn't die in The Walking Dead but instead, the writers of the show trick both the viewers and the characters into believing that he's dead although that is later revealed to be a twist to the tale. In season 9, Rick and the community are facing an overwhelming walker horde, and to stop them, Rick blows up a bridge.


However, due to an unforeseen issue, Rick gets caught up in the explosion on the bridge and is dragged away by the river. Thus, both the audience and the characters within the show believe that the former Sheriff is gone for good. However, it is later revealed that Grimes survived the blast, although he was left seriously injured. Yet, viewers were shown an injured Rick who was taken away by a mysterious helicopter that Anne called in.


What happens to Rick in The Walking Dead?


After his presumed death in season 9 of The Walking Dead, Rick Grimes' journey takes a turn as following the explosion on the bridge, the injured Rick is secretly taken away by a Civic Republic Military helicopter (CRM). That was thanks to Anne, who radioed the chopper in, partly to save Rick and partly to rescue her. However, things don't go well for Rick though as after he recovers from his injuries, he discovers that he is cut off from his family and friends.


Instead, he finds himself in an undisclosed location and in the series finale of The Walking Dead, alongside the trailer for "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live", Rick keeps trying to escape time and time again without any success. Eventually, he becomes a part of the CRM and works to find another way back home which sets the stage for the spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.


Related: Does Daryl Die In The Walking Dead


Do Michone and Carl ever find Rick again?


Michonne in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Michonne in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (Source: YouTube)


Michonne ultimately reunites with Rick, but sadly, Carl does not. In the series finale of "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live," after years apart, Rick and Michonne join forces to prevent the Civic Republic Military (CRM) from executing a plan that could have catastrophic effects on humanity. Following their successful mission, they are airlifted back to their community, warmly welcomed by their children, Judith and RJ.


The reunion brings the end of their long separation but more importantly for Rick, it allows him to meet his son RJ, who was born after the incident on the bridge. But, Carl, who passed away earlier in the series, is not a part of this moment although he is remembered thanks to a drawing Michonne had made for Rick.


Read more about The Walking Dead:


Does rick die in the walking dead

Who dies in the walking dead season 8

Who dies in the walking dead season 10

who dies in the walking dead season 9

Who dies in the Walking Dead Season 3?


FAQ's On Rick in The Walking Dead

A. No, Rick Grimes doesn’t turn into a walker in the Walking Dead TV series.

A. No, there has never been anyone immune to the zombie virus in The Walking Dead.

A. No, Carl Grimes wasn’t immune to the zombie virus.

A. Rick Grimes is considered to be the protagonist and the hero of The Walking Dead until his final appearance.

Related Stories

"Stronger connection to the movies": It: Welcome to Derry's creator reveals why the Season 1 epilogue was "important" for him "Stronger connection to the movies": It: Welcome to Derry's creator reveals why the Season 1 epilogue was "important" for him
"Stronger connection to the movies": It: Welcome to Derry's creator reveals why the Season 1 epilogue was "important" for him
1d
“All for it”: Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan shares his thoughts on the sci-fi series’ Google Earth spoilers “All for it”: Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan shares his thoughts on the sci-fi series’ Google Earth spoilers
“All for it”: Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan shares his thoughts on the sci-fi series’ Google Earth spoilers
2d
Coldwater: 5 psychological thriller shows to hop on to next if you liked the ITV series Coldwater: 5 psychological thriller shows to hop on to next if you liked the ITV series
Coldwater: 5 psychological thriller shows to hop on to next if you liked the ITV series
1d
Who is Alison Simms in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2? Luke’s new ally from Episode 3, explained Who is Alison Simms in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2? Luke’s new ally from Episode 3, explained
Who is Alison Simms in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2? Luke’s new ally from Episode 3, explained
1d
"You've to be careful": The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika checks in on Dorit "You've to be careful": The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika checks in on Dorit
"You've to be careful": The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika checks in on Dorit
2d
Did Stranger Things take influence from the iconic Alien franchise? Details revealed Did Stranger Things take influence from the iconic Alien franchise? Details revealed
Did Stranger Things take influence from the iconic Alien franchise? Details revealed
1d
What will be the main plot for It: Welcome to Derry Season 2? Details explored What will be the main plot for It: Welcome to Derry Season 2? Details explored
What will be the main plot for It: Welcome to Derry Season 2? Details explored
1d
Peacock comedy Dig casts The Good Doctor star Antonia Thomas in key role - Here's what we know Peacock comedy Dig casts The Good Doctor star Antonia Thomas in key role - Here's what we know
Peacock comedy Dig casts The Good Doctor star Antonia Thomas in key role - Here's what we know 
1d
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms might face the same criticism that Game of Thrones did, details explored in-depth A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms might face the same criticism that Game of Thrones did, details explored in-depth
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms might face the same criticism that Game of Thrones did, details explored in-depth
15h
Ghosts Season 5 Episode 11: Release date news, time, streaming details, cast, and more Ghosts Season 5 Episode 11: Release date news, time, streaming details, cast, and more
Ghosts Season 5 Episode 11: Release date news, time, streaming details, cast, and more
2d