Why did Rick leave The Walking Dead? Reason behind Andrew Lincoln's exit explored

AMC's post-apocalyptic drama series The Walking Dead wrapped up after 11 seasons on November 20, 2022. Over the decade-plus journey, the series introduced fans to several unforgettable characters, including popular ones such as Negan and Daryl Dixon. But one name stayed with the fans, and no prizes for guessing; it was Rick Grimes.

Portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, Rick is the protagonist of the show. His character arc is undeniably one of the most popular ones of the franchise. But did you know Andrew Lincoln left after The Walking Dead Season 9?

A popular protagonist being killed off heroically while trying to rescue a group of survivors is not a groundbreaking concept. But in the case of Rick Grimes, it did feel rushed, and here's the reason why the character was written off after nine seasons. Turns out, Andrew Lincoln left The Walking Dead to spend more time with his family in the UK.

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Why did Andrew Lincoln leave The Walking Dead?

Andrew Lincoln, who played Rick Grimes, left The Walking Dead after nine seasons due to his choice to spend more time with his family. He revealed how the demanding schedules were one of the reasons why he left the series. Initially, it started with six episodes, but as soon as the series gained popularity, the episode count was increased, and so was the filming schedule. Speaking to The Times (via undead walking), he said,

"It started at only four and a half months [per year] and then, as the show grew, it turned into eight months. And then I'd have press on top of that, so I only spent two and a half months back in the UK."

Who is Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead?

Rick, a former King County sheriff who woke up after a two-month coma amid the outbreak, led a group of survivors to Alexandria Safe Zone. He then joined the Militia group, which fought against the extortionist group Saviors led by Negan Smith. When Saviors lost, it was Rick who refused to kill Negan and instead locked him up in the prison.

A few months after the war, he almost sacrificed himself to stop a herd of zombies in The Walking Dead Season 9 Episode 5 titled What Comes After. This is how he was written off from the main series. However, his end left several fans disappointed, so the makers decided to continue his storyline in a spin-off series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which premiered in 2024.

In the spinoff series, he was rescued by Jadis (Anne) and taken away by the Civic Republic Military.

In The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, he did attempt to escape the CRM but failed several times. However, he never gave up. Rick spent years rising through the ranks while secretly plotting his escape and reuniting with Michonne. Together, they exposed the CRM, reformed the system, and he finally returned home to reunite with Judith and his son, K.J.

Beyond Rick Grimes

Andrew Lincoln needs no introduction. A Saturn Award-winning actor, he began his career with his first breakthrough role in the BBC's drama This Life. You might know him as Simon Casey from Teachers or Dr Robert Bridge from Afterlife. Born on September 14, 1973, he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art drama school before stepping into his acting career.

Apart from TWD, some of his notable projects include Coldwater, Love Actually, Penguin Bloom, Heartbreaker, to name a few.

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Also read: The Walking Dead: A guide to every spin-off and how to watch them

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