The Walking Dead ends with the survivors overthrowing the corrupt Commonwealth leader Pamela Milton and saving the community from a zombie horde. Daryl Dixon plays a key role by convincing both sides to lower their weapons, echoing Rick Grimes' iconic line, "We are NOT the walking dead," symbolizing hope and resilience. Pamela is arrested, and the Estates—where the wealthy had taken refuge—are set on fire to destroy the zombie horde trapped inside, signaling a social change in the Commonwealth

. Rosita dies in the finale after being bitten while rescuing children, sharing a poignant final moment with Eugene where they express their love in a platonic sense. Her death mirrors Andrea’s death from the comic book series

. The finale includes a one-year time jump showing survivors rebuilding a peaceful society. Daryl decides to leave to find more survivors and to search for Rick and Michonne. In a surprise ending, Rick and Michonne are revealed to be alive, setting up future spinoffs. Rick is seen evading capture by the Civic Republic Military, while Michonne rides toward a massive zombie horde, hinting at ongoing struggles beyond the series

. Thus, while The Walking Dead series ends, it also launches new stories within the franchise, including spinoffs focusing on Daryl, Maggie and Negan, and Rick and Michonne