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Season 2 – The Walking Dead

Play trailer Poster for Season 2 – The Walking Dead 2011 Drama Horror Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 203 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman, this gritty drama portrays life in the months and years that follow a zombie apocalypse. A group of survivors travel in search of safety and security, constantly on the move in search of a secure home. But the pressure each day to stay alive sends many in the group to the deepest depths of human cruelty, and they soon discover that the overwhelming fear of the survivors can be more deadly than the zombies walking among them. At times, the interpersonal conflicts present a greater threat to their continuing survival than the walkers that roam the country.
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The Walking Dead — Season 2

The Walking Dead — Season 2

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Critics Consensus

The second season of The Walking Dead fleshes out the characters while maintaining the grueling tension and gore that made the show a hit.

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Critics Reviews

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Matt Zoller Seitz Salon.com The show's main problem is its lack of compelling characters. It isn't a question of whether or not they're "likable." They are likable. That's the problem, actually - they're likable to a fault. Oct 16, 2011 Full Review James Poniewozik TIME Magazine The Walking Dead probes the issues through action, more than talk, and it's better for it. Oct 16, 2011 Full Review Scott Von Doviak Slant Magazine This is very much the same Walking Dead we've come to love-and sometimes loathe Rated: 3/4 Oct 16, 2011 Full Review Adam Sweeting The Arts Desk The opener had a feeling of unhurried foreboding that had you shifting uncomfortably in your seat, wondering how the next threat would materialise. Jul 19, 2018 Full Review Hannah Dunleavy Den of Geek A series in which everybody basically did nothing. Except when they were doing incredibly stupid things in order to drive the plot. Jun 12, 2018 Full Review Andrew Williams Quickflix There is so little depth on display that if you replaced every single member of the cast with an animal you'd have essentially the same show. You'd probably have a better one. Rated: 2/5 Mar 28, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (243) audience reviews
Brant D I am insignificant, and my opinion doesnt mean anything, but when I tell you ts is peak, I truely mean it. How a show can be so compelling, enough to the point where it holds my attention for 8 straight episodes is beyond me. Even the most poor;y witten character brings something that wouldnt be there to bennefit the show otherwise. Everything leading up to the big twist of the mid season finale made every second of the ride worth it . Even after the big climax, the pressure never eases. Half star redacted due to the stupid look on dales face. Rick grimes the Goat. Season finale was crazy asf Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/08/25 Full Review Jack R This Season is just season 1 but better, the Farm Aspect of this Season is perfect and the Character Development is Top Notch, John Bernthal should have gotten an Award for his performance as Shane in this Season and the pacing is So Well adjusted and It’s an extremely Binge worthy season of TV. The one thing that lets this season down from getting a perfect score is that some of the Episodes are a bit filler. Overall Watch It, it’s a Extremely Gripping and Entertaining Watch with likeable characters and Even some of the deaths are so sad that People cry, because honestly that’s what This show is really Good at. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/06/25 Full Review Charlie v Exact Rating: 8.8/10 The Walking Dead’s second season slows down the plot to completely focus on its characters, creating one of the series’ and franchise’s most engaging, dark, and tensely explosive seasons of zombie TV. It may drag out Carol Peletier’s (Melissa McBride) daughter Sophia’s (Madison Lintz) a bit too far, but Shane Walsh’s (Jon Bernthal) slow deterioration that eventually swoops the rest of the group into his madness-inducing decisions, the group’s powerfully dynamic relationships, solid introductions to the Greene family, and consistently introspective writing elevate The Walking Dead Season 2 beyond a a slow-moving zombie show without that many zombies this time around. It becomes an irresistible journey into chaos built out of different characters’ reactions to the world’s end. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/25 Full Review SkyRo P In this review, I’m going to encapsulate my thoughts on the first seven seasons of The Walking Dead, which I've thoroughly enjoyed. The inaugural season was nothing short of phenomenal; it expertly developed the characters and wove an engaging narrative filled with unexpected twists that kept viewers riveted. The storytelling was complemented by remarkable character arcs, which allowed us to witness the harrowing reality of a world overrun by zombies. It was a season that truly kept you on the edge of your seat. The second season maintained that high standard, further expanding the world and allowing us to delve deeper into the characters’ lives. The sudden, heartbreaking deaths of beloved characters made us feel deeply invested in their journeys, often leaving us emotionally shattered. Yet, amidst the despair, there was a glimmer of hope that set the stage for the events to come in season three. As we moved into season three, new families and camps emerged, contributing to the series' rich world-building. This season demanded your full attention, as it was filled with intense moments that would leave you gasping. It’s remarkable how, even after three seasons, the show continued to captivate and engage its audience. Season four kept the momentum going with thrilling adventures, shocking deaths, and the introduction of new characters alongside our familiar favorites. The stakes were ever higher, and the unpredictability of each episode had us on a rollercoaster of emotions, wondering what fate awaited our beloved characters. It was an exhilarating season that left viewers eager for more. Seasons five and six mirrored each other in their ability to expand the plot while maintaining the audience's investment in the characters. The layers of complexity grew thicker, introducing creative new threats and moments of heart-wrenching sadness. Although season six experienced a slight dip in intensity, it remained engaging enough to keep viewers hooked through the series' first six installments. Moving into season seven, while it still contributed to the overarching narrative and continued to build this expansive world, it felt like the weakest link in the chain. Although it wasn’t a bad season, it lacked the spark of its predecessors and left me wondering if the series was at risk of losing its momentum. After completing season seven, I found myself hesitant to dive straight into season eight. I felt too invested to walk away, yet I needed a pause to ensure I wouldn’t start to sour on the franchise I had come to love. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/21/25 Full Review Brandon S Season 2 is underrated asf, I don't get it. I thought it was just as good as S1 and Shane is an awesome character Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/20/25 Full Review Chaos A 🏆88% The Walking Dead Season 2 is in my opinion better than Season 1! While the first half of the Season wasn’t anything crazy, the second half was amazing. Daryl still remains as my favorite character for now but there are two other characters that were amazing this Season, those two characters are of course Rick and Shane. I did think Rick was a decent protagonist in the first Season, but I didn’t think his character was anything amazing, but this Season definitely changes that. Rick was so good this Season, it’s possible that he might become one of my favorite protagonists in the future. Then the highlight of this Season was obviously Shane, he was incredible this Season, and the conclusion to his character was perfect. Overall I really enjoyed Season 2, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for Season 3! EPISODES RANKED: 1. Better Angles 2. Pretty Much Dead Already 3. Beside the Dying Fire 4. Judge, Jury, Executioner 5. 18 Miles Out 6. What Lies Ahead 7. Nebraska 8. Save the Last One 9. Trigger Finger 10. Bloodletting 11. Secrets 12. Chupacabra 13. Cherokee Rose Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/10/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Walking Dead — Season 2

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 16, 2011 What Lies Ahead Rick leads the group out of Atlanta; the group is stopped by a threat unlike anything anyone has seen before; the search for someone who has gone missing. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 23, 2011 Bloodletting Rick discovers a possible safe haven; Shane must go on a dangerous mission to get needed medical supplies. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 30, 2011 Save the Last One The group awaits Shane's return; Shane finds himself trapped in a school; Daryl and Andrea search for someone in the woods. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 6, 2011 Cherokee Rose Shane makes a deadly sacrifice that inspires unusual behavior and self-distancing; the rest of the group struggles to find the balance between living to die and dying to live. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 13, 2011 Chupacabra Rick and the other survivors continue searching for Sophia; Hershel disagrees with the group's plan and tells them they are only welcome at the farm temporarily. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 20, 2011 Secrets Glenn knows too much for his comfort level; Daryl finds a sign of life and tries to make it back to the farm alive. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 27, 2011 Pretty Much Dead Already Secrets are told and revealed; Hershel refuses to acknowledge the world's new reality; Andrea comes out of her shell; everything is food for something. Details Episode 8 Aired Feb 12, 2012 Nebraska Rick and the others try to restore order after a terrible discovery; Hershel takes up an old habit and disappears. Details Episode 9 Aired Feb 19, 2012 Triggerfinger Enemies trap Rick, Hershel and Glenn, who fight to survive; when everyone realizes she is missing, Shane goes after Lori and finds her in danger. Details Episode 10 Aired Feb 26, 2012 18 Miles Out Rick and Shane are in conflict over the fate of an outsider; Andrea helps Hershel's daughter face a crucial decision. Details Episode 11 Aired Mar 4, 2012 Judge, Jury, Executioner Rick sides with Shane causing Dale to worry that the group is losing its humanity; Carl's actions have unintended consequences. Details Episode 12 Aired Mar 11, 2012 Better Angels When the group learns that someone dangerous may be loose near the farm, Rick, Shane, Daryl and Glenn try to keep everyone safe; Shane's antagonism grows and Carl faces the consequences of his actions. Details Episode 13 Aired Mar 18, 2012 Beside the Dying Fire Rick and Carl find the farm in jeopardy; the group is split up in the chaos; Rick's leadership is questioned. Details
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Season Info

Director
Ernest R. Dickerson, Guy Ferland, Billy Gierhart, Michelle MacLaren, Greg Nicotero, Phil Abraham, Clark Johnson, David Boyd
Executive Producer
Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert
Screenwriter
Glen Mazzara, Evan Reilly, Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman
Network
AMC
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 16, 2011
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