TV boxset of the week: The Walking Dead

A WEEKLY guide to the best TV boxset available to stream right now. This week it’s the turn of the freshly released five series collection of zombie drama The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead. Picture: Gene Page/AMCThe Walking Dead. Picture: Gene Page/AMC
The Walking Dead. Picture: Gene Page/AMC

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Based on a comic book series from the early 2000s, The Walking Dead follows the story of sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) who - after being shot in the line of duty - wakes up in an abandoned and post-apocalyptic hospital. As Rick quickly deduces, the world has been overrun by zombies or “walkers” and he must set out into danger in order to find his missing wife and child. A huge amount happens to Rick, his family and his adopted band of survivors in the span of five series as the motley crew fight to defend themselves - not only from zombies, but from other humans too.

WHO’S IN IT?

It’s an American series, but English actor Andrew Lincoln adopts a convincing Southern drawl (who you’ll probably recognise from Love Actually or Channel 4 TV show Teachers) as Grimes - adopting a convincing southern drawl. While the main supporting cast tends to fluctuate from season to season, other actors who have become synonymous with the show include Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon and Steven Yeun as Glenn Rhee. You’ll probably struggle to spot them under all those prosthetics, but a few famous faces have made even cameos as zombies throughout the years, from sports stars to musicians.

IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

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Re-igniting the world’s passion for zombies and paving the way for the likes of American Horror Story, The Walking Dead is arguably the most successful horror show in TV history. You might be hiding behind the sofa at points, but the gradually unravelling story line will draw you in, whether you like it or not. The Walking Dead isn’t just blood and guts, but an intelligent commentary on society. In a world full of bloodthirsty re-animated corpses, it’s the people who tend to be the real monsters. Proceed with caution if you are faint of heart, but jump right in if you’re a fan of gore galore.

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?

The Walking Dead isn’t currently available on Netflix, but you can stream it on Amazon Prime Instant Video or buy the latest boxset online or in stores now. Immerse yourself in series one to five as you eagerly await the season six premiere in early October.