Are Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead Happening Simultaneously? Full Explanation

When Fear the Walking Dead first premiered in 2015, it generated considerable interest among fans regarding its connection to The Walking Dead. While both series are situated in the same post-apocalyptic universe plagued by zombies, they follow distinct characters across various locations in the country, with some overlap and time crossover as the narratives unfold.

At the outset, Fear the Walking Dead begins earlier in the zombie crisis, approximately two months before Rick Grimes awakens from his coma in The Walking Dead. Set in Los Angeles, California, the series captures the initial turmoil and societal breakdown that the original show did not delve into deeply.

As Fear the Walking Dead progresses, its timeline gradually aligns with the unfolding events of The Walking Dead, particularly after the introduction of crossover characters like Morgan Jones and Dwight.

Nevertheless, the two series do not run in strict parallel from the outset, but overlap at particular junctures, especially in later seasons. The showrunners have meticulously crafted the timelines to facilitate key crossover moments, rendering Fear the Walking Dead both a standalone series and a vital component of the broader Walking Dead universe.

Examining the Timeline of Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead

The timeline of Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead remains one of the most captivating elements of this interconnected universe. Initially, Fear was conceived as a sort of prequel, unfolding just as the zombie apocalypse commences.

In contrast, The Walking Dead kicks off with Rick Grimes waking up in a hospital, confronting a world already ravaged by chaos. This timeline disparity initially differentiates the two shows, with Fear set two months prior to Rick’s awakening.

In terms of exact synchronization, Fear the Walking Dead commences earlier but gradually catches up. The earlier seasons depict the initial outbreak, capturing a descent into disarray—an aspect largely overlooked in The Walking Dead, which plunges directly into the aftermath of the collapse.

By the fourth season of Fear, following a significant time jump, the show has largely synchronized with events in The Walking Dead, especially post-Negan’s defeat in season 8.

A notable crossover occurs with Morgan Jones (played by Lennie James), a pivotal character from The Walking Dead, transitioning to Fear the Walking Dead after the events of The Walking Dead season 8. His entry signifies that the timelines have largely converged, indicating that both shows are running concurrently at this point.

In the final season of Fear the Walking Dead, a significant time leap occurs that aligns this series with the concluding events of The Walking Dead. This setup creates a pathway for interactions with spin-off series such as The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which delve into the fates of key characters following the conclusion of The Walking Dead.

Is Fear the Walking Dead Integrated into the Larger Walking Dead Universe?

Although Fear the Walking Dead began as an independent series designed to explore a different facet of the Walking Dead world, its significance within the larger universe has expanded as the franchise has evolved. Initially, it bore little direct connection to the original show, apart from sharing a common apocalyptic backdrop.

This dynamic evolved when Scott M. Gimple, the executive producer of The Walking Dead, became the chief content officer for AMC’s Walking Dead television universe.

Under Gimple’s direction, the Walking Dead franchise became increasingly interconnected, leading to notable crossovers between Fear and The Walking Dead.

The most significant connection arose when Morgan migrated to Fear in season 4, introducing a new range of storylines tied to the core show. Dwight and Sherry (portrayed by Christine Evangelista), both important characters from The Walking Dead, followed suit into Fear the Walking Dead.

Moreover, Fear the Walking Dead has brought crucial elements from the broader Walking Dead universe to light, especially with the introduction of the Civic Republic Military (CRM), the enigmatic organization responsible for abducting Rick Grimes with a helicopter during season 9 of The Walking Dead.

The CRM has emerged as a primary antagonist in other spin-offs like The Walking Dead: World Beyond, further enhancing the connection between Fear and the larger Walking Dead universe.

By playing a crucial role in unveiling these overarching threats and connections, Fear the Walking Dead elevated itself from being merely a companion show to an essential component of the Walking Dead narrative, providing vital context for the expansive storyline.

What is Fear the Walking Dead About?

Fear the Walking Dead began as a prequel to The Walking Dead, centering on a blended family in Los Angeles navigating the societal collapse as the zombie apocalypse unfolds. The series initially focused on the outbreak’s early days, a time period largely absent from The Walking Dead.

Viewers met Madison Clark (portrayed by Kim Dickens), her children Nick and Alicia, and her fiancé Travis Manawa, as they fought to survive amidst the chaos that marked civilization’s downfall.

The initial three seasons chronicle the group’s efforts to endure in California and Mexico, facing the immediate aftermath of the outbreak while encountering various survivor groups, each with distinct moral codes and survival strategies. These seasons emphasize family dynamics and the stark realities of weathering the early apocalypse.

Commencing with season 4, the series underwent a soft reboot, placing Morgan Jones at the forefront. With Morgan’s introduction, the show’s tone and focus shifted to be more aligned with the themes and style seen in The Walking Dead.

The group eventually shifts to Texas, where they encounter new survivors, including John Dorie (played by Garret Dillahunt), June Dorie (portrayed by Jenna Elfman), and others, thereby establishing a new core group.

As the series progresses, themes of hope, redemption, and survival are further explored. The characters face the persistent challenge of reconciling their aspirations to rebuild society with the harsh truths of life in the apocalypse. Morgan’s pacifist ideals frequently clash with the violent environment surrounding him, creating a significant tension in the later seasons of the series.

Fans interested in the narrative can stream both shows on Netflix.

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