Andrew Lincoln's Favorite Walking Dead Episode Is So Good, You Can't Watch It Just Once

Rick Grimes aiming a gun at someone offscreen looking emotional in The Walking Dead

Andrew Lincoln's favorite episode of The Walking Dead is an unsurprising pick, and it's one that's so good, you can't watch it just once. Lincoln portrayed Rick Grimes on the cast of The Walking Dead from season 1 through season 9. He was the original protagonist of the show, seeking his family in the post-apocalypse after awakening from a coma.

He later became the leader of the core survivors before he was injured and taken to the CRM. He returned on the cast of The Ones Who Live, wherein Michonne arrived to try and bring him home. The Ones Who Live ended with their reunion with Judith and RJ. However, for Lincoln, his favorite episode comes from the original series.

It's No Surprise That "Days Gone Bye" Is Andrew Lincoln's Favorite Walking Dead Episode

It Was The Very First Episode Of The Flagship Series

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in a hospital bed in The Walking Dead season 1

Lincoln has previously confirmed that he believes the best episode of The Walking Dead is season 1, episode 1, "Days Gone Bye." Named after the first story arc in its comic source material, the pilot episode introduces the world of the undead, as Rick wakes up two months into the apocalypse after sustaining a coma-inducing gunshot wound.

The episode is a slow burn, introducing Rick to the world through Morgan and Duane, a father-son duo trying to survive. Its focus on his survival is crucial to introducing audiences to this new, destructive world. But it also does a good job at establishing the group he'll meet once he reunites with his family - and the challenges he'll face.

The Walking Dead's Pilot Told The World That The Show Was Going To Be A Hit

It Cemented The Zombie Genre As Perfect For Television

The Walking Dead's pilot was full of intrigue, gloom, and terror, emphasizing the horrors of a world filled with the undead. It ends with the infamous scene of Rick crawling into a tank as his horse is torn apart by Walkers, a memorable moment that defined the show for a long time after. It also boosted zombies to greater popularity.

While numbers later dwindled, The Walking Dead's spinoffs and continuations showcase just how important the impression of the first episode has been for its longevity.

The pilot episode garnered 5.35 million live viewers, the start of a popularity that would make it the most-watched cable TV series by the start of season 5. While numbers later dwindled, The Walking Dead's spinoffs and continuations showcase just how important the impression of the first episode has been for its longevity.

"Days Gone Bye" Is One Of The Most Rewatchable Episodes

Its Expert Introduction To The Franchise Makes It One Of The Series' Greatest

The way "Days Gone Bye" expertly introduces the franchise and the world of the undead makes it one of the most rewatchable in the series. Its grim, realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse coupled with the endearing heroics of Rick's early days make the episode strong, alongside many details that are bettered on a second time around.

Due to the complexity with which it approaches the zombie apocalypse, alongside its interesting character dynamics involving, Rick, Morgan, and others, it's understandable why "Days Gone Bye" is Lincoln's favorite episode of The Walking Dead. Looking back, the series' roots are strong and have continued to grow, emphasizing how it maintains life to this day.

*Upcoming Seasons Of The Walking Dead* Franchise**	Release Dates
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 3	September 7, 2025
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 4	TBA
More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe	TBA