What Inspired The Walking Dead: A Deep Dive into the Roots of this Iconic TV Show

The impact of The Walking Dead series on popular culture cannot be overstated. This Emmy-award-winning show, based on Robert Kirkman's graphic novel series, has captivated viewers around the world since its debut in 2010. But what exactly inspired its creator to write and produce such a groundbreaking series? What were the key influences that shaped The Walking Dead into the phenomena that it is today?

The Foundation: Robert Kirkman's Graphic Novels

The foundation of The Walking Dead story is the graphic novel series, "The Walking Dead," which Robert Kirkman wrote alongside Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. Kirkman’s graphic novels were published by Image Comics and served as the basis for the television adaptation. The original storyline began as a thought experiment in a bar, where Kirkman pondered the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. He conceptualized how a world overrun by the undead could impact ordinary people and their daily lives.

Key Influences in Popular Culture and Literature

While the core concept of The Walking Dead is rooted in the idea of zombies, a deeper look into its inspiration reveals a rich tapestry of influences from a variety of sources.

Popular Films and Films That Inspired The Walking Dead

Zombie Cinema: Films by George A. Romero, particularly Dawn of the Dead, played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. Romero's work addressed themes of social commentary, capitalism, and governmental collapse, which resonated deeply with Kirkman’s vision. Religious Films: The Exorcist is another significant film that influenced the show. The film's portrayal of a demonic presence and its impact on a family mirrors the intrinsic fear of the unknown that forms the basis of the zombie apocalypse narrative. Paranormal Shows: The X-Files, with its blend of science and unexplained phenomena, provided a blueprint for crafting a believable yet eerie storyline that appealed to both horror and sci-fi fans.

Alien and Sci-fi Horror

Alien is an essential reference point for the show. The fear of the unknown, hostile environments, and the psychological turmoil experienced by characters caught in dire situations provided valuable storytelling techniques. The corridors of the Nostromo, filled with tension and the constant threat of alien encounters, mirrored the claustrophobic and dangerous landscapes of The Walking Dead.

Literature and Television

The Twilight Zone and American Werewolf in London played a crucial role in setting the tone for the show. The Twilight Zone presented eerie and haunting scenarios that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. American Werewolf in London combined scientific explanation with supernatural horror, providing a logical yet terrifying foundation for the zombie concept in The Walking Dead.

Frankenstein and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Frankenstein introduced the theme of the creation of something monstrous from scientific endeavors. This foreshadowed the genetic and technological experiments in The Walking Dead, where Buffy the Vampire Slayer added a layer of moral and ethical dilemmas. The show grappled with the morality of humans creating or dealing with the undead, much like Angelus in Buffy, who was once a human.

Personal Stories and Everyday Realities

Beyond the cultural and literary influences, Kirkman’s personal stories and perspectives were integral to The Walking Dead. Growing up in Texas, he observed the hardships and complexities of rural life. These experiences informed the characters’ struggles, such as conflicts between law enforcement and citizens, and the moral dilemmas faced by everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. Simple stories of family, love, and survival resonated with viewers, making The Walking Dead feel relatable and urgent.

Conclusion

Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead is more than just a thrilling series about zombies and apocalyptic scenarios. It is a meticulously crafted blend of personal experiences, cultural references, and literary influences. Each element contributes to the show's enduring appeal, making it a cornerstone of modern television. From the grimy, realistic settings of Dawn of the Dead to the scientific explanations of alien predicaments in Alien, the show’s inspiration is broad and diverse. By understanding these influences, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of The Walking Dead’s narrative and its profound impact on popular culture.