"The Walking Dead" TV series, which premiered on AMC in 2010, is based on the comic book series of the same name created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. While the show follows the general premise and many key events of the comics, it also diverges in significant ways. Below are several major differences between the two mediums. Please note that this information might contain major spoilers for those who have not read the comics or watched the show: 1. Character Differences: - Daryl Dixon, a fan-favorite character played by Norman Reedus, is not present in the comics. His character was created specifically for the TV series. - Conversely, some characters from the comics, such as Tyreese's daughter Julie and her boyfriend Chris, never appear on the show. - Carol Peletier's arc is vastly different; she is a more submissive character in the comics and meets an early demise, while in the show she becomes a strong, independent survivor. - Andrea survives much longer in the comic series and has a significant romantic relationship with Rick, a storyline that is not present in the show. - The show introduces additional characters that don't exist in the comics, including Sasha, Tara Chambler, and Beth Greene. 2. Plot Deviations: - The TV show often takes creative liberties, resulting in characters meeting their ends at different times or in different ways compared to the comics. For example, Sophia, Carol's daughter, is still alive in the comics but dies early in the show. - Certain storylines are unique to the show, such as the CDC episode at the end of the first season. - The Governor's portrayal and his storyline are more brutal and more humanized in the comic and the show, respectively. - Terminus and the cannibalism storyline are handled differently. In the show, Terminus is a significant plot point, while the cannibal group in the comics, known as The Hunters, has less prominence and is dealt with more swiftly. 3. Deaths and Survivors: - Major characters' fates often differ substantially. For instance, Shane Walsh dies much earlier in the comics than in the show. Glenn's death is similar in both but occurs in different contexts, and his killer, Negan, has a slightly softened portrayal on TV. - The order and circumstances of character deaths often change, affecting the group's dynamic and the overall story arc. 4. Tone and Content: - The comics are generally darker and often more graphic than the TV series, though the show also has moments of significant intensity and violence. - Certain themes and elements are explored in more depth or presented differently due to the contrasting mediums and the need for the show to adhere to television broadcast standards. 5. Length and Pace: - The pacing of the story is different. The television show sometimes expands on certain plot points, adding more development or side plots, whereas the comics can move through events more quickly. 6. The Ending: - As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, the TV show had not yet concluded, with its final episodes airing throughout that year. The comic series, however, ended in 2019 with issue #193. It is expected that the show will have a different ending than the comics. It’s important to note that both the TV show and comic series have their unique take on the story of "The Walking Dead" and their respective audiences. Fans often enjoy comparing the two and seeing how plotlines and character arcs are adapted or completely reimagined in the transition from page to screen.