Through the rapid development of modern technologies, television has increased (and decreased) in popularity over the years, and nowadays, it is difficult to find a household that did not, at some point, own some form of TV. Although this type of media is now under threat from streaming services such as Netflix and Stan, it is still regarded as an important source for news, and other types of entertainment.
Today, TV shows, that are popular in Australia, are predominantly produced in the United States. Because of obvious similarities, such as the language being spoken, and the overall ‘look’ of the actors, Australians feel like they can relate to such content, and can envision themselves in the place of characters that they can relate to. This is the case for AMC’s The Walking Dead. First airing in late October in 2010, The Walking Dead follows varying groups of people as they attempt to survive in post-apocalyptic North America, which is festering with the residue of a viral disease, that causes the dead to walk. Over the nine years (and counting) that the dystopian series has run, it has risen and fallen in popularity, with viewers claiming that it has become ‘repetitive’ – however, the network still rakes in 7.9 million views per episode. I, myself, am still an avid fan of the show and although, I do admit, the show has had some rough patches in terms of viewing experience, it is still one of my favourites, and I still derive the same excitement when new episodes are released as when I first heard of the series so many years ago.
Statistics show that The Walking Dead is not just popular in Australia and the USA, but globally, and was first aired to 120 countries worldwide. The nine-season series’ popularity can definitely be attributed to the way in which people can identify with these characters that generally come and go throughout the seasons. The characters are just ordinary people with ordinary names (Rick, Carol, Glenn, Beth, etc.) that are trying to survive in this upended version of their home. Many minority groups are also represented, such as people of colour, and members of the LGBT+ community, and also features strong female leads, which can appeal to a global audience. With such a large cast, it is easy to choose a character (or ten) that you can see yourself in, which consequently builds a connection. From my own experience, I can definitely say that I’ve cried, gotten angry with, and laughed along with my favourites because I felt immersed in their world.
Further, even though it is a dystopian and there are no ‘walkers’ roaming around today’s climate, The Walking Dead covers some very important themes that are often prevalent in everyday life. The series features topics such as grief, loss, coming of age, family, love, and so many more. Of course, the main focus is survival, and The Walking Dead does a fantastic job at highlighting the lengths people will go to in order to live, or what they will do for the people they love, which I am sure, most viewers can relate to.
The Walking Dead often forces you to think of yourself in such situations, and what you would do in place of these characters. In my opinion, television programs that allow you to become apart of the drama are the best kind, and I am so incredibly excited for the next season.
October couldn’t come quicker.
(Ninth of August 2019)
References
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in omnia paratus 