The Walking Dead: Here’s Why Dead City Was Meh Compared to Daryl Dixon Image credit: AMC

Why did Dead City feel so off?

The Walking Dead, after the conclusion of the original show, keeps expanding with numerous spinoffs that continue the story. Two new spinoffs dropped this year, and fans can’t stop talking about how much better one of them is compared to the other one.

The Walking Dead: Dead City, a spinoff that followed Maggie and Negan on the mission to save Hershel, wasn’t a bad addition to The Walking Dead Universe. But, as they say, there’s nothing good or bad, except by comparison.

When The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premiered, Reddit fans generally agreed that it totally overshadowed the previous spinoff, Dead City. But what is the reason? Even though a show is nothing without a good story, the setting really played a big role.

First off, it’s the visuals. In TWD: Daryl Dixon, we get to see some iconic landmarks of Paris. Even though they added some filters and effects to give it that post-apocalyptic vibe, it genuinely felt like they filmed in the actual locations. And they really did: from the French countryside and Paris’ catacombs to the real Louvre.

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On the other hand, TWD: Dead City seemed to lack that authentic New York City feel. Sure, there were a few shots of the skyline and Madison Square Garden, but it could’ve been any other U.S. city. The thing is, a lot of the filming for Dead City was done in New Jersey, which might explain the lack of NYC vibes.

While both shows used CGI, it seems like Daryl Dixon has a more seamless integration. Some scenes, like the Eiffel Tower one, are obviously CGI, but the show still manages to capture the essence of France. In contrast, Dead City had more indoor shots and back alleys, with fewer outdoor scenes showcasing the city.

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The budget might be another factor. Daryl Dixon might have a bigger budget, which allows for more outdoor shots and better visuals. While there are no specific numbers, Dead City’s reported numbers were $72 million, which is not exactly a shoestring budget.

While both shows have their merits, it’s clear that TWD: Daryl Dixon managed to win over more hearts. The fifth episode hits AMC and AMC+ this Sunday, on October 8.