Netflix just added ‘Daryl Dixon’ season 3 — but there’s a better ‘Walking Dead’ spinoff you should stream instead

(Image credit: Carla Oset / AMC) “The Walking Dead” is, without a doubt, my favorite show of all time. Yet, even as a die-hard fan, I’m the first to admit the flagship series eventually lost its stride, and several of its spinoffs have failed to live up to the legacy left behind by the main show. Unfortunately, “Daryl Dixon” fell into that same familiar trap by the time season 3 rolled around.“Daryl Dixon” takes the iconic, crossbow-wielding survivor far from home, washing him ashore in a bleak, post-apocalyptic France, which is the very birthplace of the zombie virus. Tasked with protecting and escorting a young boy believed to be the savior of humanity, Daryl must navigate mutated walker variants and hostile local factions in his grueling quest to find a way back to America. It kicked off with immense promise, only to suffer from the franchise's classic issue of being needlessly dragged out.Still, with season 3 officially dropping on Netflix, there is no better time to catch up if you are a franchise completionist who loves these characters. But if you are someone who only finished the main show, or are completely new to the wider universe, there is a far superior spinoff you should stream instead: “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.”‘The Ones Who Live’ is the best ‘Walking Dead’ spinoff (Image credit: AMC)There have been quite a few “Walking Dead” spinoffs now, and while I’m biased and will say they all have their own unique identity, it’s “The Ones Who Live” that stood out the most. Not only does it bring back the main star, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), but it also offers a deeply moving love story that the franchise hasn’t explored much so far.If you didn’t know already, it centers around the rescue mission that finally unites Rick Grimes and Michonne. Trapped in different corners of a changing world and hunted by a military force, the two must fight through legions of the dead to return home.“The Ones Who Live” was originally planned as a trilogy of feature-length theatrical films focused entirely on Rick, but I’m glad they chose to turn it into a series instead. The extra time allowed the show to explore Rick’s trauma and Michonne’s determination to find him, making their eventual reunion feel even more powerful. Directed in part by acclaimed duo Bert and Bertie, the series trades the usual zombie-of-the-week formula for a darker, more emotional, and romantic story that moves with real urgency. (Image credit: AMC)Prepare to have some tissues on hand, though, because this series is an absolute emotional rollercoaster. There is a powerful wave of nostalgia that hits the second Rick walks back onto the screen, but your heart will instantly ache once you realize just how brutal his survival journey has been.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Rest assured, Rick hasn't gone soft, nor has he settled into his new reality under the CRM. His desperate, unwavering devotion to his family is the relentless engine that drives this entire narrative.The groundwork for this reunion was cleverly laid during the 2022 series finale of “The Walking Dead,” which teased the star-crossed pair writing letters from different corners of the wasteland. If you've been paying attention, this spinoff beautifully connects those dots, tying up years of breadcrumbs left behind since Rick's departure. There is a genuine, cinematic satisfaction in watching all those scattered puzzle pieces finally lock into place without the story being dragged out.Stream "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" on AMC+ Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow Tom's Guide Entertainment on TikTok and Instagram. More from Tom's Guide3 new to Netflix movies you should stream this weekend The best and worst episode from every 'Walking Dead' season5 best shows like ‘The Walking Dead’ to stream right now Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote. Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry. She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.