Why Andrew Lincoln Left “The Walking Dead”, Explained

Rick Grimes survived everything The Walking Dead threw at him, but Andrew Lincoln needed something more. Turns out, the guy who survived countless zombie hordes, murderous rival factions, and a near-decade of the apocalypse still needs some work-life balance.

Andrew Lincoln in The Walking Dead | Credits: AMC

Fans of The Walking Dead were in for a shock when Andrew Lincoln left the show. He was supposed to last till the very end? A mainstay for TWD. So, what’s the entire story here?

Family first and why Andrew Lincoln left

Andrew Lincoln’s decision to leave The Walking Dead boiled down to one simple reason—his family. The actor, based indom, found it increasingly difficult to be away from his wife and two young children for the better part of each year while filming in Atlanta, Georgia the United King.

A still from The Walking Dead | Credits: AMC

During a heartfelt appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, Lincoln confirmed his exit, explaining:

I have two young children, and I live in a different country, and they become less portable as they get older. It was that simple. It was time for me to come home.

Lincoln’s grueling schedule kept him apart from his family for months on end, a sacrifice he could no longer make. Despite the personal toll, leaving wasn’t an easy choice for Lincoln, who had grown deeply connected to both the character of Rick Grimes and the Walking Dead community. Reflecting on his final days on set, Lincoln said,

Completing the show was like releasing air finally. And it was very satisfying, the last two episodes in particular. But doing a panel and having to talk to [thousands of] people in Hall H and then have all my friends hug me at the end? The s— got real, is the truth of the matter.

His honesty about this decision resonated with fans, many of whom appreciated the human side of his choice.

Rick’s departure shakes up The Walking Dead

When news broke of Andrew Lincoln’s exit, fans braced themselves for what seemed like an inevitable on-screen death. After all, The Walking Dead was infamous for its unpredictable and brutal character losses. But Rick’s departure played out differently. In season 9’s emotional episode “What Comes After,” Rick heroically sacrifices himself to save his loved ones. With Michonne, Daryl, Maggie, and others in danger, Rick blows up a bridge packed with walkers. It’s the ultimate act of selflessness – except it’s not the end.

A still from The Walking Dead | Credits: AMC

Jadis rescues a gravely injured Rick, whisking him away in a CRM helicopter. This left the door open for Rick’s eventual return and set up a larger narrative involving the mysterious Civic Republic Military. 

The show’s creators took this opportunity to reinvent The Walking Dead. A six-year time jump coincided with Rick’s exit, allowing for a shift in focus to other characters and exploring how the group went about their lives without their leader. Lincoln had previously teased what viewers could expect in season 9, saying in the same EW radio show:

The world is deteriorating. Food is scarce, the Hilltop’s the main sort of food source, communications are breaking down, we don’t have gas anymore, and we’re on horseback. We’ve run out of bullets. There’s enormous pressure on this group.

Rick’s departure ultimately became a turning point for the series. With the spotlight on other characters like Michonne, Carol, and Daryl, the show continued, wrapping up its storylines in the season 11 finale. Despite the rarity of such instances, The Walking Dead managed to carry on without its central figure. Fan reactions were mixed but largely positive as the series adapted to its new-found sitch.

What’s next for Rick Grimes and Andrew Lincoln?

In the series finale of The Walking Dead, Rick’s return was teased with a powerful scene. He writes a letter to Michonne, reflecting on life and survival, before tossing it into a lake. Moments later, a CRM helicopter descends, calling out, “Consignee Grimes, you’ve been located and are instructed to surrender.” Rick’s smile and raised hands signal a mix of defiance and acceptance, leaving fans eager to see where his story goes next. Reflecting on his departure, Lincoln stated,

I’ve always said I’d never say never because it’s such a wonderful character. But the time was right for me to leave.

Although Andrew Lincoln left the main series, his journey as Rick Grimes wasn’t over. Fans got a glimpse of Rick in the series finale, setting the stage for a spinoff that would reunite him with Danai Gurira’s Michonne. The new series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, premiered in February 2024, continuing the love story between Rick and Michonne as they fight to reunite.

Andrew Lincoln on The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live | Credits: AMC Studios

Outside of The Walking Dead, Lincoln has taken on new projects, albeit sparingly. In 2020, he starred alongside Naomi Watts in the Australian drama Penguin Bloom, marking his first film role in a decade.

That same year, he returned to theater, playing Ebenezer Scrooge in an Old Vic production of A Christmas Carol. Lincoln is also set to star in Cold Water, a British series about a man in a small Scottish village forming an unexpected friendship with his quirky neighbor. Filming for the show began in the Summer of 2024, but a release date has not been finalized.