Here’s How Fans Are Reacting to Andrew Lincoln’s ‘Walking Dead’ Exit
It’s true, Andrew Lincoln is leaving The Walking Dead after season 9.
To say Lincoln’s departure shook The Walking Dead fandom to the core would be an understatement. Tons of fans took to social media to express their shock, sadness, grievances, and well-wishes to Lincoln, the man who started this entire journey nearly 8 years ago. We gathered up the good, the bad and the ugly from Twitter, and while it’s a roller coaster of emotions, one thing that’s for sure is Andrew Lincoln has made a remarkable impact on the show’s fans and he and Rick Grimes will forever be missed.
1.
If Andrew Lincoln is leaving The Walking Dead after next season, then next season needs to be the last season of The Walking Dead. End of discussion. That show w/o Rick Grimes is like Batman w/o Bruce Wayne.
— Kenny BooYah! (@KwikWarren) May 29, 2018
2.
Me when I saw that Andrew Lincoln is leaving TWD 😭 #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/2n97j6oKee
— junglejim4322 (@kaitlinpadgett2) May 29, 2018
3.
I love this show SO much. But Andrew Lincoln is THE show. We have been following him since the very first episode. I can’t imagine the show without Rick Grimes.
— The Walking Dead (@TWDFamilyy) May 29, 2018
4.
I was riveted by Rick Grimes’ story from the pilot. Nobody but Andrew Lincoln could’ve made me believe in this world or cared so much about it. Thank you for giving us nearly 9 years of your amazing talent #AndrewLincoln #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/igmJYCEDZG
— windstorms (@windstorms_) May 29, 2018
5.
As sad as I am about the recent news, I have the upmost respect for Andrew Lincoln. He has given us nearly 9 years of amazing television and has been a shining example of what a leading man should be.#TheWalkingDead
— The Walking Dead World (@TWalkingDWorld) May 29, 2018
6.
I love every actor and actress on this show but no one can take over The Walking Dead like Rick Grimes. Andrew Lincoln brings something to this show, and I know people say “it’s not just about Rick Grimes” but we followed him throughout S1 and we still continue to.
— The Walking Dead (@TWDFamilyy) May 29, 2018
7.
Logging onto Twitter and finding out Andrew Lincoln is leaving #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/HtaD1YBmBS
— Sophia ✨ (@_multiifandomm) May 29, 2018
8.
I can’t deal if Andrew Lincoln leaves #TheWalkingDead.. I love the show so much, but I would rather them end it at the end of S9, how they want to than just randomly killing off Rick..
— The Walking Dead (@TWDFamilyy) May 29, 2018
9.
Andrew Lincoln is leaving The Walking Dead, that’s like the zombie worlds version of Steve Carell leaving The Office.
— Dan LaMorte (@DanLaMorte) May 29, 2018
10.
Andrew Lincoln is leaving The Walking Dead so guess the show is officially canceled as far as I’m concerned pic.twitter.com/sBTsvl5gnQ
— Thor Odinson (@DrPresidentPat) May 29, 2018
11.
My reaction when Andrew Lincoln is leaving #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/Whq0B372SC
— Alena Widow Vlogs (@alena_widow) May 29, 2018
12.
Andrew Lincoln loves #TheWalkingDead and the #TWDFamily so as fans we should support his decision to leave while also supporting his show as it continues beyond season 9. He spent 9 years with it…it would be a shame to stop supporting something that means so much to him.
— Sarabeth Pollock (@SarabethPollock) May 30, 2018
13.
scott gimple: “killing off carl will show us the real rick again”
andrew lincoln: *leaves show*
— dais 152 (@linzzzreedus) May 30, 2018
14.
Rick and Maggie are both leaving after this season. #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/uYzPh6mP59
— Rick Grimes (@RickAndThangs) May 29, 2018
15.
The moment where Andrew Lincoln SNAPPED! #TheWalkingDead #TWD pic.twitter.com/L8K34BBpjB
— Katia Salazar (@ItsJustKatia) May 29, 2018
16.
I’m speechless. Thank you to Andrew Lincoln for your damn near 10 years of service and making TWD what it is today. #ThankYouAndy
— That One Guy (@Gaming1115123) May 29, 2018
17.
andrew lincoln has carried the walking dead on his back for 9 years and if he leaves the entire show will crumble
— kayleigh (@grimesbuckys) May 29, 2018
18.
Just found out Andrew Lincoln will be leaving The Walking Dead… That man’s work as Rick Grimes is absolutely Legendary, and the way he has portrayed Rick throughout all of his moments of triumph, sadness and rage, not to mention his emotional range, is masterful. I’m sad now…
— Steven Allen (@Gamingfanatic) May 29, 2018
19.
I’m going to miss Andy so much, I’ve never enjoyed watching a character on TV as much as I have with Rick Grimes. Andrew Lincoln is so much more than what words can even express.
— Sara💀🌸 (@writtenbysara) May 29, 2018
20.
Knowing Andrew Lincoln is leaving makes Carl’s death so much more infuriating. He could have carried on the show. 😤😤😤😤😤 #TheWalkingDead
— Sophia ✨ (@_multiifandomm) May 29, 2018
21.
#TheWalkingDead could have continued for years with Chandler Riggs as the lead after the departure of Andrew Lincoln.
The killing of Carl was a terrible terrible mistake and now the show will likely suffer from it.
— The Walking Dead World (@TWalkingDWorld) May 30, 2018
22.
I want the best for Andrew Lincoln, and he has gave us an amazing and unbelievable 8 seasons but he will seriously be SO dearly missed on this show and the cast that it would be very hard not seeing him on #TheWalkingDead when he is the show.
— The Walking Dead (@TWDFamilyy) May 29, 2018
23.
I don’t feel so good #TheWalkingDead pic.twitter.com/z9K5HEzFDG
— Pshik (@voidpsha) May 29, 2018
24.
Can we all just go back and live on Hershel’s farm for the rest of eternity?#TheWalkingDead
— The Walking Dead World (@TWalkingDWorld) May 30, 2018
25.
As shocked and saddened as I am, I will continue to watch #TheWalkingDead until the end. The show will never be the same, but I am a fan for life and will continue to support the cast and crew.
— The Walking Dead World (@TWalkingDWorld) May 29, 2018
26.
Well maybe all we can hope for now is that Andy gets one of the most badass and fitting send offs ever and there will be gifs of it and replays of that scene for years to come. #TheWalkingDead
— TheZeusTuber™ (@TheZeusTuber) May 30, 2018
Having studied Media & Writing at James Madison University, I always knew that I wanted to do some type of creative writing, but being able to write about zombies, Starks, and superheroes on a daily basis for Fan Fest is my actual dream. While I probably shouldn’t be as proud as I am to be so similar to Nick Miller, I do hope to one day write my own “Pepperwood Chronicles’.
