The Walking Dead‘s TV universe has been going on for over 14 years and has introduced a plethora of interesting characters, but some have appeared far more frequently than others. With the introduction of spinoff shows alongside certain survivors having a hiatus from the action, some unexpected stars wound up stealing the spotlight. While a few major characters have suffered disappointing Walking Dead deaths that happened much earlier than anticipated, others have emerged as series regulars and even played a role in the various spinoffs, helping them accumulate plenty of appearances while becoming crucial to the franchise.

Still, the survivors with the most plot importance are understandably the ones that have featured most often, but not all of them made it to the end of the series. The most frequently recurring cast members tended to be leading names, most of who could be considered protagonists. However, some faces who seemed like they would have little more than supporting roles with little longevity went on to become some of The Walking Dead‘s most powerful survivors and are a critical part of the overall story, proving they have more than earned their stay on the show.

10Carl Grimes

Played By Chandler Riggs, First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone Bye”

One of the biggest changes from The Walking Dead‘s comics to the TV universe is the fate of Carl Grimes. Having been one of the most influential characters in the comic series and surviving the entire run, Carl was killed off midway through season 8 on TV. Despite it being the better part of seven years since he met his demise, Carl still has some of the most appearances in the franchise’s history, mainly because he has been a major player since the very first episode.

Carl remains one of the most recurring characters in the TV universe despite having been gone for such a long time.

Having been absent in just three episodes in the first three seasons, it’s clear Carl was always supposed to take over from Rick somewhere down the line until plans changed. Although his haunting Walking Dead death still causes debate and frustration among the fan base to this day, there is no denying he played a significant part in the series while he was alive. As a result, Carl remains one of the most recurring characters in the TV universe despite having been gone for such a long time.

9Eugene Porter

Played By Josh McDermitt, First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 10, “Inmates”

Eugene never seemed like the best-equipped character to survive the apocalypse, making it understandable he latched on to Rosita and Abraham in an attempt to stay alive. After his lies were exposed, it seemed like his death was only a matter of time, and this was amplified when he left the main group to join the Saviors. Remarkably, despite his deception and betrayal, Eugene has remained a mainstay ever since he was introduced in season 4, featuring in more episodes than most.

While he’s always been more of a supporting character, he had plenty of pivotal arcs and arguably had the biggest development out of all the survivors throughout the show, making him an irreplaceable member of the main group. Thankfully, he redeemed his past mistakes by helping the protagonists win the war against the Saviors, and he remains alive in the TV universe as a valuable part of the Commonwealth.

8Judith Grimes

Played By Cailey Fleming, First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 4, “Killer Within”

Although she was just a baby during many of her Walking Dead appearances, Judith did get to have a bigger part from season 9 onwards. The time skip allowed the character to age and actually get involved in the action, leading to her becoming one of the most likable survivors in the entire series. She was a regular throughout the latter seasons, but also featured in many of the earlier ones as well, even if her involvement was minimal.

Now, she could arguably take the role Carl was supposed to serve in the comics, especially as she was only alive for mere moments in the source material.

Judith even cameod in The Ones Who Live‘s final scene, suggesting if Rick and Michonne are going to be a part of the story going forward, so will she. Therefore, she could still move up the list, depending on how long the TV universe continues and what direction it takes.

7Rosita Espinosa

Played By Christian Serratos, First Appearance: Season 4, Episode 10, “Inmates”

Having made her appearance in the same episode as Eugene, Rosita ended up featuring in slightly more episodes than her longest-surviving friend. Given she was far more capable at dealing with walkers and being in among the action, it’s not a major surprise that her presence was felt slightly more than Eugene’s, as she often accompanied the main group during missions, and proved on numerous occasions that she could handle herself.

She died during the main show’s finale and will only make future appearances through flashbacks or hallucinations.

Her involvement only seemed to increase as the series went on, and she was a part of 75% of season 11’s episodes. Unfortunately, despite being one of The Walking Dead‘s longest-lasting survivors, she died during the main show’s finale and will only make future appearances through flashbacks or hallucinations. Still, she had a huge impact during her run, and with so many appearances to her name, she is easily one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.

6Morgan Jones

Played By Lennie James, First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone Bye”

Unlike the other characters in the top ten, most of Morgan’s appearances happen outside the main show. His introduction came in the pilot episode, but he wasn’t seen again until season 3, when he once again had a single appearance. Deservedly, his return in season 5 set up a more prominent role for the following few seasons, but his departure in season 8’s finale left him well short of the other recurring characters, at least until he joined Fear the Walking Dead.

Morgan’s time in the spinoff was nearly double what he had in the main series, which resulted in him featuring in close to 100 episodes across the entire franchise. His final scene in FTWD puts him on an adventure with his daughter to find Rick, meaning Morgan’s Walking Dead return could happen sometime in the future. If he does show up again in a distant project, it could allow him to reach triple digits in appearances, but he’s unlikely to overtake anyone above him.

5Michonne Grimes

Played By Danai Gurira, First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 13, “Beside the Dying Fire”

Michonne has become one of the most identifiable Walking Dead survivors since debuting in season 2’s finale, and she has been a prominent part of the show ever since. Playing a major role in every installment up until season 10, Michonne eventually departed the series to look for Rick, meaning she missed a large part of the show’s final stretch. However, her return in The Ones Who Live did add another six episodes to her total, and she could still be a part of the franchise going forward.

With The Ones Who Live season 2 remaining a possibility alongside The Walking Dead‘s rumored crossover show still on the table, it seems likely that Michonne will be a part of the zombie series’ future. Even if she isn’t as involved as she was while being a regular, Danai Gurira’s return to the TV universe in 2024 indicates she still wants to be a part of the narrative, and Michonne will likely remain one of the most frequently recurring characters by the time that the story eventually reaches its overall conclusion.

4Maggie Rhee

Played By Lauren Cohan, First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 2, “Bloodletting”

Despite losing so many loved ones since the outbreak started, Maggie showed the grit and determination needed to survive, hence her being involved in more episodes than most. She wasn’t the most combat-efficient or hardened survivor when first introduced, but Maggie adapted better than most. Not only did she become a valuable ally to the central group, but she stepped forward as a leader, taking over Hilltop and helping it thrive despite all the trauma she had endured.

Although she had a brief departure from season 9, episode 5, to season 10, episode 17, Maggie has been a part of every season since her introduction. In addition, she also stars alongside Negan in Dead City, which is set to return for a second installment in 2025, hence her having so many appearances. Given she also survived in the comic series, it doesn’t look like the character will be going anywhere soon, suggesting she’ll continue to be one of the most prominent survivors in the TV universe.

3Rick Grimes

Played By Andrew Lincoln, First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1, “Days Gone Bye”

Considering he is the protagonist of the series, it’s no surprise Rick has so many Walking Dead appearances, but his season 9 departure prevented him from taking the top spot. Andrew Lincoln left The Walking Dead in 2018 after playing his iconic character for eight years. However, the show opted not to kill him off, allowing for his cameo in the season 11 finale before Rick made his official return to the televised world in 2024’s The Ones Who Live.

He was a key part of most major storylines up until the Whisperer War, and the reunion with his family hints at the possibility of him being a part of the franchise’s future. Given the current direction of The Walking Dead is still up in the air, it’s hard to know exactly where the story will go next or who will be involved, but assuming the main characters reunite down the line, Rick will all but certainly continue to feature as long as Lincoln wants to reprise his role.

2Carol Peletier

Played By Melissa McBride, First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 3, “Tell It to the Frogs”

After season 1, very few fans would have been able to predict Carol would become one of the longest-surviving characters in the show, and even fewer would have believed she’d overtake Rick Grimes in appearances. Despite her timid start to life in the apocalypse, Carol has provided some of The Walking Dead‘s darkest moments by developing into a hardened survivor. She has proven she will do whatever it takes to protect herself and her loved ones, highlighting why she is still around today.

Melissa McBride’s commitment to the series cannot be questioned, as alongside being part of all 11 seasons, she has appeared in both seasons of Daryl Dixon and even had a small role in Fear the Walking Dead. Carol is easily one of the most important survivors in the zombie universe, and although her comic book counterpart was killed off relatively early, McBride’s take on the character has been incredible, leading to her featuring in so many episodes.

1Daryl Dixon

Played By Norman Reedus, First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 3 “Tell It to the Frogs”

Daryl Dixon has arguably become the face of The Walking Dead since Rick’s departure, and his number of appearances back this up. Since season 1, Daryl has been a fan favorite who has only grown in popularity and importance to the franchise. Despite being an original character to the TV universe who could have been killed off at any point, he lasted all 11 seasons while playing a major part in each one, and now leads his own spinoff show.

With Daryl Dixon season 3 confirmed, the protagonist will likely appear in all six upcoming episodes in 2025, adding to his lead at the top of the appearance list. Being part of The Walking Dead for 15 years straight has been an impressive accolade for Norman Reedus, and the actor suggested he still plans on playing Daryl for another six or seven years. Assuming the franchise goes beyond this, someone could surpass his total episodes, but as of now, Daryl remains the most prominently featured character in The Walking Dead.