The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3 Guide

Discover The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3—premiering Sept 7, 2025, on AMC. Set in Spain, Daryl and Carol face new dangers. Read now!

Introduction

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3 is almost here, and it’s shaking things up. Premiering September 7, 2025, on AMC and AMC+, this season takes fan-favorites Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) from France to Spain, a first for the Walking Dead universe. After season two’s intense French adventure, the duo’s now navigating a sun-scorched, zombie-infested Mediterranean landscape. 

Think historic towns under siege, a battle-axe-wielding villain, and a train sequence that’s got everyone buzzing. Why does this matter? The show’s fresh setting and focus on Daryl and Carol’s bond keep the franchise alive for fans, with a 70% Rotten Tomatoes score for season one proving it’s still got juice. Let’s break down the release date, cast, plot, and why Spain’s the perfect backdrop, based on what we know from AMC, Variety, and X posts.

Why Spain’s Setting Changes Everything

Season three’s move to Spain isn’t just a scenery swap—it’s a bold shift. Filming took place in Madrid, Galicia, Aragón, Catalonia, and Valencia, with 95% of production using Spanish locations and a 90% Spanish crew, per executive producer Steve Squillante in Variety. From the ruins of Belchite, scarred by the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War, to Granada’s historic streets, the show leans into Spain’s diverse culture. X posts call the setting “a gritty, vibrant change” (@WalkingDead_AMC, Jul 3, 2025).

Why’s this a big deal? Spain’s mix of medieval towns and rugged landscapes adds a new layer to the apocalypse, unlike the American or French settings of past seasons. But the show must avoid making Spain feel like a generic backdrop—focusing on local history, like Basque or Catalan influences, is key. If it leans too hard on zombie action without cultural depth, it could feel shallow.

Daryl and Carol’s Evolving Journey

The heart of season three is Daryl and Carol’s quest to get home. After season two’s The Book of Carol, where they reunited in France and took down tyrant Madame Genet, they’re now in Spain after passing through the Chunnel to England. The logline says they’ll face “ever-changing and unfamiliar conditions” while battling walkers and human threats, per AMC. A teaser shows Daryl on a motorcycle (later a horse) and Carol facing a new character, Antonio (Eduardo Noriega), hinting at personal stakes.

This matters because their bond—tested but unbreakable—drives the show. The mistake would be rushing their return to America, diluting the emotional weight of their journey. Fans on X love the “Caryl” chemistry (@TWalkingDWorld, Jun 11, 2024). If the writers overplay action at the expense of character moments, the season could lose its soul.

New Cast and Characters to Watch

Season three introduces a hefty new cast, mostly Spanish actors, alongside Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride. Key additions include Eduardo Noriega (The Devil’s Backbone) as Antonio, Óscar Jaenada (Pirates of the Caribbean) as Fede, and Alexandra Masangkay (The Platform) as Paz. Stephen Merchant (The Office UK) plays Julian, the “last living person in England,” per AMC’s behind-the-scenes feature. Recurring roles include Candela Saitta, Hugo Arbués, and others, with Merchant’s dramatic turn generating buzz after his role in Logan.

Why’s this exciting? Fresh faces like Noriega and Masangkay bring Spanish flair, while Merchant’s casting adds intrigue. But overloading the cast risks sidelining Daryl and Carol. Season two balanced its ensemble well, but if season three doesn’t give new characters clear arcs, it could feel bloated. Fans on X are already hyped for Merchant (@WalkingDead_AMC, Jul 10, 2025).

The Train Sequence Everyone’s Talking About

A standout feature of season three is a train sequence filmed in Aragón, described by Squillante as “blow[ing] people away” in Variety. Shot on a secure fallow train line, it promises high-stakes action in a post-apocalyptic setting. The teaser hints at Daryl navigating a desert-like landscape, possibly tied to this sequence, with civilizations worshipping burning idols, per ScreenRant.

This matters because big action set pieces keep The Walking Dead thrilling. The mistake would be prioritizing spectacle over story—season one’s variant zombies worked because they tied to the plot. If the train sequence is just flash, it could fall flat. Fans on X are calling it “epic” (@TWDUfilming, Jun 21, 2024), but it needs narrative weight to deliver.

Filming Challenges in Spain

Filming in Spain, from Madrid to Belchite’s war-torn ruins, was no easy task. Production wrapped in February 2025 after starting in August 2024, per Wikipedia. With a 90% Spanish crew, the show embraced local expertise, filming in places like Sepúlveda and Granada. AMC’s five-month shoot and six-month post-production schedule kept things tight, per ComicBookClub.

Why’s this important? Authentic locations make the apocalypse feel real, but remote shoots risk logistical hiccups—weather, language barriers, or cultural missteps. Season one’s French shoot avoided clichés like berets, but Spain’s diverse regions need similar care. If the show doesn’t respect local nuances, it could alienate viewers. X posts praise the “stunning” locations (@WalkingDead_AMC, Jul 10, 2025).

What Fans and Critics Expect

Season three’s hype is real. Season one was AMC+’s most-viewed premiere, and season two topped charts in the U.S. and Spain, per AMC. Critics gave season one a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, calling it “the best Walking Dead content in years,” though some noted The Last of Us similarities. X fans are stoked, with one saying, “Spain’s gonna make this season wild” (@WalkingDead_AMC, Jul 3, 2025). But The Globe and Mail called season two “uneven” (Oct 2024), warning against repetitive plots.

This matters because fan and critical feedback shape the show’s future. If season three leans too hard on familiar tropes, it could lose momentum. Balancing action, character depth, and Spain’s unique vibe is key to keeping viewers hooked.

How to Watch and What to Expect

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3 premieres September 7, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC and AMC+ in the U.S., with U.K. viewers likely waiting until September 11, 2025, on Sky and NOW, based on season two’s schedule. All six episodes will stream on AMC+, requiring a subscription ($8.99/month in the U.S.). The teaser, aired during Dead City’s finale, shows Daryl and Carol in a zombie-overrun Spanish city, per SoapCentral.

Why’s this key? Accessibility drives viewership, but AMC+’s paywall could limit reach. Fans without subscriptions might miss out, and U.K. delays could spark piracy. If AMC doesn’t promote streaming options clearly, they risk losing casual viewers. Check AMC’s site for updates.

FAQs

What’s The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3 about?

Season three follows Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride) as they try to get home from Spain, facing new enemies and walkers in a Mediterranean apocalypse. Expect historic towns, a train sequence, and new characters like Antonio (Eduardo Noriega). It premieres September 7, 2025, on AMC and AMC+. The season’s focus is their struggle to survive while staying true to their bond.

Why is season three set in Spain?

Spain’s diverse landscapes—Galicia’s New England-like coast, Belchite’s war ruins—offer a fresh backdrop, per Variety. Unlike France’s season one, Spain’s cultural mix adds depth. The show risks feeling generic if it doesn’t highlight local history. Filming used a 90% Spanish crew for authenticity.

Who’s in the cast of season three?

Norman Reedus (Daryl), Melissa McBride (Carol), Eduardo Noriega (Antonio), Óscar Jaenada (Fede), Alexandra Masangkay (Paz), and Stephen Merchant (Julian) star, with recurring roles for Candela Saitta and Hugo Arbués. Merchant’s dramatic role as an Englishman is a fan favorite. Overloading the cast could dilute focus.

When and where can I watch season three?

It premieres September 7, 2025, on AMC and AMC+ at 9 p.m. ET/PT. U.K. viewers likely get it September 11, 2025, on Sky and NOW. You need an AMC+ subscription ($8.99/month) or cable for AMC. Check AMC’s site for local listings to avoid missing out.

What’s the big train sequence in season three?

Filmed in Aragón on a fallow train line, this sequence is hyped to “blow people away,” per Variety. It’s a high-stakes action scene, possibly tied to Daryl’s desert journey in the teaser. If it lacks story context, it could feel gimmicky. Fans are excited (@TWDUfilming, Jun 21, 2024).

Will season three resolve Daryl and Carol’s journey?

The logline suggests they’re still far from home, per AMC. Showrunner David Zabel hints at a 12-episode arc across seasons three and four, both in Spain. Rushing their return could weaken the story, but dragging it out risks fan fatigue. Expect new conflicts, not closure.

Conclusion

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3 drops September 7, 2025, on AMC and AMC+, taking Daryl and Carol to Spain’s stunning, zombie-filled landscapes. With new cast members like Eduardo Noriega and Stephen Merchant, a hyped train sequence, and a focus on their quest home, it’s a must-watch for fans. Spain’s setting, from Belchite’s ruins to Granada’s streets, adds grit, but the show needs to balance action with character depth to avoid feeling repetitive. Stream it on AMC+ or catch it on cable, and share your thoughts below!