It's the zombie-bashing, heart-wrenching, adrenaline-boosting series that we all know and love, and it's got the ratings to prove it. The Walking Dead is high and above the top rated show on television, with its season six finale recently garnering 14.2 million views. It has also won countless awards and has a high reputation among fans. So, with the suspenseful season seven October premier right around the corner, here are five reasons why The Walking Dead is the best show on TV.

1. Special Effects / Atmosphere

This is a post-apocalyptic setting, after all, so if the atmosphere of the show is off or corny, then viewers would be turned off at first sight. This is not the case with TWD. They spare no effort with the special effects and sets on this show, and boy does it pay off! Each zombie is uniquely designed and outfitted to be as disgusting and repulsive as possible. The zombie actors even undergo special selection and must attend Zombie School (Yes, it's a real thing) before they can appear on the show. This, paired with the desolate landscapes, scorched buildings, highway pileups and an abundance of broken doors and windows, creates a holistic and immersive atmosphere that is just plain frightening to behold. Just imagine looking out your window and seeing a few of these guys limping around. Yeah, scary right?

2. Source Material

The Walking Dead comic books are some of the most beloved and successful comics out there, with over 150 issues to date. Robert Kirkman, the creator and writer, has made a fortune from his creation, and constantly collaborates with and guides the writers of the TV show. There's no doubt that the comics are a great feat in and of themselves. With such strong source material, it would honestly be pretty hard to mess up the TV adaptation. But the show's writers have not been intimidated by the success of their source material. They've been able to construct deep, exciting story lines, bringing life to the black and white panels of the comics. They've also never been afraid to make artistic changes and explore new pathways for characters. Daryl, one of the most loved characters on the show, actually never appeared in the comics, but was created solely for the show. The reliable source material, paired with brilliant writers, makes this show a force to be reckoned with.

3. Characters

The Walking Dead boasts a plethora of characters, each with different backgrounds, morals and skill sets. From a priest to a biker to a katana wielding ninja woman, this show has a character for everyone.

You will undoubtedly fall in love with one of them, and then cry yourself to sleep after they get killed in the very next episode. But that's just the way it is. That's why we tune every Sunday night, for the nail-biting suspense and the brutal action. This show also has excellent character development. Each character faces unique internal and external struggles that they must overcome in order to survive in their cruel reality. Watching a character develop into a completely new person is so rewarding to watch, and it is a large reason why people keep tuning in every weekend.

4. The Story

The Walking Dead is an epic saga about survival in a post apocalyptic world ruled by the living dead. The show has evolved so much over the years, with each season presenting new obstacles and enemies, the most recent being Negan and his Saviors. The characters have come together, split up, fallen in love, and drifted apart. New faces are constantly introduced, while old ones can disappear in an instant. There are always multiple story lines and character arcs to follow at any given moment, and they all overlap and come together to progress the main events of the story. This show has the best storytelling that I've ever seen, and it always keeps you guessing every episode. The show perfectly combines suspense, action, romance, and even humor to give a unique viewing experience that earns it the title of the best show on TV.