Psychological thriller marks first lead TV role since Rick Grimes
Summary
– Andrew Lincoln leads new Paramount+ with Showtime thriller Coldwater
– Series serves as his first major role outside The Walking Dead in over a decade
– Coldwater premieres January 9, 2026, in the US
Andrew Lincoln is officially turning the page on his long-running Walking Dead chapter with the U.S. debut of Coldwater, a psychological thriller arriving on Paramount+ with Showtime in early 2026. The series represents Lincoln’s first time leading a television project since stepping away from his iconic role as Rick Grimes.
Coldwater originally aired in the United Kingdom in 2025 and centers on John, a man who relocates his family to a remote Scottish village after a violent incident in London leaves him shaken. Seeking a fresh start, John and his wife Fiona attempt to rebuild their lives, only to become entangled with neighbors whose secrets slowly unravel. The series leans heavily into paranoia, moral tension, and psychological unease.
For fans, the significance of Coldwater goes beyond its premise. Lincoln spent more than a decade as the face of The Walking Dead franchise, returning as Rick Grimes as recently as The Ones Who Live. Outside of that universe, his television appearances have been limited, making Coldwater an actual reset moment in his career.
The role allows Lincoln to explore a character far removed from the survival-driven leadership of Rick Grimes. John is defined by fear, guilt, and restraint, offering Lincoln a different emotional palette and a chance to reintroduce himself beyond the shadow of his most famous role.
While Coldwater signals a clear move forward, it does not necessarily close the door on The Walking Dead. Industry chatter has suggested potential crossover projects involving characters from Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and The Ones Who Live, leaving room for Rick Grimes to resurface in the future.
Coldwater premieres in the United States on January 9, 2026, positioning itself as a major moment for Andrew Lincoln and a potential next chapter for viewers searching for a successor to his Walking Dead legacy.
