Negan made his first on-screen appearance in The Walking Dead at the tail end of the sixth season finale. After making his point and asserting dominance through the killing of Abraham and Glenn, Negan became the main antagonist of the show until the end of season eight.
This culminated into the all-out war between the oppressed communities and Negan’s ‘Saviors’. After years of sitting in a cell, thanks to the efforts of Rick Grimes, Negan has slowly become accepted by the communities to some degree. The main reason being due to him killing Alpha, the main antagonist of the last two seasons as well as protecting Judith during the storm of season nine. Below is a list of the top rated episodes in the series to have a strong focus on Negan.
Updated on November 23rd, 2022 by Jordan Iacobucci: The Walking Dead has taken one last bow with its eleventh and final season, bringing the long-running zombie series to a worthy ending after over a decade on the air. The franchise isn't quite finished, however, with several spinoffs in the near future, including Dead City, which will follow Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). In anticipation of this series, fans can now look back at Negan's very best episodes on The Walking Dead.
"Last Day On Earth" - 6.8
6x16
The season six finale of The Walking Dead gave viewers their final moments with several fan-favorite characters as the group was slowly cornered and captured by Nean's Saviors. In the episode's final moments, Jeffrey Dean Morgan's villainous leader was introduced and, after an extensive monologue, claimed an unseen victim from among Rick's group.
While "Last Day on Earth" works hard to build the tension and Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a memorable first foray as Negan, the episode did receive some criticism for stringing the viewers along, manufacturing a cliffhanger that angered and upset many fans. Nevertheless, this episode also serves as The Walking Dead history, marking a moment that would change the show forever.
"The Big Scary U" - 7.2
8x05
This episode explores a bit more of Negan’s back story. Following on from the previous episode, Negan and Gabriel become trapped inside a trailer outside of the sanctuary, which has become surrounded by walkers.
During the time in the trailer, the two talk about their past transgressions. Gabriel explains how he betrayed his congregation and Negan talks about how he took over as leader of the Sanctuary. When it appears that no one is coming to save them, the duo works together to escape.
"Service" - 7.6
7x04
Having recently forced Rick and his group into submission, Negan and the Saviors arrive at Alexandria for the first time. Rick has set aside items for the Saviors, however, Negan explains that it’s up to them what they take. The group ends up taking all of the Alexandrians’ beds and weapons, leaving them with no way of fighting back or protecting themselves.
This episode gives fans a good look at what submission to Negan and his Saviors looks like for other communities and what the future holds for Alexandria under the Sanctuary's thumb. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is truly having the time of his life as Negan, playfully twisting the knife after so thoroughly breaking Rick Grimes during their last encounter.
"The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life" - 7.7
7x16
In the season seven finale, tensions rise as Negan prepares to put down the emerging rebellion in Alexandria. Things go awry for both sides, however, when Rick's supposed allies betray him and Negan's attempt at spectacle blows up in his face, leading to an all-out battle between the Saviors and Alexandria as the war truly begins.
After a downbeat and somewhat underwhelming season, "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life" finally re what is so great about The Walking Dead: its humanity. Several key characters are put in precarious situations--including Negan, who isn't quite used to having his subjects stand up to him. As the battle unfurls, even the most devout Negan fans can't help but feel overjoyed at Alexandria's newfound fighting spirit.
"Worth" - 7.7
8x15
The penultimate episode of season eight sets the groundwork for the finale as Negan returns to the Sanctuary after being held captive by Jadis. His first order of business is to deal with Simon for plotting against him and killing the Scavengers, leading to a one-on-one brawl with Negan emerging victorious, killing Simon.
This episode features a surprisingly vulnerable Negan as he is forced to kill his former right-hand man. Somehow, Negan even manages to prove himself somewhat redeemable in his being appalled at Simon's war crimes. Ultimately, "Worth" goes a long way in establishing a version of Jeffrey Dean Morgan's character that fans would want to follow in the final seasons of the series.
"Bonds" - 7.7
10x06
"Bonds" features several strong scenes between Beta and Negan after Alpha requests that her minion take Negan into the woods to test his skills and loyalty. Though Negan doesn't quite live up to Beta's standards, he manages to win Alpha's trust by pledging his undying allegiance to her.
This episode is particularly fun for fans of Negan's character, as he is forced to complete all kinds of menial tasks in order to win the trust of a post-apocalyptic cult leader. Jeffrey Dean Morgan absolutely nails both the humor and intensity of the moment, making for one of Negan's more memorable episodes.
"Hunted" - 7.8
11x03
"Hunted" is the third episode of The Walking Dead's eleventh season, which continues the story of Alexandria's scavenging party as they are attacked by the villainous Reapers. When Alden is wounded, Maggie and Negan find themselves debating about what to do with their friend.
This episode builds the ongoing tension between Negan and Maggie as they are forced to work together despite their mutual hatred. And, although Maggie had spared Negan's life once before, viewers are led to question whether she would in fact kill the man who murdered her husband if she got the chance.
"Sing Me A Song" - 7.9"
7x07
"Sing Me A Song" follows Carl as he infiltrates the Sanctuary in an ill-advised attempt to assassinate Negan rather than continue to serve him. Negan survives Carl's attack, proceeding to take the young boy on a tour of the Sanctuary, forming a strange bond with Rick's son before returning him home.
This episode manages to both build Negan's humanity and portray him for the sick, twisted individual that he is, weaving together one of the most complex characters in the entire series. Negan's relationship with Carl would also prove to be quite important in later seasons, indirectly leading Rick to spare Negan's life at the end of season eight.
"Adaptation" - 7.9
9x09
After finding his cell door unlocked, Negan escapes confinement, finding Alexandria to be mostly deserted. Judith catches him attempting to flee over the fence and ultimately allows him to leave.
Negan makes his way back to the Sanctuary, which has been dilapidated and overgrown with weeds. After spending a little time there, Negan realizes there isn’t anything left for him at the Sanctuary and travels back to Alexandria.
"Adaptation" proves to be one of the most important episodes in Negan's redemption arc, as he finally comes to see the fruitlessness of his leadership style. Finding that there is nothing left for him outside Alexandria's walls, he returns, knowing well how much the people there hate him.
"What It Always Is" - 8.0
10x05
Out of Alexandria again, Negan is ed by the child of two former Saviors, Brandon. Negan slowly becomes more and more irritated with Brandon, after it becomes clear that he still idolizes him for what he has done. The two meet a woman and her son, who Brandon ends up killing. Disgusted and angry, Negan beats Brandon to death. The episode ends with Negan turning himself over to the Whisperers.
This episode playfully leads the viewer along as they are led to question whether Negan has truly changed or not. While he seems enraged by Brandon's actions, he also pledges himself to Alexandria's enemies in the final moments of the episode. Later episodes would reveal Negan's secret mission, but "What It Always Is" knows how to keep its audience in suspense regarding the character's true motives.
