Caryl Romance Hints Spark Debate Among Walking Dead Fans

LOS ANGELES, CA — The latest episode of “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” has ignited conversations among fans regarding the long-speculated romance between Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier. The debate is fueled by a fleeting moment where another character mistakenly assumes Daryl and Carol are a couple.

In the 2025 episode, when Valentina, played by Irina Björklund, questions about their relationship, Carol firmly responds, “Never,” while Daryl adds, “Nope,” confirming their friendship and shutting down the romantic implications. Showrunner David Zabel‘s choice to include this moment comes as fans have discussed the potential for a Caryl relationship for years.

Fan theories about Daryl and Carol’s possible romance have persisted since season 2 of the original series, especially after Daryl’s efforts in searching for Carol’s daughter, Sophia. Many fans argued that this bond only deepened as both characters developed over the show’s long run. However, the series never depicted them as romantic partners.

Melissa McBride, who plays Carol, reflected on the recent scene during a September interview, stating, “It’s kind of a big move on [Zabel’s] part to bring that up in some way or another. It was light, it was fun, it was unexpected.” Yet, she teased that there might still be some ambiguity in their relationship.

Norman Reedus, who portrays Daryl, emphasized that their dynamic has always been platonic, explaining, “We’ve never implied that we were a couple in 16 years.” He added that the writers aimed for an original take on the show without succumbing to the typical tropes of forced romance.

As the series draws to a close, fans remain split; some appreciate the platonic bond between Daryl and Carol, while others continue to hope for a romantic connection. Regardless of the outcome, their friendship has become an iconic part of the show.