“The Walking Dead“ follows Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his band of survivors who must not only fight the dead, but also face a whole new fear: the living. Season three of “The Walking Dead” will air in two-parts with the first eight hours kicking off October 14 and the final episodes returning beginning February 2013. Check out nearly 50 high resolution images inside!

Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, “The Walking Dead” stars Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Lauren Cohan, Scott Wilson, IronE Singleton, and Melissa McBride.

“In the highly anticipated new season, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and his fellow survivors continue to seek refuge in a desolate and post-apocalyptic world and soon discover that there are greater forces to fear than just the walking dead. The struggle to survive has never been so perilous. Season 3 also introduces new characters, including the Governor (David Morrissey) and fan-favorite Michonne (Danai Gurira), along with her zombie pets.”

In addition, in response to DISH taking away its customers’ favorite scripted drama series on basic cable – “The Walking Dead” – AMC is offering all DISH subscribers a special live stream of the hit show’s season three premiere episode on Sunday, October 14, at 9PM ET/6PM PT on amctv.com. This streaming event will run concurrently with the television debut so DISH subscribers who are fans of the series can experience this highly-anticipated premiere at the same time it’s available to all other cable and satellite subscribers.

Beginning Friday, September 28 at 9 AM ET, DISH subscribers can register for access to the free live stream of “The Walking Dead” by clicking here.

AMC stated: “To gain leverage in an unrelated lawsuit, DISH has decided to deny their customers access to AMC shows including ‘The Walking Dead,’ the series that has shattered basic cable ratings records. Although ‘The Walking Dead’ is the #1 basic cable scripted drama for DISH customers, DISH has stated it has no plans to bring back AMC. DISH customers who want to watch the entire season at the same time as the rest of the country should switch television providers now…time is running out.”

DISH dropped AMC, as well as its sister networks, IFC, WE tv and Sundance Channel to gain leverage in an unrelated lawsuit. DISH customers may find information on how to switch providers here.

Episode 3.01 – “Seed”: With the world growing increasingly more dangerous and Lori’s pregnancy advancing, Rick discovers a potentially safe haven. But first he must secure the premises, pushing his group to its limit.

Episode 3.02 – “Sick”: After a traumatic event, a life hangs in the balance. Complicating matters, the group must also deal with a potential threat to their new surroundings.

Episode 3.03 – “Walk with Me”

Episode 3.04 – “Killer Within”

Episode 3.05 – “Say the Word”

Episode 3.06 – “Hounded”

Episode 3.07 – “When the Dead Come Knocking”