Norman Reedus, ‘The Walking Dead’s’ zombie fighter Daryl Dixon, becomes an easy rider in new series

Norman Reedus’ portrayal of Daryl Dixon, the sensitive survivalist on AMC’s hit zombie drama “The Walking Dead,” has made him a pop-culture icon, as well as the most popular character on the series. Starting next year, the actor is riding off in a different direction.

Reedus will star in a new nonfiction series scheduled to premiere next year on AMC. The show, with the working title “Ride With Norman Reedus” will follow Reedus, a biker enthusiast, as he takes viewers on a ride on the open road to explore local motorcycle culture and its history.

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The series, which is scheduled for six one-hour episdoes, will also celebrate noted motorcycle collectors, mechanics and craftsmen around the country. The series is produced by Left/Right Productions.

According to a press release, each episode of “Ride” will begin in a different city where Reedus and his riding companion – a fellow actor, musician, friend or local chopper fanatic who shares his passion for motorcycles – will journey to a new destination. Along the way, they will stop at various locales such as custom bike shops, tattoo parlors, collector’s warehouses, or a roadside smokehouse ... with plenty of time for unplanned detours and tire changes.

The series will also showcase different types of motorcycles each week including vintage, minis and cruisers.

“We love being the home of people’s passion projects, and there is nobody more passionate about motorcycles than Norman Reedus,” said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV.

“He is an avid rider and aficionado who is deeply immersed in motorcycle culture. There is also nobody more fun to hang out with. This show will bring those two elements together for a weekly ride into the incredible world of motorcycles and the people who live and breathe them.”

“I’m incredibly excited and thankful to AMC for giving me the opportunity to share a passion of mine with our fans, and hopefully a whole new audience. I had a lot of fun filming and exploring, and I hope it shows,” said Reedus, who will remain a cast member of “The Walking Dead.”