Watch 'Walking Dead' season 5 live stream online [AMC]: Episode 1 premiere, 'No Sanctuary' [TV start time, 4-minute preview]

What's in store for Rick Grimes in the upcoming episodes of The Walking Dead Season 5?AMC

After six long, dragging months without AMC's post-apocalyptic horror series, "The Walking Dead" will finally grace the small screen once again on Sunday.

Since fans were dying to find out what is next for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and the rest of the zombie apocalypse survivors, spoilers have been rounding up online now that the season 5 release date is fast approaching.

The first episode, entitled "No Sanctuary," allegedly packs a lot of horrifying, gory scenes that will be hard to look at. However, it will also show several heart-warming reunions between the characters, specifically the sibling tandem Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Tyreese (Chad Coleman). The first episode is directed by Greg Nicotero.

Also, the premiere episode will deal with the group's arguments about Rick's leadership skills. The Entertainment Weekly earlier teased that "the group prevents Rick from taking certain action that could come back to haunt them later." Would this affect the peace inside the group and compromise their safety?

Speaking of Rick, loyal fans of the show were utterly surprised to see actor Andrew Lincoln grace the red carpet premiere without Rick's signature beard. They were worried that Rick may not return to the show. However, Lincoln offered an explanation.

He said, "I think I was quite clear on the red carpet that it's one of three things: It's either an extended flashback, I found a razor or I'm dead. I always knew that this season we were gonna need a bigger beard, but I had no idea the sort of shockwaves that being clean shaven would make."

Since Rick had been the group's leader for quite some time, it is safe to assume that he will be spared from any possible zombie attack. But it may be a different case for the other characters, like Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun), Tara Chambler (Alanna Masterson), Sasha or Tyreese.

"The Walking Dead" season 5 will start at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 12, on AMC. Be sure to watch full episodes of 'Walking Dead' online via live stream on the AMC website.

Watch the first 4 minutes of Walking Dead season 5 episode 1 below: