Watching Zombies Getting Killed - Why do we like it so much?

I've watched The Walking Dead till 6th season. I don't remember the exact season but I've watched it till the time when Jesus is introduced and the main characters team up with Negan (that's his name if I remember correctly). A lot of people have watched the zombie apocalypse sitcom. So much so that entire new tv series have surfaced to cater to the growing demand for the sub-genre!

But I have an honest question: Why the craze with watching a tv series on killing decaying & decomposing dead people who are animate, by people who are 'normal'?!

I don't think a research around this answer even exists so I'm gonna make a few guesses here! But first look at a few of these GIFs:

Did you feel a bit of pleasure or even joy on watching them? If yes, then you may not need to read further as the answer is on your nose!

If I had to answer the question in one word, it'd be Sadism!

Explanation/My Opinion:

We are angered by humans in our day-to-day lives. We want to take out our anger by hurting them in lethal as well as non-lethal ways. But since that is illegal, we project our twisted fantasies onto tv characters who 'kill' zombies. We see zombie heads getting smashed, brutal stabbings, fatal headshots, and dismemberments to name a few violent acts. Man can finally let out his animalistic side, without fear of being punished!

In addition to that, since the world is in an apocalypse civilized things like jobs and taxes are put on hold. Survival is the common goal for humankind. Man being a social animal finds companionship with others in the tough times. Relationships - both romantic and otherwise - happen naturally, which is universally alluring. Hell, even sex is easily available!

If you're in a zombie apocalypse with your crush you'd better think about the babies' names before you say 'Hi' to them! 🤣

Also ridiculously enough, the malls, shops and gas stations are always just abandoned by scared owners and are fully stocked with supplies! And they stay that way for months, or years even! Nobody cooks much. 🤣

Again, all this is my mental speculation.