[10] In the 1990s, McBride had supporting roles in several made-for-television movies, such as Her Deadly Rival (1995) opposite Annie Potts and Harry Hamlin, Close to Danger (1997) with Rob Estes, Any Place But Home (1997), and Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999).

In 2007, director Frank Darabont cast McBride as the "woman with the kids at home" in the ensemble-cast science-fiction horror film The Mist, alongside Thomas Jane, Laurie Holden, and Marcia Gay Harden.

[5][9] McBride was in contention for a bigger role in the film but did not want to take a significant amount of time away from her job as a casting director.

McBride was cast as Carol Peletier in the AMC television drama series The Walking Dead – her biggest role to date.

[15] As the series progresses, McBride's character develops from being weak and dependent, into a strong, cunning, and loyal warrior.

[18][19][20] Others singled out Carol's actions in the Season 5 premiere, "No Sanctuary", which earned critical praise and positive fan reception.

Despite the praise of some critics[21][22][23] and a fan campaign,[24] McBride did not receive a nomination for the 2014 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

[28] In March 2015, McBride was nominated for a Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Leading Actress in a Television series, for her role as Carol.

[32][33] Despite this, she eventually returned to her roles as Carol as a special guest star for the final two episodes of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season 1.