• Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 20, 2008
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 4253 Ratings

User score distribution:
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User Reviews

  1. RobertB.
    Jul 12, 2008
    9
    Best part of this is that they get the chemistry rightas opposed to a lot of crime shows. Great if a little slow paced.
  2. FredW.
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    Awesome.
  3. BrendanD.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    I think this show is fantastic. The acting is great, its very well written, its full of a quality mix of drama, action, and dark comedy with a compelling story line. I really hope there will be a second season, because my only complaint is that the first season was so short!
  4. KatieY
    Apr 11, 2008
    9
    Breaking Bad is a very innovative television show. It takes a very taboo subject like cooking drugs and it makes it appealing. The characters are very developed and the plot line is very substantial. The amount of drama in Breaking Bad keeps the audience coming back every week, and that cannot be said for a lot of shows.
  5. MichaelG.
    Apr 9, 2008
    9
    Very good, a bit derivate of "Weeds" (try summing up the plot in a few sentences and you realize how similar the two really are), but "BB" is somewhat more realistic and definitely more hard-hitting. It really doesn't hold back--and you better have a strong stomach to be able to deal with all the extreme close-ups of Walt's protean suffering. Definitely a keeper for next year, Very good, a bit derivate of "Weeds" (try summing up the plot in a few sentences and you realize how similar the two really are), but "BB" is somewhat more realistic and definitely more hard-hitting. It really doesn't hold back--and you better have a strong stomach to be able to deal with all the extreme close-ups of Walt's protean suffering. Definitely a keeper for next year, if only because the entire first season read like one extended pilot--very slow but ultimately extremely satisfying. Expand
  6. MattK.
    Mar 26, 2008
    10
    It is simply astounding how AMC has been able to hit the nail so squarely on the head with two out of two original series so far. I thought it might suffer from comparisons to Mad Men, but Breaking Bad is easily just as compelling. Well done AMC, you're batting 1000!
  7. AaronS.
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    Great show with great acting all around especially from Bryan Cranston.
  8. PeterM.
    Mar 15, 2008
    10
    The story line propels this show along at an incredible pace sweeping the viewer up in its storm. The watcher will hardly know that an entire hour has passed and will be left wanting for more. The characters are compelling and the season finale leaves you pondering the changing character dynamics as well as the arbitrary nature of societal norms.
  9. LauraG.
    Mar 15, 2008
    10
    This show is full of compelling characters with a script that grabs the viewer from the outset of every episode. Bryan Cranston's acting is a refreshing change from his weak and powerless character in Malcolm In The Middle. Watching his disillusionment with what is right and wrong as he faces a terminal disease offers an insight into the very soul of humanity that is rarely seen and This show is full of compelling characters with a script that grabs the viewer from the outset of every episode. Bryan Cranston's acting is a refreshing change from his weak and powerless character in Malcolm In The Middle. Watching his disillusionment with what is right and wrong as he faces a terminal disease offers an insight into the very soul of humanity that is rarely seen and can never be forgotten. Expand
  10. JohnW.
    Mar 13, 2008
    10
    I gave it a ten, maybe it should be a 9. Either way I think it is a definite must see and I'd say one of the top ten shows on tv this year. It an excellent story plot. The underdog with cancer, doing things behind the scenes that nobody expects to be in his personality. If you liked the movie "Falling Down", you'll love this show.
  11. TristanA.
    Mar 11, 2008
    10
    Some of the best writing I've ever seen on TV. Easily the best action I've ever seen on a TV drama. Critics who complain of a self-conscious edginess or a lack of motivation must not have watched past the first episode (and must have confused uncommon character depth with a lack of character depth). TV's finally getting good at realizing that plots don't have to be Some of the best writing I've ever seen on TV. Easily the best action I've ever seen on a TV drama. Critics who complain of a self-conscious edginess or a lack of motivation must not have watched past the first episode (and must have confused uncommon character depth with a lack of character depth). TV's finally getting good at realizing that plots don't have to be generic and formulaic in order for shows to succeed. Now that they're finallh trying to come up with characters that are unique and deep it seems to have frightened some critics. Oh well. Let them have fun watching Big Love. Breaking Bad is more my speed. Expand
  12. hrw.
    Mar 11, 2008
    10
    Absolutely stunning. Brian Cranston is absolutely riveting to watch. Walter White is a fascinating character - i love the developing dynamic between him and jesse, as well as his transformation into nihilistic drug mastermind. one of the best shows on television, period.
  13. Kyleg
    Mar 10, 2008
    9
    This show is great. Completely original and very well-written. Now I can start making my own drugs! jk...
  14. JarredS
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    Awsome!
  15. jarreda
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    I don't watch drama tv generally, but i can actually watch this. Excellent show.
  16. BW
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    I absolutely love this show! I don't ever remember ever seeing anything quite like it. I keep waiting every week for a new episode!
  17. KimL
    Mar 9, 2008
    10
    I hope there will be a second season. Finally, something that addresses cancer. A show that forces us to understand that sometimes happy endings aren't possible.
  18. RL
    Mar 8, 2008
    5
    Bryan Cranston is the only good part of this show. The character relationships aren't believable and Jesse's dialog might have been fresh 10 years ago.
  19. DennisW.
    Mar 6, 2008
    9
    Later episodes don't have quite the wacky edginess as the first couple, but it's an interesting ride and introspective - always looking forward to the next episode.
  20. FaustoF.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Very good show. Hooked me in and now I can't stop watching. Can't wait for the next episode!
  21. AdamT.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Only this and Dexter have been remotely worth watching,in the last couple of years.This show is has great acting and a storyline that keeps me waiting for the next episode.
  22. AJR.
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    This is a wonderful, gritty, compelling show. Excellent writing and outstanding acting, this show is bound to win many awards. Our favorite of this, and many, seasons. Hope there's more of it!
  23. MilesB.
    Mar 4, 2008
    9
    Rich with suspense and irony throughout, Bad will capture the imagination of one-hour-drama fans. Acting is solid, characters are pretty much believable despite sometimes the writing can use a bit of tweaking to avoid flat characterization but it's far more entertaining than the usual tired shows and it leaves the viewer always asking what happens next.
  24. FredW.
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    Awesome.
  25. BenA.
    Mar 3, 2008
    9
    Great show with wonderful acting. With every week the plot adds more to keep you watching.
  26. ShawnL.
    Mar 2, 2008
    10
    It feels so cliche to vote 10 but then again, I probably wouldn't be voting if I didn't feel that this is one of the top five shows I've seen in the past few years. It's novel and well executed.
  27. BillB.
    Mar 2, 2008
    10
    Great writing and acting exloring themes in ways not previously tackled in tv series,
  28. ScottH.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    One of the greatest shows of this decade. I'm in love.
  29. DaveS.
    Feb 21, 2008
    10
    Excellent writing, many unpredictable plot turns, fine acting.
  30. JaredC.
    Feb 13, 2008
    8
    A well written script and a beautifully acted lead combine to form a dark but refreshing bit of drama in Breaking Bad.
  31. BenH.
    Feb 6, 2008
    10
    This show is amazing. It plays like a film and breaks barriers about what can be on TV. I have not been this excited about a TV series since The Sopranos or Six Feet Under. Watch and be amazed by the plot, acting, and emotional reaction you have.
  32. MatthewH
    Feb 5, 2008
    10
    Good pilot, second episode got even better! Very funny while maintaining a serious and real tone.
  33. BushM.
    Feb 5, 2008
    10
    very well done
  34. BJ
    Feb 3, 2008
    9
    Love this show! I've seen the first 2 episodes and I'm trying to tell everyone I know to watch it. It's great to see the dad from "Malcolm in the Middle" being such a great actor, since his character in "Malcolm was so over-the top, I wasn't sure if he could actually "act" well, but I'm surprised! Too bad the Super Bowl is this week and there's not a new Love this show! I've seen the first 2 episodes and I'm trying to tell everyone I know to watch it. It's great to see the dad from "Malcolm in the Middle" being such a great actor, since his character in "Malcolm was so over-the top, I wasn't sure if he could actually "act" well, but I'm surprised! Too bad the Super Bowl is this week and there's not a new episode.. lol Expand
  35. khalid
    Jan 30, 2008
    9
    Great show includes quality acting by Cranston and moody direction creates a show I can get behind for a season at least.
  36. TheDude
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    The pilot was terrific! This show has wonderful potential... Bryan Cranston is doing some of the finest acting you'll see on TV. Can't wait for Sunday again; I think this'll be one of the best shows on TV.
  37. JayW
    Jan 22, 2008
    10
    My friend and I started watching this after being interested by the commercials. It's a great show, very authentic feeling, and I for one am not going to be missing any new episodes and neither is my friend.
  38. DerekL
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    One of the best pilots of the year.
  39. PatrickN
    Jan 21, 2008
    9
    After viewing the pilot episode, all I can say is that Breaking Bad is a fresh breath of talented air in a TV World chalk-full of reality shows and docu-drama crap. Breaking Bad is very cinematic in tone and full of top notch acting, writing, and directing this show grabs you from the start and never lets go, I'm eagerly awaiting the second episode of this show.
  40. FredW.
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    Awesome.
  41. PeterA
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    This show knocked me on my ass -- funny, dark, suspenseful. I've never seen anything like it on TV before!
  42. LelandK
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    What a great pilot!!!
  43. ChuckC
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    What a great show , it had me thinking of it all night.
  44. helloyou
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Awesome show. Perfect balance of drama and comedy and easily relate-able at times. Very much like the movie, Falling Down, but I actually enjoyed this hour long episode more than that movie. I hope it is able to keep it up.
  45. WesM
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Awesome pilot, at times hilarious and others heartbreaking; can't wait for the next episode.
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 70
    The show, so far, doesn’t have quite the right ingredients--it could use something more combustible in the mix.
  2. Breaking Bad mixes desperation and deviousness to yield a volatile, valuable product.
  3. Give Gilligan credit for a pilot, written mostly as one long flashback, that is suspenseful and surprising. Cranston is always fun to watch and Bad is no exception. What's more, a strong supporting cast suggests there is a lot of room for this series to grow.