• 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. Jul 15, 2019
    8
    The plot is so much interesting and the acting is supreme, a must-watch one.
  2. Mar 16, 2022
    8
    A perfect surprise of great television that unfurls slowly in unpredictable turns. Reinforced by stellar characterizations of in depth profiles that create an incomparable first season.
  3. Nov 19, 2021
    8
    Conozca a Tony Soprano: su hombre de negocios promedio de mediana edad. Tony tiene una esposa obediente. Un hijo no tan obediente. Una hija llamada Meadow. Un tío que está perdiendo las canicas. Un sobrino impulsivo. Una amante no demasiado secreta. Y un psiquiatra para contarle todos sus secretos, excepto el que ella ya
  4. Jan 10, 2023
    8
    Final Thoughts:

    Breaking Bad’s first season is a brutal and emotionally intensive journey. Its characters shine with deeply personal and award-worthy acted stories. It builds strong foundations for future seasons, with rich character development and high stakes. Its slow pace and abrupt ending make it feel incomplete, but it’s a binge-worthy crime drama I am hungry to continue
    Final Thoughts:

    Breaking Bad’s first season is a brutal and emotionally intensive journey. Its characters shine with deeply personal and award-worthy acted stories. It builds strong foundations for future seasons, with rich character development and high stakes. Its slow pace and abrupt ending make it feel incomplete, but it’s a binge-worthy crime drama I am hungry to continue consuming.

    For an in-depth look and more reviews like this, please visit my site (yes, begging): https://thephoenixprjct.com/breaking-bad-season-1-in-depth-review/?fbclid=IwAR2RRzpzuNta1tPKkkO3CHhCXojKkNHjmv2a8mIbCTmZMNsSzZCI60EDjGU
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  5. ManolisM
    Feb 24, 2010
    7
    Very good. Nice acting, nice plot. Only con is that it is too slow from time to time.
  6. Nov 13, 2011
    7
    Easily one of the best shows on TV. Very original and Cranston is amazing in this. The one disapointing thing is that there are very few episodes so there isnt enough time to establish any plots or backstories for the future season. Acting is great and its highly addicting to watch.
  7. Mar 7, 2012
    7
    A great start to a great series. Some really memorable moments here and the beginning of Walt's transformation from "Mr. Chips to Scarface". Probably the weakest season of the show, but that doesn't mean it's not great.
  8. Dec 20, 2011
    7
    Definently one of the best new shows on TV with this season however there were so few episodes that it really didnt give the show time to develop the story at all. It also took quite a bit to really get into the show. I still loved it though, Bryan Cranston is untouchable in his role as Walter White. The rest of the cast is solid as well. A must see imo.
  9. Oct 9, 2012
    7
    A little too dark, a little too humourless, but this first season does a great job of showing a normal man descending into the world of meth production and distribution in a realistic manner. Although I found season one somewhat unenjoyable, it's worth continuing to the later seasons; there is more humour and quirkiness and interesting plot twists to come. This show will eventually becomeA little too dark, a little too humourless, but this first season does a great job of showing a normal man descending into the world of meth production and distribution in a realistic manner. Although I found season one somewhat unenjoyable, it's worth continuing to the later seasons; there is more humour and quirkiness and interesting plot twists to come. This show will eventually become one of the best shows on TV. Expand
  10. Jan 1, 2015
    7
    Breaking Bad features an excellent story full of cool villains, betrayals, intense moments, and one good plan gone wrong after another. What I find impressive is that it manages to make a meth selling criminal a likable person, which is no easy feat. The show can be a bit predictable, as no plan turns out the way it's supposed to, but that reflects real life. None of the women in the showBreaking Bad features an excellent story full of cool villains, betrayals, intense moments, and one good plan gone wrong after another. What I find impressive is that it manages to make a meth selling criminal a likable person, which is no easy feat. The show can be a bit predictable, as no plan turns out the way it's supposed to, but that reflects real life. None of the women in the show are good people. I'm not one of those people who climbs to a the top of a mountain and demands tv shows to have cool female characters, but it would be nice for this show to have at least one. Expand
  11. Nov 12, 2013
    7
    Foi com certeza, a temporada mais fraca da série, de início você não enxerga a genialidade dela, mas depois você percebe o quanto ela foi importante para o desenvolvimento da série. Breaking Bad uma obra prima.
  12. Aug 6, 2015
    7
    Slowly but surely we feel a part of Walter White's world. This is not Breaking Bad at it's finest but it still does more than enough to develop an intrigue and fondness within us towards a series with a lot of potential. In truth the first season lays the ground for Breaking Bad to go ahead and make real progress. There is potential for an engrossing story and captivating performances within it.
  13. Jun 20, 2013
    7
    Season One of Breaking Bad wasn't the greatest, but it was a good enough introduction to the show. If you just start watching Breaking Bad, then don't be put off by this season. It just gets better and better with time.
  14. Mar 27, 2014
    7
    Primera temporada fue buena, tuvo momentos muy buenos, un Walter White que reciene entra a este mundo criminal con la fabricacion de la metanfetamina azul, pese a tener solo 7 episodios en su haber por culpa de la huelga de guionistas en 2007, esta temporada sirve para que conozcas a los protagonistas y por supuesto a Walter y a Jesse, y las situaciones en que se meten.
  15. Oct 24, 2013
    7
    People are just stupid! STUPID!

    Someone tells them that a show is a hit or something and they start watching it. People used to find this show boring and slow, it was a cult show, but now everybody are watching it! I find Bryan Cranston amazing! He is so captivating! Young Aaron is quite good too. But the story-line? They try to make this show grounded to reality, when is so
    People are just stupid! STUPID!

    Someone tells them that a show is a hit or something and they start watching it.
    People used to find this show boring and slow, it was a cult show, but now everybody are watching it!

    I find Bryan Cranston amazing! He is so captivating! Young Aaron is quite good too. But the story-line? They try to make this show grounded to reality, when is so illogical and so film-ish, I just can't stand it. People clearly haven't heard of European cinema where the real gritty realism can be found! This is fake! You know you are watching a TV series.

    Walter White and Bryan Cranston are the only reason anyone should watch this show! Nothing else! The title made me wanna continue with the show, because I can see the glory that awaits us soon after Walter truly breaks bad!

    The acting is great, the direction is also great, but the plotting is stupid and illogical for a show that tries to be logical and real! What I am saying is that: The show isn't that bad, It's just isn't good either. It's just a show!
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  16. Oct 19, 2013
    7
    the first season of breaking bad is good but still has stories in the first season that did not need to be counted or are useless but even so this was a good season.
  17. Jan 8, 2014
    7
    This show is good, but i seriously don't see how people are saying it is amazing, YET. As of right now season 1 is good, hopefully it gets better judging how people will kill anyone who on this show.
    The only good actor is the main character everyone is sub par... i actually laughed a few times at some bad acting (first episode mainly) The thing that bothers me most is that i don't
    This show is good, but i seriously don't see how people are saying it is amazing, YET. As of right now season 1 is good, hopefully it gets better judging how people will kill anyone who on this show.
    The only good actor is the main character everyone is sub par... i actually laughed a few times at some bad acting (first episode mainly) The thing that bothers me most is that i don't care about any character except walt.. if they all died next episode i would not even care.
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  18. Jan 29, 2014
    7
    It's a good series overall. They portray meth-heads pretty well, and at times it's so spot-on that it's painful to watch. One gripe I have is that it fails to break away from that typical family-drama that's in just about everything. I don't care whether the wife is upset, get down to business and cook that meth! Some of that drama was really, really pointless in context (ex: husband is aIt's a good series overall. They portray meth-heads pretty well, and at times it's so spot-on that it's painful to watch. One gripe I have is that it fails to break away from that typical family-drama that's in just about everything. I don't care whether the wife is upset, get down to business and cook that meth! Some of that drama was really, really pointless in context (ex: husband is a meth cook for christ's sake, and he gets **** out when he comes home to dinner late? come on.) Just about every character's a prick or a douchebag and extremely hatable. Quite honestly I don't know if it's a good or bad thing for others; for me I had to take a break every now and then because I wanted to kick most of these people throughout the series, with the exception of Jesse. It's a title my dad picked up though, and the last time he watched anything on TV is the Super Bowl or some obscure 70's show from his childhood, so that's saying a lot. Expand
  19. Jul 9, 2014
    7
    Хоть начало сногсшибательной криминальной драмы и может показаться достаточно унылым, стоит помнить, что самый сок еще впереди.
  20. Mar 21, 2014
    7
    A victim of the hype train, Breaking Bad never quite lives up to the expectations thrust upon you by the media, your friends, family and their pets. Though the story is often at times gripping, there are too many episodes which fail to push the narrative forward in any meaningful way. I also take issue with the fact that the most relatable character is a sociopath, and that there areA victim of the hype train, Breaking Bad never quite lives up to the expectations thrust upon you by the media, your friends, family and their pets. Though the story is often at times gripping, there are too many episodes which fail to push the narrative forward in any meaningful way. I also take issue with the fact that the most relatable character is a sociopath, and that there are awkward moments where you actively root for him to do the wrong thing / commit serious crimes simply out of spite towards some of the more terrible cast (Marie is high on my all time list of most annoying characters). It's not The Wire, but it's certainly worth watching if you have a few weeks of down time, as this isn't really the sort of show that benefits from marathon watching. Expand
  21. Oct 25, 2014
    7
    it is rotin thar whit and pinkman into the oroblem and kill somone and free.after a week the try to cook someyhing and each season the tried to work someone and he want to kill me white and white kill him. it is reptation
  22. Feb 20, 2016
    7
    "You wanna cook chrystal metch?"

    Początek czegoś wspaniałego… 1 sezon jest dla mnie prologiem dla całej serii dlatego też daje mu tak niską (na tle innych) ocenę.
  23. Mar 22, 2016
    7
    While violent, the series is not formulaic. I do feel there were gratuitous scenes of Bryan Cranston in underwear and showing his naked backside. Somehow it was easy to get hooked to this gritty, dark plot. Some of the sub-plots were overboard in the realism of drugs and was depressing.
  24. Oct 14, 2018
    7
    Bryan Cranston gives a brilliant performance in playing his role, and while there are very compelling moments throughout this season, it can feel sporadically dull at times.
  25. Sep 28, 2022
    7
    A great start to a show that would go on to be one of the best TV shows ever created. Going into Breaking Bad, I was expecting it to be heavily overrated, however, it was not. The show completely surpassed by expectations and has become one of my favourite shows.
  26. Jul 25, 2016
    6
    There was some cool stuff in this show, great job by the Jesse character, but it's relentlessly depressing. And man am I tired of the too-smart-for-you nagging wife character. I will be glad to die without seeing another too-smart-for-you nagging wife. It's almost as if a show, even as crazy and violent as Breaking Bad, must MUST include a family life with a dumb kid and aThere was some cool stuff in this show, great job by the Jesse character, but it's relentlessly depressing. And man am I tired of the too-smart-for-you nagging wife character. I will be glad to die without seeing another too-smart-for-you nagging wife. It's almost as if a show, even as crazy and violent as Breaking Bad, must MUST include a family life with a dumb kid and a too-smart-for-you nagging wife. Expand
  27. Jan 27, 2012
    6
    Entertaining for sure, BUT season 1-3 could of moved faster. There are many slow lingering moments which never truly develop any character. Some of the acting and situations are forced solely for the purpose of story progression and illogical drama. What can I say thought, I'm still watching the show.
  28. Oct 21, 2012
    6
    While it is an entertaining show. Much of it comes across as gimicky and corny. This show probably doesn't deserve the praise and accolades it has received however it is worth a view. Jesse and Walt are a modern day Laurel and Hardy when it comes to the drug business and no matter how much bungling they do, they always manage to end up on top usually with some comic plot twist. I enjoyWhile it is an entertaining show. Much of it comes across as gimicky and corny. This show probably doesn't deserve the praise and accolades it has received however it is worth a view. Jesse and Walt are a modern day Laurel and Hardy when it comes to the drug business and no matter how much bungling they do, they always manage to end up on top usually with some comic plot twist. I enjoy the slap stick nature of the show, but I'm not going to pretend this is the best thing on TV. Expand
  29. Dec 13, 2013
    6
    I recently have gotten into binge watching TV Series. I was heavily into Sons of Anarchy and when I got to the end I was so thirsty to watch something else that, after reading all of the great reviews I decided on Breaking Bad.

    I just finished the first season and it was pretty good. But I have to say after all the great reviews and comments everywhere I am a bit disappointed. Like I
    I recently have gotten into binge watching TV Series. I was heavily into Sons of Anarchy and when I got to the end I was so thirsty to watch something else that, after reading all of the great reviews I decided on Breaking Bad.

    I just finished the first season and it was pretty good. But I have to say after all the great reviews and comments everywhere I am a bit disappointed. Like I said the show is pretty good but it certainly doesn't captivate me nearly as much as other shows I've watched.

    The drug-dealing side of the story is very interesting and the family side is totally depressing but I don't really feel realism from either side. One note is that all I've watched is season one (only 7 Episodes) so hopefully it picks up dramatically from here and I have to come back and amend this review. I really want to be able to enjoy this show as much as I did "Sons"
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  30. Mar 3, 2014
    6
    Seemed to drag out for the sake of it. The characters are put into situations that are easily avoidable and unrealistic to start with. Good show when it gets going but more often that not just sits about, literally. The show wants us to believe that Walter White is a feared drug kingpin, but more often than not he's relying on others to sort out his problems. Very mediocre for the mostSeemed to drag out for the sake of it. The characters are put into situations that are easily avoidable and unrealistic to start with. Good show when it gets going but more often that not just sits about, literally. The show wants us to believe that Walter White is a feared drug kingpin, but more often than not he's relying on others to sort out his problems. Very mediocre for the most part and is far to slow to even consider watching again as a whole. Expand
  31. Aug 13, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok, so I skipped this show since it dayview back in 08 and I'm glad I did. Never understood the hype behind Breaking Bad, sure the acting by cranston is great but I think all the memes, all the heisenberg T-shirts, the heisenberg costumes in a halloween party and the constant talk about BB made my expectations to great.
    I was hoping for a show that had a great character, I mean everyone has had that thought right? What would I do if I had a terminal disease? Would I be the next drug lord, talk **** about my worst enemie, or go punch that dude that I hate just because nothing can be worse than dying.
    And in some way this does happens, we see Walter struggle trying to keep it hidden from his family and then we see him screw everything for everyone later in the series. I mean Walter has moments when he is such a BA but most of the time comes out as a whiney b...ch. Skyler for god's sake is the best character but also the worst **** I mean he did it for you!!
    Most of the episodes are boring and barely watchable and when something good happens it lasts only a couple episodes. Early in the series you would think it's a comedy show, I mean everything jessie and Walt do goes wrong. EVERYTHING. It's like the three stooges.
    Anyhow that's my opinion, not a bad show, but can't understand why it was so succesful.
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  32. 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.
  33. Jun 17, 2012
    5
    Good show, up until the parts with no action and talking and poor acting (maybe just boring conversations) from walts wife and sister. The chemistry is off, majorly, in the process of making Meth - could be forced to in order to not get people to cook meth, or what ever. Prime example of a show that pisses you off with the 1 year waiting period until the next season (with month longGood show, up until the parts with no action and talking and poor acting (maybe just boring conversations) from walts wife and sister. The chemistry is off, majorly, in the process of making Meth - could be forced to in order to not get people to cook meth, or what ever. Prime example of a show that pisses you off with the 1 year waiting period until the next season (with month long breaks inside each season). It really makes it hard to stay attached to the show. Expand
  34. Jan 10, 2016
    5
    Not bad at all. But sometimes really boring, especially when the women talk about stupid things for minutes . Otherwise ok, I'am finishing season 3 right now .
  35. Dec 13, 2014
    5
    I will surely attract attention of many, but I'm not the biggest fan of that show. I find boring a little bit, I can't see this whole psychodramatic plot accents - or I just don't care about them. It has terrible characters, each one of them makes me crazy. In my private opinion, Breaking Bad is one of the most overrated tv shows ever and I completely can't understand its phenomena.
  36. Oct 19, 2018
    5
    In the second attempt to see the serie, i finally could finish it. What was the problem? Well, to past beyond aaaalll the boring stuff, to see the few great moments of all...

    All in all, it was a release that finally finished.
  37. Jan 3, 2017
    5
    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln
    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln verstanden?
    Dann sind hier meine Punkte.

    Mein persönlicher Score = 50/100
    Mein User Score = 5/10
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  38. Jul 30, 2014
    4
    9.3 rating? Are you fu**ing kidding me?! This TV Show is very boring. I watched whole 1 season, even 1-2 episodes from the Season 2, as people said me, it gets better & better after some episodes, but I couldn't stand it anymore. It's not enthralling at all, even more, plot is very boring, nothing special. In short, guy (chemistry teacher) is dying from a cancer & he decides to do crazy9.3 rating? Are you fu**ing kidding me?! This TV Show is very boring. I watched whole 1 season, even 1-2 episodes from the Season 2, as people said me, it gets better & better after some episodes, but I couldn't stand it anymore. It's not enthralling at all, even more, plot is very boring, nothing special. In short, guy (chemistry teacher) is dying from a cancer & he decides to do crazy stuff before he leaves this world & decides to make drugs (methamphetamine) with one of his former student & they sell it on a black market. And that's all! The only pros of this TV Show are some actors, which play really good, especially the main character, but it can't help this TV Show when plot is uninteresting & boring. During last episodes I was so bored, that I didn't even watch it normally. I was just listening to it & browsing the Internet at the same time. I quit at the beginning of the Season 2 & I don't even have a desire to continue it. Definitely not worth the 9.6. It's very overrated. I'm giving it 4 out of 10. Expand
  39. Feb 16, 2015
    4
    It didn't caught my attention, like it hasn't a good story for my expectation, it isn't mean that the show is a poor quality one, but it isn't my style of shows. I don't like it.
  40. Jul 21, 2016
    4
    No no no. People like this show? The writing and acting is bland and gets stall after the first season. Honestly I don't see the appeal this show is mediocre.
  41. Jun 11, 2016
    3
    Horrible, **** show where the characters are very unlikeable, there are major plotholes, some major characters are so annoying that you really want to see them dead. And the protagonist - I can't sympathize with him just because he's about to die he's going to wreck other people's lives.

    The first 2 seasons did have an element of suspense. After that it was just plain awkwardness,
    Horrible, **** show where the characters are very unlikeable, there are major plotholes, some major characters are so annoying that you really want to see them dead. And the protagonist - I can't sympathize with him just because he's about to die he's going to wreck other people's lives.

    The first 2 seasons did have an element of suspense. After that it was just plain awkwardness, cringiness and horribly unlikeable characters.
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  42. Mar 20, 2014
    3
    I finally took the plunge to join metacritic because it has been so accurate for me in for so many shows, except Breaking Bad. The cinematography was good, and the story was compelling just barely enough that I forced myself to watch the entire series. Overall, the characters have poor chemistry and do unrealistic things for each other, and the show crawls extremely slow: very soapy dialogI finally took the plunge to join metacritic because it has been so accurate for me in for so many shows, except Breaking Bad. The cinematography was good, and the story was compelling just barely enough that I forced myself to watch the entire series. Overall, the characters have poor chemistry and do unrealistic things for each other, and the show crawls extremely slow: very soapy dialog and long silent shots of scenery. I don't know who's out there running the conspiracy, but I've seen some great shows and this is not one of them: proceed with caution. Expand
  43. Dec 9, 2014
    3
    I watched the first two series twice but on each occasion gave up .. so recently with some time on my hands after a broken leg I decide to give it a go for the third time. I'm currently on series 4 episode 4 and have to say it's distinctly average. Not a patch on the wire, sopranos , game of thrones. Some scenes are genuinely riveting but there are long spells where it gets boring andI watched the first two series twice but on each occasion gave up .. so recently with some time on my hands after a broken leg I decide to give it a go for the third time. I'm currently on series 4 episode 4 and have to say it's distinctly average. Not a patch on the wire, sopranos , game of thrones. Some scenes are genuinely riveting but there are long spells where it gets boring and you lose attention. Hopefully it picks up soon but even if it does overall not good. Really can't see for the life of me what people see in it Expand
  44. Dec 23, 2014
    1
    This has got to be one of the worst TV shows of all time. What do you people see in it? I wanted all the characters killed off except for Saul. Plot's dull. Storyline stupid... who in their right mind will cook meth in someone else's house while it is supposedly being renovated?
  45. Apr 2, 2021
    0
    This is literally THE most over-hyped show of all time, and it definitely does NOT live up to it. I actually watched Better Call Saul first, and fell in love with that show, the story, the characters, and the acting, so I figured I'd give Breaking Bad a try and wow, was I disappointed. The characters are horrible, unbelievable, and thoroughly unlikable, the plot makes zero sense as itThis is literally THE most over-hyped show of all time, and it definitely does NOT live up to it. I actually watched Better Call Saul first, and fell in love with that show, the story, the characters, and the acting, so I figured I'd give Breaking Bad a try and wow, was I disappointed. The characters are horrible, unbelievable, and thoroughly unlikable, the plot makes zero sense as it meanders around in some half-assed attempt to tell a story, and you are left constantly wondering why you are even watching it to begin with as you are bored to tears. Even Walt, who has cancer, is nearly impossible to sympathize with, and Jesse plays the most unconvincing drug addict/dealer of any show I have ever watched. It is like watching something written by a person that has never even been in the same room with a drug, let alone ever done one themselves. I literally can't even finish the third season because every time I try it feels like pulling teeth, and I feel like I would literally watch just about any other show than this one. The first season actually showed some promise but with each episode the show just gets worse and worse and worse. I honestly don't think I will even be finishing the show because it doesn't even make me want to know what happens because of how completely awful the writing and storytelling is. I literally cannot believe that so many people like this show when most shows I have watched in my life are much better than this. If you have never tried watching this show by now my advice is don't even try. It is not worth your time. Even a Nic Cage movie is more entertaining and has better writing, and that is really saying something. Honestly, the only bright spot in an otherwise terrible show was the character Saul Goodman and the acting of Bob Odenkirk. I personally cannot wait for the last season of Better Call Saul, but I feel like the show is permanently stained due to the fact it was inspired by such a horrible and uninteresting show as Breaking Bad. I literally made this account solely to review this show because it was so horrible that I was compelled to let other people know so they could avoid the horrible experience of having to watch it. One of the all-time worst shows ever produced. Expand
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.