Breaking Bad: The Revolutionary Crime Drama That Changed Television Forever

Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed crime drama series that ran from 2008 to 2013 on AMC. The show, created by Vince Gilligan, follows the story of a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, who turns to a life of crime after being diagnosed with cancer.

The show premiered to relatively low ratings, but as the series progressed, it gained a significant following and eventually became one of the most highly rated shows on television. Breaking Bad has been praised for its complex characters, tight storytelling, and cinematic visuals.

The show’s lead character, Walter White, is portrayed by Bryan Cranston. White is a high school chemistry teacher who is struggling financially and emotionally after being diagnosed with cancer. He turns to a life of crime, becoming a methamphetamine manufacturer and distributor, in order to secure his family’s financial future. Cranston’s portrayal of White has been widely praised, with many critics hailing it as one of the greatest performances in television history.

Breaking Bad explores themes of morality, family, and power, as White’s descent into crime takes a toll on his relationships with his wife, Skyler, and his brother-in-law, Hank, who is a DEA agent. The show also features an array of memorable supporting characters, such as White’s former student and business partner, Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul.


Breaking Bad also features a number of intense and nail-biting action sequences, which are meticulously choreographed and executed. The show’s cinematography is also noteworthy, with many shots and sequences that feel like they were taken straight out of a film.

One of the most striking aspect of Breaking Bad is its ability to make the audience root for a character who is essentially committing heinous crimes. The show manages to do this by making White’s motivations relatable and understandable, and by showing the consequences of his actions.

Breaking Bad’s writing is often hailed as its strongest aspect, with Vince Gilligan and his team of writers crafting a story that is both gripping and emotionally resonant. The show’s dialogue is also noteworthy, with many memorable lines and scenes that have become cultural touchstones.

The show’s attention to detail is also impressive, with many elements of the story and characters that are revealed over time, making the show’s rewatchability high. Breaking Bad also features one of the most satisfying endings in television history, bringing the story to a fitting close while leaving some elements open to interpretation.

Breaking Bad also has a significant impact on the television industry, with many shows since then trying to emulate its success. Shows like The Sopranos, The Wire and later on, Narcos, and Better Call Saul, were influenced by Breaking Bad and its storytelling techniques, and also had a similar impact on the viewers.


The show also had a significant impact on streaming services as well, with many people discovering the show through streaming platforms like Netflix. The show’s popularity on streaming services also helped to boost its ratings during its final seasons.

Breaking Bad has received numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and 58 nominations. The show’s success has also led to the creation of a spin-off prequel series, “Better Call Saul,” which premiered in 2015 and follows the story of White’s criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, before the events of Breaking Bad. The spin-off series has also received critical acclaim and has been praised for its ability to stand on its own while also providing insight into the world of Breaking Bad.

In conclusion, Breaking Bad is a revolutionary crime drama series that changed television forever. The show’s complex characters, tight storytelling, and cinematic visuals, along with its attention to detail, made it one of the most highly rated shows on television. Breaking Bad’s impact on the television industry is undeniable, with many shows since then trying to emulate its success. The series is a must-watch for any fan of crime dramas and storytelling at its finest.