• Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 20, 2008
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5
User Score
9.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 526 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 5 out of 526

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  1. AmeliaS.
    Jun 8, 2009
    10
    This is my absolute favorite show on television. There are no weak points. The writing is clever, the acting is extraordinary, the photography is beautiful, the editing is sharp. I can't praise it enough.
  2. CameronM
    Mar 30, 2009
    10
    The best show on TV right now. The production values are through the roof. The acting is top notch. The story is amazing and executed flawlessly. You really get a feeling for every character in the story even if they don't play a major role. This is how TV shows should be done and it makes all other shows look like child's play. I absolutely love this show! I never watch TV at all but this has restored my faith in TV. Thanks to all involved with this masterpiece. This will probably go down as my favorite show of all time. Recommended to EVERYONE! Expand
  3. ajR
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    Absolutely the best TV series in many years, maybe ever! It helps to watch Season One, just to see where the characters are coming from. Incredibly good!
  4. MarkB
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    I just loved the season premiere! Once again it delivered everything I could possibly wish for, brilliant suspenseful Drama sweetened with just the right amount of comedic moments to loosen things up a bit. Have I said how much I admired that? I was so glad to see ALL the characters develop, we got to know them better, and therefore care for them more. I can honestly say there's not one person on this show that doesn't reach me in some way, be that in a positive or a negative way. And judging by many reviews, also by Stephen King's, it's only getting better! BOOYAH! Expand
  5. RoniJ.
    Apr 13, 2009
    10
    Hands down the best television on television. The writing and acting never cease to astonish, amaze, delight, intrigue, and captivate. The camera work is cinema-worthy. The casting brilliant. I could watch each episode three times, and have done so with Season 1, and still be held in thrall by the excellence of this series on every level.
  6. JustinN
    May 11, 2009
    10
    As the second season comes to a close, the philosophical underpinnings of Breaking Bad come to fore. At first Walt was a good man doing bad things for 'good' reasons, now you see the slow transformation into the monster, the Hyde to Walt's Jekyll. As the series come to a close (and the series *must* end this season), you get the feeling that the Hyde will overcome Walts personality, destroying everything that he touches. The ominous premonitions to a brutal season closer, the haunting performance by Brian Cranston, and the strong performances given by the supporting cast creates characters that the audience truly care about, and makes Walt's transformation all the more horrifying. It almost makes the end few episodes unwatchable: to see the slow, destructive downward spiral of a good man. This series is a poignant study of morality, and a horrifying glimpse at the destruction caused by drugs and mans ability to fall. Expand
  7. AdrianP
    Jun 1, 2009
    10
    An intense, well written and superbly acted show. Breaking Bad is truly great entertainment.
  8. FroggyTron
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    Breaking Bad finally gets the recognition it aserves.
  9. MrMushroomer
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    In every episode, I find myself smirking at the wit and clever story telling. I am also surprised more than once per episode in a plot twist or revelation. I'm also sure that the cancer approaching ending will be different than what my simple mind expects.. But that's the great thing about this show. What the heck is gonna happen.... Hands down the best storytelling and pacing on television of current. Expand
  10. richc
    May 24, 2009
    10
    This show is ridiculous. I am constantly surprised every episode, yet it remains believable and consistent at the same time. Amazing. This isn't HBO, there's no cussing or extreme violence and they produce an top-notch product, so other networks have no excuse. I wish more TV could be like this. BRAVO.
  11. VernB
    May 27, 2009
    10
    I love the premise for this show and the episodes clear the bar that was set very high in the pilot episode.
  12. Aug 9, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great show. Season 2 wasn't quite as good as season 1, however, due to Walt's storyline. I feel like there could be a little more meth baking going on. Also, I feel like the success of the show made his health issues "go away" somewhat quickly. Can't wait for season 3. Expand
  13. Oct 18, 2011
    10
    This is the first time i feel myself loving a TV show so much that watching something else is quite boring, like NCIS or CSI. The future belongs to AMC.
  14. Nov 3, 2010
    10
    Season 2 continues to develop the characters and continues with an amazing story that keeps getting better and better. The only downside is the wait we have to endure for the next season.
  15. Jul 20, 2011
    10
    All the story does is suck you in, and compel you to empathize with the drug lord Walter White. It's insane, riveting, imaginative and innovative. It is the drama of a decade.
  16. Mar 7, 2012
    10
    Now THIS. THIS RIGHT HERE. This is how you do television. Well-written characters, foreshadowing, actual character development that feels natural and some of the best camera work I've ever seen on television. Not to mention the sheer unpredictability of it all, while still maintaining coherency. My personal favorite season.
  17. Jul 21, 2011
    10
    it's just crazy how they can keep making this masterpiece of a show. This is better than any other show; even on pay channels like HBO and what not. It's just mind bottling how good it is. It's very difficult to explain just how great this tv show is. If you have doubts and don't like watching for free on the net, then just stop, go to the nearest place that sells box sets, and buy at least season 1. And I assure you that you will not be disappointed. You will go out and buy season 2, and maybe even season 3 right away. Believe me, it gets better and better. The drama, suspense, and your "Holy $#!%" counter will go up more and more after each season. Please take my word and watch it. It makes me so anxious for the next episode to air. Expand
  18. May 24, 2013
    10
    After the disappointing second series of shows like 'Prison Break' and 'Heroes' I was a little worried that Breaking Bad may fall into the same category. Any doubts however were quickly put aside after the opening episode. In fact, if anything, this is actually an improvement on the first season (something I would not have thought possible) as we see Walter Whites continued attempts to establish his new business and the problems that entail.

    The only negative thing I can say about Breaking Bad is that I can't believe this has still not aired on a major UK channel as this is certainly one show that deserves a far bigger audience in this country.
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  19. Jun 29, 2011
    10
    You cannot predict Breaking Bad... it's impossible. Actually, I've just told a lie, and for that I apologize. You can predict Breaking Bad; in fact Breaking Bad is so predictable it's embarrassing. Before any given episode has started you can safely predict that what you are about to see is 45 minutes of television that is, in this reviewers opinion, faultless. 45 minutes of outrageous situation comedy with hilarious consequences, 45 minutes of gut wrenching and heart felt emotional drama, 45 minutes of impeccable acting from its two leads, who's on-screen chemistry (excuse the pun) has garnered them with a total of 4 Emmy's, and 45 minutes (im about to come back full circle here) of impossible to predict story lines that make the twists and turns in shows like Lost and Fringe genuinely feel like amateur hour. Season 2 doesn't let up for one second. There is no 'filler' here, none whatsoever. And in all honesty, hand on heart, having thought it through thoroughly, looked back at my favourite (almost immoveable) series from shows that are close to my heart, I might have to declare Breaking Bad season 2 as the best season of a tv show I have seen to date. I know that's a bold statement, but having sat through all 13 exquisitely put together episodes, it just makes sense to have that opinion, it really does. Expand
  20. Sep 18, 2012
    10
    One of the best shows ever made. One of the best shows ever made. One of the best shows ever made. One of the best shows ever made. One of the best shows ever made.
  21. Aug 23, 2011
    10
    Season 2 was when Jessie Pinkman became my favorite character. Episodes like Peekaboo where Jessie tries to go get his money back from some junkies at a meth house, and he finds the young neglected kid in the home is just great. Very original and flat out one of the best episodes I've seen in television history. The season picks up and gets extremely good and original at the very end of the season. Expand
  22. Sep 5, 2011
    10
    This season in particular has 13 must watch episodes. The unpredictability of the story is front and center in season 2. If you like dark and intense, then this show has everything that you are looking for. I recommend it to everyone I know, for good reason.
  23. Sep 14, 2011
    10
    S01 was great, but things get WAY better on the second one. You can see that from the first two episodes. Much more intense and serious. TV at its best.
  24. Jul 11, 2012
    10
    The second season, being the first whole season, rightly solidifies Breaking Bad's place among different critics' summer highlight articles in TV. At the end of the 1st season you may be wondering, is the whole series this suspenseful & unpredictable? The 2nd season eliminates any question of the show's place among TV's heavy-hitters.
  25. Nov 16, 2011
    10
    Breaking Bad is an awesome show! I love it and suggest it to everyone who hasnt seen it yet. It beats Dexter in best Drama in both my heart and with the emmy count. Breaking Bad has great actors, who play awesome characters, in a great story. Keep it up Breaking Bad.
  26. Jan 19, 2012
    10
    Season 1 was great TV, but it was season 2 that really signaled to us that Breaking Bad was something truly revolutionary. This was also the most systematic and most clearly put together season of the series so far, and I'm a definite fan of that ominous teddy bear. The artistic value was really something here, but the 'ooh ahh' moments were unparalleled too. The end of the season finale still sends shivers down my spine. Expand
  27. Mar 17, 2012
    10
    This show has the amazing ability to constantly take twists and turns that make my jaw drop and my head spin. Its simply put, the best show on television, and Season 2 ramped up everything that made Season 1 amazing tenfold, tightening the tension of Walter's decisions, stretching the agonizing family drama to such heart-wrenching heights it can only be described as masterful, and making the sucker punch to the gut moments that much more hard-hitting. Expand
  28. Jul 16, 2012
    10
    after watching the first season of the show i was expecting it to have a very good second season but i could have never predicted how wonderful this season was....its just fantastic....WAY better than the first and thats saying something.
  29. Mar 20, 2013
    10
    Improves on the already strong first season. The show is much bolder in its second season and you get an overwhelming feeling of greatness as you are watching the story develop. 9.6/10
  30. Nov 20, 2012
    10
    Great show, it is very fast and the acting is great. Every season gets better and better. Cranston and Paul's performances are unbelievably good. Best show on television, Better than the sopranos and the wire in my opinion
  31. Jan 24, 2013
    10
    Breaking Brad digs deeper into its dark side and shows itself to be the most well written, darkest, and best acted show on television. Bryan Cranston is brilliant, Aaron Paul is also great, and overall this show began its long journey into one of the most phenomenal shows of all time.
  32. May 13, 2013
    10
    It´s making addictive, you never really know what´s happening next. You just gotta love all the characters and Bryan Cranston has the role of f his life! Walter is just so badass and watching him getting through all this is very addictive. The only difficulties this series has though is that the third and fourth season are getting a lil bit boring but they still have some real kickass plotots. This is one masterpiece of a series, and i really want to suck up the damn final part of season 5, but till then we have to wait for summer 2013. That´s a downside too. You have to wait nearly a whole year for a new season, but at least it´s worth it! WATCH IT! It´s a legendary TV Show you need to watch! Expand
  33. YazD
    Mar 26, 2009
    9
    A funny story. It seems so, but if you were in the same situation, you might do the same, I mean sale Meth.
  34. Sep 29, 2011
    9
    Is there anything that can be said about this season? Besides the fact that it improves over a season that was already great to begin with, I can't summon the proper words to adequately describe its brilliance. I **** LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
  35. Nov 14, 2011
    9
    One of the best seasons of Breaking Bad. It expands so much, It has a great story and amazing acting, You cant denie that this is easily the best show on TV.
  36. Aug 10, 2011
    9
    Breaking Bad shows the viewer how a man is able to change. It is a very interesting subject which is portrayed impecabbly by Bryan Cranston as Walter White. Gripping storyline with good actors. Maybe it's just me, but maybe the only thing which bugs me in Breaking Bad is the acting of Anna Gunn in the role of Skyler White who is portraying the pregnant mother in a too exaggeratedly way.
  37. Feb 2, 2012
    9
    This season is such a huge improvement. An expanded cast that brings us characters like Saul and Gus, Its an amazing season and I wouldnt argue that its the best season the show has came out with if someone said so because its that great. Acting is a lot better this season too and the story has improved quite a bit as well. It does struggle a little bit at times because it does get a little boring and makes you lose interest but its still a great show. Expand
  38. Nov 9, 2012
    9
    This is the best show that's not on a pay channel. The performances are damn near flawless. Emmys anyone?
  39. Dec 8, 2012
    9
    This is where the story really picks off. It is a perfect setting for what is to come in season 3, so one would have to see the season 3 (which is even better than this one) for the complete story.
  40. Dec 28, 2012
    9
    Season 1 was great. Season 2 is even better. The recurring theme of the pink teddy bear is suprisingly significant to the season as a whole. Bryan Cranston's acting is amazing, probably the best on television and along with Aaron Paul (jesse) this show has one of the best casts i have seen on tv.
  41. Dec 20, 2011
    8
    A lot better this season but what is scary about this show is that its this good and still has yet to reach it's peak. It was a little predictable at times though and a little boring as well but it still kept you interested and it just has that addictiveness to it. Cranston once again steals the show and proves why he is easily the best actor on TV.
  42. Oct 26, 2012
    8
    The great concept of the show is perpetuated and Bryan Cranston as well aus Aaron Paul are playing good again. The first three episodes are just awesome and so the series puts itself obstacles in the way, the other episodes can't keep up with such a fantastic start. In the middle of the season they really could've shortened some parts and the supporting actors get more than in the debut season, but are even plainer. However, 'Breaking Bad' is bodacious! I for myself was disappointed after the high expectations I had after the first season, but nevertheless the 2nd season is also really worth watching and very good! Expand
  43. Oct 9, 2012
    8
    Season two is a step up from season one, though still not quite as solid as the later seasons. The number of unbelievable coincidences detracts from the show's realism. But the structure of the season is inventive, the characters are well-established, and the performances are, as always, remarkable. The first time I watched this show, I was still on the fence in season two; I would say it wasn't until season three that the writers really found their momentum and started creating something unique and endearing and powerful. Expand
  44. Jan 28, 2013
    8
    Perfect TV show. The acting is amazing, as well as the deep plot (which contains easter eggs) and audio. I can't say anything more but WATCH IT! Recommended!
  45. Apr 16, 2013
    8
    After a very good first season, the second does not disappoint anyone, Excellent leaves you very addicted for know what happens in the next season. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, the perfect couple.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. 80
    Breaking Bad works as an unabashedly bold story about a man in extremis, told with the iconographic and ironic sensibility of Quentin Tarantino.
  2. Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    100
    For all its bleakness and darkness, there's a glowing exhilaration about this series: It's a feel-good show about feeling really bad.
  3. Breaking Bad is indeed so flat-out superb it appears to be operating at a different level than just about everybody else save AMC's own "Mad Men" and maybe a couple of shows over at FX.