Breaking Bad is an American neo-western crime drama television series created and produced by Vince Gilligan. The show initially aired on AMC from January 20, 2008, to September 29, 2013, spanning five seasons.
The story follows Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, a chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. In an attempt to secure his family's financial future before his impending death, Walter turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul. This venture leads Walter into a world of crime, drugs, and violence, fundamentally changing his character from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless drug lord known as "Heisenberg."
The series is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which provides a backdrop for the stark contrast between the mundane suburban life and the criminal underworld. Breaking Bad explores themes of:
Breaking Bad has received widespread critical acclaim, being praised for its writing, acting, directing, and character development. It has won numerous awards, including:
The series has been lauded for its complex characters, particularly the transformation of Walter White, and for its suspenseful storytelling.
The show has had a significant cultural impact, influencing television production with its narrative style and character depth. It has spawned: