Why Breaking Bad Still Rules the Conversation
If you’re one of those people who still can’t get over the journey of Walter White from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord, you’re not alone. Breaking Bad, which showcased the talents of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, has left an indelible mark on television history. The show transcends mere entertainment; it’s a lesson in storytelling, character development, and heart-pounding suspense.
“While it has been a decade since Breaking Bad finished its run, it remains in constant discussion thanks to its brilliant storytelling and fantastic characters,” says Ty Weinert, who recently updated the status of the show’s ongoing impact.
So, you’ve seen Breaking Bad, probably more than once. You’ve even given El Camino a watch. Now what? You’re in luck. We’ve curated a list of TV shows that can satiate your hunger for intricate storylines and morally ambiguous characters.
Weed Out the Boring: Why Weeds is Worth Your Time
Weeds is one of the shows similar to Breaking Bad, as they both feature a normal parent in the suburbs who turns to selling drugs to make money.
Starring Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin, Weeds explores what happens when a suburban mom has to find new means of survival following the sudden death of her husband. Though it tends to lean into comedy more than its gritty counterpart, Breaking Bad, it still provides enough suspense and moral ambiguity to keep you hooked. With a different take on the drug trade and a lighter tone, Weeds could be the yin to Breaking Bad’s yang.
The Great Escapes of Prison Break
Prison Break was a big hit at release and swiftly caught people’s attention as it became one of the most talked-about shows of its era.
For those looking for high stakes and intense drama, Prison Break offers a blend of suspense and intrigue that echoes the excitement of Breaking Bad. The story unfolds with Michael Scofield, a brilliant engineer, crafting a plan to break his wrongly accused brother out of prison. Tattoos are not just for style here; they hold the blueprint for a grand escape. Though it may lose some momentum in later seasons, the first two are pure gold for fans of tension-filled crime dramas.
When the Killer Wants a New Script: Barry
In a way, his character’s arc is the opposite of Walter White’s, as Barry is a criminal searching for a normal life, whereas White is attempting the reverse.
Bill Hader takes on a transformative role in Barry, where he plays a hitman trying to switch careers and become an actor. In this dark comedy-drama, you’ll find unexpected twists and a compelling character trying to escape his criminal past—only to find out it’s not that simple. For those who enjoyed Breaking Bad’s complex characters and moral quandaries, Barry provides a new yet familiar experience.
Money Talks: Ozark’s Risky Business
Ozark proved to be a major success for Netflix, as it received critical acclaim throughout its four-season run.
Ozark, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, takes the desperation of financial ruin to a whole new level. A seemingly ordinary financial planner relocates his family to Missouri’s Ozarks to launder money for a dangerous drug cartel. It echoes the best elements of Breaking Bad, especially the focus on a “normal” family’s spiraling descent into the criminal underworld.
That Roaring ’20s Buzz: Boardwalk Empire
“Leaving the world of drugs behind to instead focus on the illegal sale of alcohol, Boardwalk Empire is set in America during the Prohibition era.”
Anchored by Steve Buscemi’s compelling performance as Nucky Thompson, this HBO series takes you back to the Prohibition era—a setting often untapped by modern TV. The criminal underworld, corrupt politicians, and police officers complete the picture. Though it may not have achieved the commercial glamor of ‘Breaking Bad,’ its textured narrative and ensemble cast make it an under-the-radar gem.
The Rebels on Wheels: Sons of Anarchy
“Another crime series that quickly became a cultural phenomenon, Sons of Anarchy follows the exploits of an outlaw biker gang.”
Jax Teller, played by Charlie Hunnam, deals with moral complexities in a life dominated by crime, engines, and leather. What sets this FX classic apart is the myriad of colorful characters that add layers to its narrative. In essence, ‘Sons of Anarchy’ becomes a biker family drama you won’t want to miss.
The Modern-Day Cowboy: Justified
“When U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) returns to his hometown in Kentucky, his brand of justice quickly puts him at odds with the local criminals.”
Justified nods to classic Westerns while updating the genre for today’s audience. With Raylan Givens at its center, a lawman as intricate as Walter White, it forms an adrenaline-pumping showdown between good, bad, and everything in between.
Undercover Shadows: The Shield
“Swapping criminals for the police, The Shield shows that sometimes those on the side of the law are just as wicked.”
Michael Chiklis shines as Detective Vic Mackey, leading a morally ambiguous police unit. Though they sport badges, their actions often blur the lines of justice, adding a shade of grey to the black-and-white world of crime dramas.
True Crime Reel: Narcos
“Narcos differentiates itself by being based in reality, following a villain whose reign of terror was real.”
When fiction meets reality, the result is ‘Narcos.’ It’s not merely a show; it’s a history lesson wrapped in suspense, action, and haunting truths about Pablo Escobar’s empire.
British Underbelly: Peaky Blinders
“Set in Birmingham in the aftermath of the first World War, Peaky Blinders follows Tommy Shelby, the leader of a dangerous street gang.”
Tommy Shelby has become almost as iconic as Walter White, and his journey through the grimy streets of post-war Birmingham offers a British flavor to the crime drama genre.
Crime in the Heartland: Fargo
“Based on the Academy Award-winning film, Fargo takes the core themes of the movie and uses them to tell its own original stories.”
Each season of ‘Fargo’ unravels a new tale steeped in crime and irony. The anthology format keeps things engaging season after season, proving crime has no geographical limitations.
Back to Albuquerque: Better Call Saul
“Better Call Saul is the obvious choice for Breaking Bad fans not yet ready to let go of that show’s world.”
Helmed by the same creative minds behind ‘Breaking Bad,’ this spinoff adds more layers to the Albuquerque criminal landscape. Bob Odenkirk’s Jimmy McGill evolves into the sleazy lawyer we all love to hate, Saul Goodman.
Mafia Chronicles: The Sopranos
“The Sopranos follows mob boss Tony Soprano as he tries to manage his home life with his criminal endeavors.”
Often hailed as one of the greatest TV series ever, ‘The Sopranos‘ offers a rich, psychological deep dive into the life of a mob boss torn between family and “family.”
Urban Decay: The Wire
“Set in Baltimore, The Wire is almost the main character of the show as it bears witness to the police, the drug lords, and those caught in between.”
A tapestry of intricate narratives and social commentary, ‘The Wire’ is perhaps the most critical crime drama ever made, featuring a realistic portrayal of societal dysfunction.
The realm of crime dramas extends far beyond Albuquerque and the blue meth. Each show on this list brings a unique twist to the genre, making them perfect for those yearning for another binge-worthy adventure.
Your Next Binge Awaits
While these shows might not fully replace Breaking Bad, they come with their own set of thrills and characters that could very well become your next obsession. Whether it’s the moral dilemma faced by Nancy Botwin in Weeds or the risky escapades of Michael Scofield in Prison Break, there’s enough variety to keep you glued to your screens, analyzing every scene, and falling in love with a new cast of characters. If you’re itching for narratives that explore the complicated, often dark facets of human behavior, these series are sure to deliver.
