All Breaking Bad TV series Ranked

Breaking Bad cast and TV series

Before we reveal the best Breaking Bad seasons, let’s takt a booking at the Breaking Bad cast, their successes, and earnings, and more.

Table of Contents

Bryan Cranston (Walter White):

Played the iconic chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
Won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Earned $225,000 per episode by the final season, bringing his total earnings to roughly $3.6 million.
Continued success in films like “Trumbo” and “Argo,” and the voice of Gru in the Despicable Me franchise.

Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman):

Played Walter White’s former student and drug-dealing partner.
Won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Earned $150,000 per episode by the final season, for a total of around $2.4 million.
Starred in films like “Need for Speed” and “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie,” and voiced Todd Chavez in BoJack Horseman.

Anna Gunn (Skyler White):

Played Walter White’s wife, caught in the moral quagmire of his actions.
Received critical acclaim for her nuanced performance, despite facing harsh criticism from some viewers.
Earned $75,000 per episode, totaling around $4.57 million for the series.
Continued acting in television shows like “Better Call Saul” and “Deadwood.”

Dean Norris (Hank Schrader):

Played Walter White’s DEA agent brother-in-law, suspicious of his brother-in-law’s activities.
Earned $20,000 per episode in the early seasons, rising to $225,000 by the final season, for a total of about $2.7 million.
Appeared in shows like “Under the Dome” and “The Walking Dead.”

Other notable cast members and their earnings:

Giancarlo Esposito (Gus Fring): $60,000 per episode, totaling around $960,000. Continued success in “Better Call Saul” and “The Mandalorian.”
Jonathan Banks (Mike Ehrmantraut): $60,000 per episode, totaling around $960,000. Starred in “Better Call Saul” and voiced Saul Goodman in video games.
Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman): $50,000 per episode, totaling around $800,000. Became the lead of “Better Call Saul” and earned critical acclaim for his performance.

The show’s success:

Breaking Bad received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, directing, and cinematography.
Won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series four times.
Considered one of the greatest television shows of all time.

Financial impact on the cast:

Breaking Bad propelled the careers of many of its cast members to new heights, leading to more prominent roles and higher salaries in subsequent projects.
The show’s enduring popularity continues to generate royalties for the cast, further adding to their net worth.

Breaking Bad’s legacy:

The show’s impact extends beyond financial success, influencing popular culture and sparking countless discussions about morality, family, and the consequences of one’s choices.
Its complex characters, thrilling plot, and unflinching portrayal of the dark side of humanity continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The Breaking Bad Saga: A Deep Dive into Each Season’s Brilliance

Breaking Bad, a TV series that sparks intense debates over whether it’s the greatest ever or merely among the elites, undeniably left an indelible mark on television history. A rollercoaster journey spanning five near-perfect seasons, Breaking Bad evolved dynamically, with its main attraction being the moral unraveling of its central character, Walter White, portrayed brilliantly by Bryan Cranston.

Walter, initially a regretful high school chemistry teacher, transforms into a methamphetamine manufacturer due to a terminal cancer diagnosis. The series weaves a darkly funny, thrilling, and tragically effective narrative as pride and greed steer Walter towards moral decay, endangering himself and those around him. The show’s metamorphosis over time and its ability to consistently improve have made ranking its seasons an arduous task. Let’s embark on a journey to rank each season, from great to the greatest.

Introduction: Breaking Bad’s Unrivaled Legacy

Season 1: The Genesis (2008)

Breaking Ground in Seven Episodes

Breaking Bad’s inaugural season, though the “worst” by comparison, is a testament to the show’s potential. Hindered by the 2007–08 Writers’ Guild of America strike, the season consists of only seven episodes, impacting the storytelling. Despite this, the pilot episode grips audiences, introducing key characters and setting the breakneck pace that became the show’s trademark. The season navigates challenges, like concluding the Tuco storyline in early season 2, showcasing the show’s resilience even in its nascent stage.

Season 3: Building Tension (2010)

Conflict and Intensity Rise

Post-season 1, the show hits its stride, making ranking seasons a daunting task. Season 3 introduces the iconic villain Gus Fring, escalating the conflict with Walter. While it may not reach the heights of later seasons, it remains fantastic, challenging Walter physically, emotionally, and mentally. The season lays the groundwork for future intensities, setting the stage for the even more gripping season 4.

Season 2: Leaning Towards Tragedy (2009)

Near-Perfect Mastery Unveiled

Season 2 signifies Breaking Bad’s transition from greatness to near-perfection. With 13 episodes, it delves into darker territories, hinting at tragedy. Cold opens hinting at accidents, revealed devastatingly in the finale, exemplify the season’s meticulous plotting. It introduces pivotal characters like Saul Goodman, Gus Fring, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Jane Margolis, expanding the show’s narrative canvas.

Season 5A: Setting the Stage (2012)

Anticipation and Explosive Drama

Approaching the final season with trepidation due to its split into 5A and 5B, Breaking Bad delivers eight intense episodes. The post-Gus era sees Walter’s descent into villainy, presenting a tyrant rather than an underdog. Season 5A, while leaving viewers craving more, sets the stage for an explosive climax. Walter’s transformation intensifies, paving the way for the unparalleled suspense of the final episodes.

Season 4: Tension at Its Peak (2011)

The Walt-Gus Rivalry Reaches a Crescendo

Quoting Tuco Salamanca, season 4 is “TIGHT, TIGHT, TIGHT.” The Walt-Gus rivalry, brewing since season 3, explodes in 13 nerve-wracking episodes. The meticulously plotted season builds to the exceptional finale, “Face Off,” celebrated as one of Breaking Bad’s best episodes. Season 4 stands as a masterclass in storytelling, leaving just enough threads for the equally compelling aftermath in the final season.

Season 5B: The Grand Finale (2013)

A Climactic Symphony of Brilliance

Season 5B possesses a natural advantage as it leads to Breaking Bad’s grand climax. With seven episodes, the stakes soar, and suspense peaks. “Ozymandias” alone secures its status as an all-time great season. Walter White’s story concludes in a fiery, emotional spectacle. Few final batches of episodes in television history match the relentlessness and perfection of Breaking Bad’s conclusion.

Conclusion: Breaking Bad’s Enduring Impact

As we bid farewell to Breaking Bad’s unparalleled saga, its legacy endures. The series, characterized by Walter White’s morally riveting descent, achieved greatness across all seasons. Each season contributes to the show’s brilliance, creating an intricate narrative mosaic that has forever altered the TV landscape. Breaking Bad isn’t just a TV series; it’s a transformative experience, leaving an indomitable imprint on the hearts of viewers.