10 Shows Like Breaking Bad (2008)

Description: The Sopranos, like Breaking Bad, is a character-driven drama that explores the duality of its protagonist, Tony Soprano, balancing family life with criminal activities. Both shows delve into themes of morality, power, and identity, with complex narratives and deeply flawed characters. The Sopranos' influence on Breaking Bad is evident in its blend of crime drama with psychological depth.

Fact: James Gandolfini based Tony Soprano's voice on his real-life father. The show was initially pitched as 'a mobster in therapy.' The final episode's controversial cut-to-black ending sparked widespread debate.

Description: The Shield, like Breaking Bad, features a morally compromised protagonist (Vic Mackey) whose actions have far-reaching consequences. Both shows are known for their intense, unpredictable storytelling and exploration of corruption. The Shield's raw, gritty style and complex characters make it a precursor to Breaking Bad's brand of antihero drama.

Fact: Michael Chiklis was the first choice for Vic Mackey but had to audition multiple times. The show was one of FX's first original series, helping establish the network. The series finale was filmed in real-time to heighten tension.

Description: The Wire and Breaking Bad both offer gritty, realistic portrayals of crime and its impact on society. While The Wire takes a broader institutional perspective, both shows feature intricate plotting, morally ambiguous characters, and a focus on the consequences of actions. The Wire's detailed world-building and social commentary resonate with Breaking Bad's meticulous storytelling.

Fact: Creator David Simon was a former police reporter. Many actors were non-professionals from Baltimore. The show was initially marketed as a police drama but is now considered a novelistic portrayal of urban life.

Description: Boardwalk Empire, like Breaking Bad, explores the rise of a criminal empire, with Nucky Thompson's political and illegal dealings paralleling Walter White's transformation. Both shows feature meticulous period detail (Prohibition era for Boardwalk, early 2000s for Breaking Bad) and complex character arcs. The themes of power, corruption, and ambition are central to both.

Fact: Steve Buscemi was not the first choice for Nucky Thompson. The show's pilot was directed by Martin Scorsese. Many characters are based on real historical figures.

Description: Sons of Anarchy shares Breaking Bad's focus on a protagonist torn between family and crime. Jax Teller's moral struggles and the show's exploration of the consequences of violence echo Walter White's journey. Both series blend intense drama with action, and their protagonists' arcs are central to the narrative.

Fact: Creator Kurt Sutter originally envisioned the show as 'Hamlet on motorcycles.' Charlie Hunnam (Jax) is British but mastered an American accent for the role. The show's biker culture was heavily researched, with real bikers consulted.

Description: Justified shares Breaking Bad's blend of crime drama and character study, with Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens' moral code and quick draw contrasting with Walter White's descent. Both shows feature sharp dialogue, a strong sense of place (Kentucky for Justified, New Mexico for Breaking Bad), and a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling.

Fact: Based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole.' Timothy Olyphant initially turned down the role of Raylan. The show's writers room included crime novelist Benjamin Black (John Banville).

Description: True Detective shares Breaking Bad's emphasis on character development and psychological depth, particularly in its first season. Both shows feature antiheroes grappling with their own demons and moral compromises. The atmospheric storytelling, philosophical undertones, and cinematic quality make True Detective a compelling companion to Breaking Bad.

Fact: The first season was shot entirely on film, rare for television. Matthew McConaughey's Rust Cohle was originally written as older and more conventional. The show's title sequence was created by a graphic designer who won a contest.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares Breaking Bad's focus on a protagonist's rise in the criminal underworld, with Tommy Shelby's ambition mirroring Walter White's. Both shows feature intense character studies, moral complexity, and stylish cinematography. The period setting of Peaky Blinders adds a unique layer, but the themes of power, family, and consequence are strikingly similar.

Fact: The real Peaky Blinders gang existed in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cillian Murphy initially turned down the role of Tommy Shelby. The show's soundtrack features modern artists like Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys, despite its historical setting.

Description: Fargo, like Breaking Bad, blends crime drama with dark comedy and features ordinary people drawn into criminal worlds. Both shows employ a distinctive visual style and explore themes of morality, chance, and the unpredictability of life. Fargo's anthology format allows for fresh stories while maintaining the tone and quality that fans of Breaking Bad would appreciate.

Fact: Each season is inspired by the 1996 Coen Brothers film but tells a new story. The show claims to be based on true events, though this is fictional. Billy Bob Thornton's character Lorne Malvo was originally written as a woman.

Description: Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, sharing the same creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman, mirroring Walter White's descent into criminality. The show maintains the same meticulous storytelling, dark humor, and moral ambiguity that defined Breaking Bad. Visually, it continues the use of stark cinematography and symbolic imagery.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk initially auditioned for the role of Michael Scott in The Office before landing Saul Goodman. The show was originally conceived as a half-hour comedy. Many Breaking Bad characters reappear, including Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring.