Should I Watch Breaking Bad Or Better Call Saul First: Complete Guide & Key Details
So, you've heard the buzz. Everyone's talking about these two amazing TV shows: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. You're probably wondering, "Which one should I dive into first?" It's a great question, and honestly, there's no single "wrong" answer. Both are fantastic in their own ways. Let's break it down to help you decide.
Think of Breaking Bad as the original powerhouse. It’s the show that launched a thousand memes and became a cultural phenomenon. It’s about a mild-mannered chemistry teacher, Walter White, who gets diagnosed with cancer. He decides to use his science smarts to cook up a super-pure crystal meth to secure his family's future. Talk about a drastic career change!
This show is a masterclass in character transformation. You see Walter go from a lovable loser to something... much darker. It's thrilling, intense, and often nail-biting. You’ll find yourself yelling at the screen, asking "What is he thinking?!" It's the kind of show that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Breaking Bad is known for its incredible writing and acting. The plot twists are legendary. You never quite know what's going to happen next, and that's part of the fun. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.
Now, let's talk about Better Call Saul. This is a prequel, meaning it tells a story that happens before the events of Breaking Bad. It focuses on the journey of Jimmy McGill, a down-on-his-luck lawyer. He’s trying to make a name for himself and escape the shadow of his more successful brother.
Jimmy McGill eventually becomes the unforgettable lawyer, Saul Goodman, the one you meet in Breaking Bad. So, this show shows us how he got there. It’s a slower burn than Breaking Bad, more focused on character development and the nuances of the legal world, albeit a very quirky one.
What makes Better Call Saul special is its heart. While Breaking Bad is all about escalation and darkness, Better Call Saul explores the choices that lead people down certain paths. It's incredibly funny at times, thanks to Jimmy's often questionable but always entertaining schemes.
You also get to see other familiar faces from Breaking Bad in Better Call Saul. Characters like Mike Ehrmantraut, the stoic ex-cop, and Gus Fring, the calm and calculating drug kingpin, are given much more backstory. It’s like getting an inside look at their lives before they met Walter White.
So, the big question: Breaking Bad first, or Better Call Saul first? Here’s the easiest way to think about it:
If you want to jump straight into the high-octane drama, the shocking turns, and the incredible rise and fall of a character, start with Breaking Bad. It's the original masterpiece, and it's an absolute blast. You'll get the full, unadulterated experience.
Think of it as the appetizer that's so good, it could be a meal. It sets the stage and introduces you to the universe. You'll meet characters who become integral to the larger story, even if they're not the main focus in Breaking Bad itself.
Starting with Breaking Bad means you’ll get the full impact of Saul Goodman's eventual appearance. When he pops up in Breaking Bad, it's a fantastic moment. You'll already know him as this quirky, morally flexible lawyer. His role in Breaking Bad is iconic.
On the other hand, if you prefer a show that takes its time, really digs deep into its characters, and offers a more nuanced look at moral ambiguity, you could start with Better Call Saul. It stands on its own as a brilliant show. You don't need to have seen Breaking Bad to enjoy it.
Starting with Better Call Saul means you'll see Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman unfold gradually. When you eventually watch Breaking Bad, you'll see Saul in a new light, knowing all the struggles and choices that made him who he is.
It’s like reading the prequel novel before the epic fantasy series. You get the rich backstory first, and then you go back to the main adventure with a deeper appreciation for the characters and their origins.
However, there's a slight spoiler alert, in a good way, if you watch Better Call Saul first. You already know that Jimmy McGill does become Saul Goodman. The suspense in Better Call Saul isn't "will he become Saul?" but "how does he become Saul?" and "can he escape it?".
In Breaking Bad, Saul's introduction is a delightful surprise. He's the guy who can fix things, the lawyer you call when you're in deep trouble. His presence is a welcome dose of dark humor and chaos.
Most fans, and honestly, the creators themselves, tend to recommend starting with Breaking Bad. It's the original story, and it really sets the foundation for everything that follows. Think of it as the main course that's so satisfying, it makes you curious about the appetizers.
When you watch Breaking Bad first, you'll experience the full shock and awe of its narrative. The character arcs are so powerful, and the stakes are incredibly high. It's a show that redefined what television could be.
Then, when you move on to Better Call Saul, it's like getting a bonus feature. You get to revisit characters you already know and love (or love to hate!) and see their past in incredible detail. It adds layers to your understanding of the Breaking Bad universe.
You’ll appreciate the callbacks and the deeper dives into the motivations of characters like Gus Fring and Mike Ehrmantraut even more. It’s a richer viewing experience overall.
Breaking Bad is a tightly plotted, action-packed journey. It's a story about consequences and the corruption of a good man. It's undeniably compelling and incredibly entertaining.
Better Call Saul is a character study. It's about the choices we make, the people we become, and the gray areas of morality. It’s also incredibly well-made, with fantastic acting and sharp writing.
If you’re someone who hates spoilers and loves experiencing a story in its intended chronological order of release, then Breaking Bad first is the way to go. It’s the natural progression of the storytelling.
Ultimately, both shows are masterpieces. You really can't go wrong with either. But for the most satisfying, complete experience, the general consensus is to start with the groundbreaking original.
So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be amazed. Whether you start with Walter White's descent or Jimmy McGill's climb, you're in for an unforgettable television adventure. You’ll thank us later!