Is Breaking Bad Really The Greatest Show Of All Time?

I’m going to get this out of my chest once and for all, Breaking Bad is one of my favorite shows of all time but calling it the GOAT would be an overstatement.

Does that make you mad at me? Do you feel like hitting me? Did that boil your blood?

Okay, I’ll be completely honest. When I started watching Breaking Bad, it was right after House MD *inserts a cheeky sarcastic comment*, I felt captivated by the show. It had everything from nerve-wracking plot lines to foolproof characters.

This dark Vince Gilligan’s brainchild revolves around a mild-mannered teacher turned meth kingpin. The show had its jaw-dropping moments like Walt transitioning to Heisenberg, the quiet death of Mike Ehrmantraut, Gus’ death, and much more. From Jesse throwing away his money – like literally – to Mr. White deciding to take his revenge or the show’s theme song which marks his imminent return to New Mexico. The show had the viewer get goosebumps with terrifying storylines to follow.

Breaking Bad only went off the air seven years ago, but the show has been helmed as the greatest show in television history. Over its run, it managed to sweep 110 Emmys. The show’s true potential became apparent in Season 1: Episode 6 “Crazy Handful of Nothin’” when Walt had a dramatic transformation. Tell me one person who forgot Heisenberg delivering his most iconic one-liner ‘Say my Name’ and winning every viewer’s heart by his badass attitude.

Lastly, the episode ‘Ozymandias’ had everything building up for five seasons. The episode was a masterclass of acting on all sides. Bryan Cranston’s performance from a desperate bartering for Hank’s life, to his tactful clearing of Skyler’s involvement in the meth business and his genuinely evil revelation to Jesse that he allowed Jane to die, was nothing short of a career turning point for Bryan Cranston.

But before giving the ball to Mr. White, we should all consider other factors:

Breaking Bad may be a great show, but is it the greatest one out there? Even as one of its biggest fans, I won’t agree. Shows like The Wire, The Sopranos, True Detective, or Prison Break have also had the same impact. They also have a cult following, They remain underrated and nobody bats an eye over them. Why? Maybe because they lack hype, no one has heard about them, or for any other reason. True telephiles know the worth of these shows and how they brought movie enthusiasts toward TV screens, The Sopranos or The Wire even might’ve inspired some plot lines in Breaking Bad, who knows!

Another cult classic, Game of Thrones, which is considered the best fiction show of all time (arguably) had its run around the same time as Breaking Bad. If we consider the popularity of both, then Game of Thrones may come out on top. Although if the fight’s between the final episodes of each show, we all know who wins (Breaking Bad 1 – Game of Thrones -1).

Then there’s the BB sequel. Last year, Vince Gilligan took everyone out for one last ride with ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’. Fans like me were thrilled when they got to hear this news. Breaking Bad was always about consequences so likewise in this movie, we see Gilligan capturing the push-and-pull of trauma and need within Jesse. There’s something fascinating to me about how Walter had no one with him towards the end of the show and died alone while Jesse had a network of friends like Skinny Pete, Badger, and even Old Joe. Just as BB, we can see El Camino being about well-structured plans as well. Whether it be Jesse’s escape or flashbacks, they are the thematic success of “El Camino”. All in all, it was a tough memorable last ride (pun intended) with one action leading towards another.

We have to accept the fact that even years after its final episode, Breaking Bad is carrying the same popularity as its original run (which GOT can never claim). It changed the TV landscape and brought a revolution in terms of content.

To some, Breaking Bad may be the greatest show of all time and that’s understandable as the show’s consistency is commendable. New generations of viewers are discovering the show and learning about Mr. White’s irrepressible attitude. I hope they don’t start making meth (but can they achieve the purity rate of 99%? No) or go on a killing spree.