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Shows to Watch After 'Breaking Bad' From 'Better Call Saul' to 'Peaky Blinders'
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Vote up shows perfect for fans of ‘Breaking Bad’.
This handpicked list of TV shows offers the perfect recommendations for fans of Breaking Bad. Carefully curated by fans who appreciate intense storytelling, morally complex characters, and memorable plot twists, these shows promise to fill the void left by Walter White's captivating story.
Among these standout series is Better Call Saul, a prequel that explores the intricate backstory of Jimmy McGill's transformation into the infamous lawyer, Saul Goodman. Fans of gritty crime dramas will also appreciate The Wire, with its detailed examination of systemic corruption and multi-dimensional characters navigating the interplay between law enforcement and criminal enterprises.
To make your viewing experience seamless, each show on this list includes convenient "Where to Watch" buttons. These buttons provide direct access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and more, ensuring you can dive right into your next gripping narrative without any hassle.
Why you'll like this show:
As a prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul delves into the backstory of iconic characters, providing deeper insight into the world created by Walter White. The series explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman and the personal and moral compromises that lead to the criminal underworld, offering rich character development and a seamless continuation for those invested in the story.
Premise:
Six years before Saul Goodman meets Walter White, he is known as small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill.- Actors: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael Mando, Patrick Fabian, Rhea Seehorn
- Premiered: February 8, 2015
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
As one of the cornerstones of prestige TV, The Sopranos masterfully blends psychological complexity and moral ambiguity, much like Breaking Bad. Both series dive deep into the lives of their antiheroes, showcasing their transformations into ruthless leaders of their respective criminal empires while struggling to balance illegal activities with their personal lives.
Premise:
- Actors: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic Chianese
- Premiered: January 10, 1999
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Peaky Blinders captures the essence of a power-driven narrative set within a criminal enterprise, much like Breaking Bad. The focus on the rise of the Peaky Blinders gang and the morally ambiguous actions of its leader, Tommy Shelby, resonates with Walter White’s transformation and strategic maneuvering in the meth business, providing an immersive and thrilling experience with intense character development.
Premise:
A gangster drama located in the streets of post-war Birmingham on the verge of the 1920s.- Actors: Cillian Murphy, Natasha O'Keeffe, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole
- Premiered: September 12, 2013
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 1The Godfather38 Votes
- 2The Last Kingdom47 Votes
- 3Taboo97 Votes
Why you'll like this show:
Animal Kingdom explores the dynamics of a family entrenched in crime, paralleling the impact of Walter White’s illegal activities on his family. The series delves into the personal and ethical conflicts faced by its characters, resonating with the high-stakes moral dilemmas seen in Breaking Bad, making it a compelling follow-up for those who appreciated the blend of crime and familial tension.
Premise:
After his mother's death, Joshua "J" Cody moves in with his freewheeling relatives.- Actors: Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Finn Cole, Sohvi Rodriguez
- Premiered: April 4, 2016
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
The Wire’s in-depth exploration of systemic issues and the interplay between law enforcement and criminal enterprises make it a thematic match for Breaking Bad. The series’ multi-dimensional characters and nuanced portrayal of societal corruption echo the complexity and moral ambiguity found in Walter White’s journey, providing a similarly immersive and thought-provoking experience.
Premise:
A homicide officer and narcotics detective target drug traffickers.- Actors: Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison, Wood Harris, Domenick Lombardozzi
- Premiered: June 2, 2002
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
The Shield offers a gritty, intense look at the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality, echoing Breaking Bad's exploration of morality through Walter White's descent into the drug trade. With Vic Mackey's morally ambiguous decisions and coercive tactics, the series captures the ethical dilemmas and escalating danger that defined Walter White’s journey.
Premise:
- Actors: Michael Chiklis, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder, Jay Karnes, Glenn Close
- Premiered: March 12, 2002
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 1Sons of Anarchy173 Votes
- 2The Wire152 Votes
- 3Breaking Bad142 Votes
Why you'll like this show:
In The Rookie, John Nolan’s experiences as a middle-aged rookie cop bring forth ethical dilemmas and opportunities for personal growth, mirroring the transformative journey of Walter White. The show’s focus on the moral complexities within a law enforcement setting and the challenges of starting anew resonates with themes of transformation central to Breaking Bad.
Premise:
- Actors: Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin
- Premiered: October 16, 2018
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
In Sneaky Pete, the protagonist’s use of deception and immersion into a criminal world evoke the double life and strategic maneuvering seen in Breaking Bad. The focus on con artistry and survival within the underbelly of society resonates with Walter White’s clandestine operations and ethical compromises, providing an engaging and suspenseful narrative.
Premise:
A 30-something con man takes the identity of his past cell mate upon leaving jail.- Actors: Giovanni Ribisi, Margo Martindale, Marin Ireland, Peter Gerety, Libe Barer
- Premiered: August 7, 2015
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Ozark offers a dark, intense narrative centered on the expansion of a criminal empire, echoing the world of Breaking Bad. The series follows a financial adviser forced to navigate the dangerous waters of a drug cartel, paralleling Walter White’s own foray into the meth business, and the high stakes, ethical complexities, and deep character development make it ideal for those captivated by Breaking Bad.
Premise:
A financial adviser and his family are forced to relocate after dealings with a drug cartel go awry.- Actors: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Julia Garner
- Premiered: July 21, 2017
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 1Breaking Bad225 Votes
- 2Better Call Saul118 Votes
- 3Mindhunter103 Votes
- 10
Why you'll like this show:
Banshee delivers a thrilling narrative with an ex-con assuming a new identity and engaging in criminal activities, parallel to Walter White’s transformation in Breaking Bad. The protagonist’s strategic actions and moral conflicts within a small-town setting capture the intense, high-stakes drama that characterized Walter’s double life, blending action, suspense, and deep character development.
Premise:
An ex-con and master thief assumes the identity of a sheriff living in Banshee, Pa.- Actors: Ivana Milicevic, Antony Starr, Ulrich Thomsen, Frankie R. Faison, Ryann Shane
- Premiered: January 11, 2013
Watch after Breaking Bad? Why you'll like this show:
House of Cards portrays ruthless ambition and moral corruption, paralleling the themes explored in Walter White’s story in Breaking Bad. The depiction of Frank Underwood’s strategic manipulations and ethical compromises in his quest for power mirrors Walter’s journey and the lengths he will go to achieve his goals, offering intense psychological drama and complex character arcs that make it a fitting choice for those captivated by the power dynamics and moral complexity in Breaking Bad.
Premise:
Politicians plot revenge on those who have thwarted and betrayed them.- Actors: Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Jayne Atkinson, Patricia Clarkson, Constance Zimmer
- Premiered: February 1, 2013
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Venturing into the world of technology and corporate ambition, Halt & Catch Fire resonates with Breaking Bad through its focus on driven characters and transformative journeys. Joe MacMillan's relentless pursuit of success in the tech industry showcases the high personal costs of ambition, paralleling the psychological tension and dramatic evolution experienced by Walter.
Premise:
- Actors: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé, Toby Huss
- Premiered: June 1, 2014
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
The global scope and intricate logistics of the cocaine trade in ZeroZeroZero mirror the detailed and meticulous storytelling of Breaking Bad, showcasing the drug supply chain and the personal and professional risks involved. The intense drama and multifaceted characters offer a similar level of depth and engagement, making it a compelling follow-up for those drawn to complex narratives and moral ambiguity.
Premise:
A cocaine shipment makes its way to Europe, starting from the moment a powerful cartel of Italian criminals decides to buy it, to its journeys through Mexico, to its shipment across the Atlantic Ocean.- Actors: Andrea Riseborough, Dane DeHaan, Giuseppe De Domenico, Adriano Chiaramida, Harold Torres
- Premiered: March 6, 2020
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
On Becoming a God in Central Florida captures the spirit of ambition and moral compromise that resonates with Breaking Bad. The narrative of a character ascending within a pyramid scheme mirrors Walter White’s rise in the drug trade, focusing on the pursuit of success at great personal costs and ethical dilemmas encountered along the way.
Premise:
A minimum-wage water park employee cons her way up the ranks of a pyramid scheme.- Actors: Kirsten Dunst, Théodore Pellerin, Mel Rodriguez, Beth Ditto, Ted Levine
- Premiered: August 25, 2019
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Too Old to Die Young delves into the gritty and morally complex world of law enforcement, much like Breaking Bad’s exploration of moral ambiguity and corruption. The show follows a sheriff's deputy whose life is upended dramatically, reflecting the drastic transformation experienced by Walter White and providing similarly intense character study and ethical dilemmas.
Premise:
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy Martin Jones' life is blown apart in one tragic night.- Actors: Miles Teller, John Hawkes, Augusto Aguilera, Jena Malone, Cristina Rodlo
- Premiered: June 14, 2019
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Exploring family dynamics and the moral corruption beneath a virtuous facade, The Righteous Gemstones shares thematic elements with Breaking Bad. The televangelist family’s internal conflicts and secret dealings reflect the dual lives led by Walter White, blending dark comedy and drama with a focus on power and corruption within a familial setting.
Premise:
Three generations of a famous televangelist family engage in charitable work, bickering and greed.- Actors: Danny McBride, John Goodman, Adam DeVine, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman
- Premiered: August 18, 2019
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Narcos: Mexico delves into the heart of the drug trade, much like Breaking Bad, with a focus on the rise of an illicit empire and the cat-and-mouse game between traffickers and law enforcement. The intricate portrayal of the Mexican drug trade and its morally complex characters resonate with the high-stakes drama and ethical ambiguity seen in Walter White's world.
Premise:
- Actors: Scoot McNairy, Diego Luna, José María Yazpik, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Alberto Guerra
- Premiered: November 16, 2018
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 18
Why you'll like this show:
Barry uniquely blends comedy and drama, with a protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and attempts to escape a violent past draw clear parallels to Walter White’s story. Barry’s struggle to leave behind his life as a hitman and pursue his passion for acting is fraught with moral conflict and escalating danger, mirroring Walter’s attempts to balance his criminal and personal lives.
Premise:
- Actors: Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan
- Premiered: March 25, 2018
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 1Curb Your Enthusiasm11 Votes
- 2Documentary Now!6 Votes
- 3The Skeleton Twins5 Votes
Why you'll like this show:
Succession brings a different flavor with its blend of dark comedy and high-stakes family drama but captures the essence of power struggles and moral complexity found in Breaking Bad. The show’s depiction of a media mogul's search for an heir and the ensuing familial conflict highlight themes of ambition, betrayal, and the corrosive nature of power.
Premise:
- Actors: Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Dagmara Domińczyk
- Premiered: June 3, 2018
Watch after Breaking Bad?Why you'll like this show:
Created by David Simon, The Deuce offers a gritty and complex narrative that echoes the intensity of Breaking Bad. The show delves into the rise of the pornography industry, exposing the darker sides of ambition and vice, mirroring Walter White’s journey into the drug world through morally ambiguous characters and detailed exploration of an illicit trade.
Premise:
- Actors: James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Margarita Levieva, Lawrence Gilliard, Dominique Fishback
- Premiered: September 10, 2017
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 21
Why you'll like this show:
In Goliath, the character of Billy McBride mirrors the transformation seen in Breaking Bad’s Walter White but in the legal world. Billy begins as a fallen, morally grey figure who must confront the darker elements of society, making his journey to redemption intense and thematically rich.
Premise:
- Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Nina Arianda, Tania Raymonde, Diana Hopper, Julie Brister
- Premiered: October 14, 2016
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 1Mindhunter19 Votes
- 2Yellowstone24 Votes
- 3Bosch44 Votes
- 22
Why you'll like this show:
Patriot explores the high-stakes world of intelligence and the personal toll of undercover operations, mirroring the secretive and dangerous life led by Walter White in Breaking Bad. The protagonist inner conflicts and dark humor reflect the psychological depth and complexity that defined Walter’s journey, offering intense character study and exploration of ethical dilemmas.
Premise:
An intelligence officer assumes a perilous undercover job to prevent Iran from going nuclear.- Actors: Michael Dorman, Terry O'Quinn, Michael Chernus, Kathleen Munroe, Aliette Opheim
- Premiered: November 6, 2015
Watch after Breaking Bad? - 23
Why you'll like this show:
Billions encapsulates the cut-throat world of finance and power, with characters as morally ambiguous and strategic as Walter White. The show’s depiction of ruthless billionaires and their relentless pursuits mirrors Walter’s own ambition and the lengths he will go to achieve his goals, offering a similar adrenaline rush and intellectual engagement.
Premise:
- Actors: Paul Giamatti, Maggie Siff, Corey Stoll, David Costabile, Dola Rashad
- Premiered: January 17, 2016
Watch after Breaking Bad?- 1City on a Hill8 Votes
- 2Barry8 Votes
- 3Succession53 Votes
- 24
Why you'll like this show:
Crashing may appear to be a comedic departure from the heavy drama of Breaking Bad, but it shares a thematic connection through its exploration of a midlife crisis and personal reinvention. Pete Holmes's character reevaluates his life and career after a major personal upheaval, much like Walter White’s drastic transformation following his cancer diagnosis.
Premise:
- Actors: Pete Holmes, Lauren Lapkus, George Basil, Jamie Lee, Zach Cherry
- Premiered: February 19, 2017
Watch after Breaking Bad? Why you'll like this show:
NCIS: Los Angeles, while a procedural format, features the high-tension, undercover operations that resonate with Breaking Bad's exploration of double lives and clandestine activities. The focus on undercover missions and the ethical complexities faced by its characters echoes the secretive and morally fraught world inhabited by Walter White.
Premise:
- Actors: Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt, Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen
- Premiered: September 22, 2009
Watch after Breaking Bad?
