# Breaking Bad (2008–2013) — Celluloid TV fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/shows/breaking-bad/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-26

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 93% |
| Celluloid Editorial Rating | 96/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 98% |
| Metascore | 87/100 |
| IMDb | 9.5/10 |
| Fan Score | 95% |
| Creator | Vince Gilligan |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Seasons | 5 (62 episodes) |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |

## Quick answer

Breaking Bad (2008–2013) is a Crime, Drama, Thriller series created by Vince Gilligan, streaming on Netflix. It holds a 93% Celluloid Score — Celluloid Pick — from Celluloid editorial (96%), Metascore (87/100), IMDb (9.5/10), TMDB fan (95%) across 5 seasons. Audience snapshot (not in the composite): 98%.

## Celluloid verdict

Widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas ever made — a flawlessly escalating tragedy anchored by Bryan Cranston's monumental performance.

## Synopsis

A mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer turns to manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family's future. His transformation from desperate everyman into ruthless drug kingpin becomes one of television's most complete and devastating character studies.

## Cast

Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Most searched questions

**Is Breaking Bad worth watching?**
Yes — Breaking Bad earns a 93% Celluloid Score (Celluloid Pick), from editorial 96%, Metascore 87/100, IMDb 9.5/10, TMDB fan 95%. Audience snapshot is separate (98%). Widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas ever made — a flawlessly escalating tragedy anchored by Bryan Cranston's monumental performance.

**Why is Breaking Bad so highly rated?**
Breaking Bad scores 93% from four inputs: Celluloid editorial 96/100, Metacritic 87/100, IMDb 9.5/10 and TMDB fan rating 95%. The separate audience snapshot is 98%. Widely regarded as one of the greatest television dramas ever made — a flawlessly escalating tragedy anchored by Bryan Cranston's monumental performance. See the full breakdown on the Breaking Bad series page.

**Do I need to watch Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad?**
No. Watch Breaking Bad first in release order, then Better Call Saul (and the epilogue film *El Camino* if you want Jesse’s coda). Saul is a prequel/spin-off that lands harder after Walter White’s story.

**Is Breaking Bad on Netflix?**
Yes — Breaking Bad is available on Netflix in many regions (catalogued under Netflix on Celluloid). Rights differ by country; confirm in the Netflix app or the where-to-watch notes.

**Is Breaking Bad on Prime Video?**
No — Breaking Bad is not on Prime Video. It streams on Netflix, and on Celluloid it is catalogued under Netflix. Streaming rights rotate by country, so confirm in your region before subscribing.

**What year did Breaking Bad come out?**
Breaking Bad first aired in 2008 and ran through 2013 (2008–2013). Created by Vince Gilligan; it streams on Netflix today.

**How many seasons of Breaking Bad are there?**
Breaking Bad has 5 seasons across 62 episodes (2008–2013). Status: ended / complete.

**How long does it take to watch Breaking Bad?**
At roughly 40–50 minutes per episode, Breaking Bad’s 62 episodes take roughly 47 hours of runtime (plus credits). Binge pace depends on season breaks.

**Where can I watch Breaking Bad?**
Breaking Bad streams on Netflix in supported regions. On Celluloid it is catalogued under Netflix. Rights rotate — confirm in your country on the platform app.

**Who is in the cast of Breaking Bad?**
Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk, and others. Created by Vince Gilligan.

**How many episodes are in Breaking Bad?**
Breaking Bad has 62 episodes across 5 seasons (2008–2013).

**What is Breaking Bad about?**
A mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer turns to manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family's future. His transformation from desperate everyman into ruthless drug kingpin becomes one of television's most complete and devastating character studies.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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