The essential episodes of Breaking Bad
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Breaking Bad — each pick states its reason.
- 01
A high-school chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with a deadly cancer, so he puts his expertise to use and teams with an ex-student (Aaron Paul) to manufacture top-grade crystal meth in hopes of providing for his family after he's gone.
- 02
Walter, in the throes of his chemotherapy treatment and needing money more than ever, agrees to cook more crystal meth with Jesse; Skinny Pete hooks Jesse up with an important new contact, while the DEA intensifies its investigation of Albuquerque's new drug kingpin.
- 03
Badger's brush with the law leads Walt and Jesse to call in a shady lawyer; the DEA believes it has a line on the mysterious and elusive "Heisenberg"; Hank's stint in El Paso is up and he returns to Albuquerque, but his mental makeup causes concern for Marie.
- 04
A new addition joins the White family as Walter Jr. attempts to help out his struggling family by launching a new Web site. Elsewhere, Jesse's addiction worsens and his relationship with Jane begins to negatively impact Walt and her father.
- 05
Walt moves into new digs and a distraught Walter Jr. demands to know just where his parents' relationship stands. Meanwhile, Hank's investigation is beginning to hit too close to home for Walt, causing serious concerns for him and Jesse.
- 06
Hank's behavior becomes increasingly more unpredictable and volatile, which leads to a confrontation with Jesse and problems at the DEA; Skyler wants Walt to make a deal; and Gus' decisions result in some serious consequences.
- 07
Jesse ignores Walt's advice and finds himself in a dangerous situation. Fearing for Jesse's safety, Walt takes drastic measures to try to put things right. And tragedy strikes following an unexpected confrontation.
- 08
Jesse goes on the lam in the third-season finale. But Mike is right on his heels, so Walt works a deal with Gus and comes up with an unsettling plan that might help guarantee both his and Jesse's safety.
- 09
The family becomes gravely concerned when Walt doesn't show up for his son's 16th birthday celebration. And Jesse's lab skills are tested in Walt's absence.
- 10
Walt moves to protect his secret and Gus; Skyler is stymied in her attempt to help Ted with his financial problem.
- 11
Hank leans on Gomez to explore one final lead, as Walt scrambles to protect his family. Meanwhile, Jesse learns some unsettling news and races to share it with Walt.
- 12
The fourth season ends with Walt and Jesse squaring off against Gus. Elsewhere, Walt acquires a surprise confederate with help from Saul.
- 13
Walt ties up loose ends. Seeing the evidence of his success, he makes a startling and dangerous decision.
- 14
Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.
- 15
The acclaimed crime drama comes to a close in the series finale.
Shows like Breaking Bad
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of True Detective2014–present
Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. - 02Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Blacklist2013–2023·NBC
The Blacklist is a crime drama involving a former government agent who turned into a high-profile criminal turning himself in to the FBI offering to help catch criminals. - 03Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of Criminal Minds2005–present·Paramount+
Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. - 04Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of Euphoria2019–2026Euphoria follows a group of high school students as they navigate love and friendships in a world of drugs, sex, trauma, and social media.
- 05Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Killing2011–2014Same network — AMC·
- 06Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Following2013–2015·FOXThe FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States.
