The essential episodes of Breaking Bad
Watch these 25 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
Trying to dissociate themselves from the volatile Tuco takes a bad turn when Walt and Jesse get trapped with the dealer, and Skyler, worried about her missing husband, receives comfort from her sister and brother-in-law. Hank, meanwhile, pays a business call on Jesse's mother.
- 04
Walt returns to teaching at the high school; when Skinny Pete gets taken advantage of and ripped off, Jesse steps in, but bites off more than he can chew; Skyler takes the opportunity to show her appreciation for Gretchen's kindness in picking up the tab for Walt's treatments.
- 05
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.
- 06
After undergoing a PET-CAT scan and fearing the worst, Walt takes lawyer Saul's advice and hunkers down for a marathon session of cooking product; Jesse's romance with his landlady is heating up, but must cool off quickly when he and Walt head for the desert to take care of business.
- 07
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.
- 08
In the Season 2 finale, Skyler's frustration with Walt's secrecy boils over; Jesse is dealt a devastating blow that leads him down a path of self-destruction, and only Walt is willing to help him; and a grief-stricken Donald experiences more tragedy.
- 09
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.
- 10
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.
- 11
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.
- 12
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.
- 13
In the Season 4 opener, Walt and Jesse are confronted by the life-threatening consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, Skyler contends with a puzzling disappearance, and Marie finds it difficult to help a recovering Hank.
- 14
Skyler devises a plan to cure her money woes; Hank recruits Walt to help him work out a theory, while Walt grows impatient with Jesse.
- 15
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.
- 16
Walt moves to protect his secret and Gus; Skyler is stymied in her attempt to help Ted with his financial problem.
- 17
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.
- 18
The fourth season ends with Walt and Jesse squaring off against Gus. Elsewhere, Walt acquires a surprise confederate with help from Saul.
- 19
Walt's team must get creative to obtain the materials they need to continue their operation.
- 20
Walt takes control of business matters as Mike grapples with the consequences of his actions.
- 21
Walt ties up loose ends. Seeing the evidence of his success, he makes a startling and dangerous decision.
- 22
As Walt and Jesse adjust to life out of the business, Hank grapples with a troubling lead.
- 23
Things heat up for Walt in unexpected ways.
- 24
Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.
- 25
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.
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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+
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- 05Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Killing2011–2014Same network — AMC·
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