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If one were to start having a conversation about the impact that Breaking Bad has had on television as a whole, it would last a very long time. The series has inspired many and created a new respect for shows in Hollywood, representing just how good and interesting they can be if given the right push. Despite a decade having passed since its ending, it has stayed just as relevant and managed to stand tall as the most critically acclaimed shows of all time.
A still from Breaking Bad | Credit: AMCWith this, it is difficult to imagine a time when the series wasn’t in every household. However, before the Vince Gilligan series hit its prime, it wasn’t doing very well with the critics. It would seem that Netflix is the thank for the show’s most impressive record.
Breaking Bad—A struggling series?
When one thinks of Breaking Bad, ‘struggling’ is the last adjective that comes to mind. The series has always seemingly been doing well for itself, captivating viewers and impressing critics since its very first season. However, it would seem that this wasn’t actually the case.
A still from Breaking Bad | Credit: AMCDuring an interview with Esquire, the cast and crew of the series talked about several aspects of its making. In this, Vince Gilligan, who is the creator of the show, talked about one very interesting part of its history. It would seem that it took Breaking Bad two seasons before it could start making a name for itself.
The creator revealed that its long-term vision made its early seasons have a tough time with the critics. Even though it is a masterpiece that embodies the essence of respecting its viewer’s attention to detail, it could not translate that well to the critics in the first few seasons.
The show had a “little engine that could” quality for the first two or three seasons, because it really struggled in the ratings. Still to this day, it amazes me that it suddenly caught fire in the way that it did, because it could so easily not have lasted.
However, there was a sudden shift around the third and fourth seasons. Gilligan still cannot seem to believe how the series managed to skyrocket the way that it did, as it apparently could have easily been canceled in its early seasons.
A still from Breaking Bad | Credit: AMCThe advent of streaming video, typified by Netflix, really saved our bacon.
One might wonder why the show ended up getting this sudden success. It would seem that Netflix is the one to thank.
Netflix’s purchase saved Breaking Bad’s future
Further in the interview, Jesse Pinkman actor, Aaron Paul also spoke on the same, revealing that Breaking Bad was saved because of Netflix. Although the network and distributor of the show is AMC, it found its popularity on the streaming giant.
A still from Breaking Bad | Credit: AMCPaul revealed that a deal was cracked with Netflix during the filming of the fourth season for all three seasons to be put on the service at once. While several other shows have taken such an approach, this decision ended up breaking a very big record.
Breaking Bad was one of the first series people binge-watched, because the first three seasons all plopped onto Netflix at once. AMC made their deal with Netflix when we were still shooting Season Four, I believe, and that’s really when the wave started.
Gilligan’s show ended up becoming the first show that was ever binge-watched by viewers, with its hooking premise and the fact that its three seasons were suddenly easily available. Riding on this wave to the very end, the series became what it is today.
Breaking Bad is available for streaming on Netflix.
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