Breaking Bad

Definition

Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed television series that aired from 2008 to 2013, created by Vince Gilligan. The show follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, showcasing themes of morality, crime, and the consequences of choices. It exemplifies the rise of quality cable programming, marked by complex characters and intricate storytelling that have influenced many other series on cable networks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Breaking Bad won numerous awards, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, showcasing its critical acclaim and popularity among audiences.
2. The series is known for its meticulous attention to detail in chemistry and drug manufacturing, contributing to its authenticity and depth.
3. Breaking Bad's success helped solidify AMC as a major player in the cable network landscape, paving the way for other successful dramas.
4. The character development of Walter White is a focal point of the series, illustrating his descent into moral ambiguity and criminality.
5. The show has spawned a successful spin-off, Better Call Saul, which further explores the universe created by Breaking Bad.

Review Questions

• How does Breaking Bad challenge traditional notions of heroism through its main character, Walter White?
  • Breaking Bad presents Walter White as an anti-hero who begins as a sympathetic figure but gradually becomes morally compromised. This transformation challenges viewers' perceptions of heroism by blurring the lines between right and wrong. Through Walter's choices, the show explores complex themes of morality and consequences, making audiences question their own values and sympathies towards him.
• Discuss the role of Vince Gilligan as a showrunner in shaping the narrative and tone of Breaking Bad.
  • Vince Gilligan's role as showrunner was pivotal in establishing the unique narrative and tone of Breaking Bad. He crafted a storyline that effectively balances drama, tension, and dark humor, making it resonate deeply with audiences. Gilligan's vision allowed for deep character exploration and complex plot development, helping to elevate the series into one of the most critically acclaimed shows in television history.
• Evaluate the impact of Breaking Bad on the concept of 'Peak TV' and its influence on future cable network programming.
  • Breaking Bad played a significant role in defining 'Peak TV' by demonstrating that cable networks could produce high-quality serialized dramas that rivaled traditional network offerings. Its intricate storytelling and character development set new standards for television writing and production. This influence can be seen in subsequent series that prioritize complex narratives and character arcs, establishing a trend that continues to shape cable programming today.

Related terms

Anti-hero: A central character who lacks conventional heroic attributes, often exhibiting morally ambiguous behavior, as seen in Walter White.

Showrunner: The person responsible for the creative direction and overall management of a television series, crucial in defining its tone and narrative structure.

Peak TV: A term referring to the golden age of television where the quantity and quality of serialized storytelling on cable networks reached unprecedented heights.