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Season 1 – Breaking Bad

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Jan 2008

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White thinks his life can't get much worse. His salary barely makes ends meet, a situation not likely to improve once his pregnant wife gives birth, and their teenage son is battling cerebral palsy. But Walter is dumbstruck when he learns he has terminal cancer. Realizing that his illness probably will ruin his family financially, Walter makes a desperate bid to earn as much money as he can in the time he has left by turning an old RV into a meth lab on wheels.

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Critics Consensus

Though at times it feels forced and its imagery can be gruesome, Breaking Bad is darkly gripping and features a strong sympathetic lead in Bryan Cranston.

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Matt Zoller Seitz

New York Magazine/Vulture

10/18/2019

Every time a new episode ends, you're left with questions, but the most prominent one is "What will happen next?"

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Brian Tallerico

HollywoodChicago.com

10/17/2019

3.5/5

The lead performance by Emmy Award-winner Bryan Cranston is one of the most riveting I've seen in the last few years. He is pitch-perfect and everything that works about this unusual series comes from his great star turn.

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Jonathan Storm

Philadelphia Inquirer

10/17/2019

It's unpredictable and stimulating, like the drug that White manufactures, but it produces a much safer high.

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Cody Leach

Cody Leach (YouTube)

08/19/2022

4/5

There's some initial growing pains and an awkward ending due to a writer's strike but the beginning to this fantastic show is still top-notch television. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman's early adventures are darkly comedic gold.

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Boston Herald Staff

Boston Herald

10/18/2019

Creator and executive producer Vince Gilligan has crafted a show that veers into black comedy over the course of the first three episodes, one that is bloody, unpleasant and tedious.

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Cindy White

IGN Movies

10/18/2019

9/10

Cranston tackles the role with a measured intensity, bravely putting Walt's flaws and human frailties out on display for all to see. He manages to make you root for the guy even when you know his actions are seriously misguided.

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Jack D

@Jack_Dutton Jan 22

Breaking Bad is television at its absolute peak. Every season deepens its exploration of power, pride, and moral decay, turning a desperate man’s choices into a chilling transformation that feels disturbingly real. The writing is razor-sharp, the tension relentless, and the performances—especially Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul—are nothing short of iconic. The show never takes shortcuts or offers easy answers, trusting the audience to sit with the consequences. By the end, Breaking Bad doesn’t just entertain—it leaves a lasting impact that few series ever achieve.

Sanne d

@Sannedevries Jan 22

As a longtime fan of gripping dramas, Breaking Bad's first season blew me away. The transformation of Walter White and his chemistry with Jesse make for compelling storytelling, and the tension and dark humor keep you hooked. It's a must-watch that sets the stage for an incredible series.

Gortee U

Jan 20

Coming back to review this after like haft of years since i watched it hardly i could remember the detail, but main constrast was the imperfection of the humanity and the crime in general and overall the thin contrast bethen the personal life and his crime one, but at this season it might look that the line is thick enought, but later on moving the season further away, the line beguns to blur out. Lastly i like about this season of no heroficaition or romantisaition of the crime life, but trying to depic a bit more realistic view, but at this season it's still getting in and haven't seen the worst and haven't perticipate in them. Hardly i rember haveing a thought of critisim for this season one. Overall it's good, recomending watching it and moving further in with the seasons

ThrillXO

@Thrill Jan 15

Skylar oooo, do i hate your ass...

Ashton M.

@ashton_moh05 Jan 8

The first season begun the show really well, as everything gets straight to the point real fast! The writing is spot on, the characters were written well, and the plot and story definitely kept me engaged for later seasons to come.

Andy C

@HaYouGay Jan 6

Breaking bad is so overrated

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Bryan Cranston

Walter White

Aaron Paul

Jesse Pinkman

Anna Gunn

Skyler White

Dean Norris

Hank Schrader

RJ Mitte

Walter White Jr.

Betsy Brandt

Marie Schrader

Episode 1

Aired Jan 20, 2008

Pilot

High-school chemistry teacher Walter White learns he is dying of lung cancer and takes steps to ensure his family's financial future.

Details

Episode 2

Aired Jan 27, 2008

Cat's in the Bag...

Following their debacle in the desert, Walter and Jesse are left with a mess to dispose of; Skyler grows suspicious of Walt's recent activity.

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Episode 3

Aired Feb 10, 2008

...and the Bag's in the River

Walter and Jesse clean up after the bathtub incident; Hank warns Walter Jr. about the danger of drugs.

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Episode 4

Aired Feb 16, 2008

Cancer Man

The DEA suspects there is a new drug kingpin; Skyler learns about Walter's diagnosis; Walter channels his anger at an explosive target.

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Episode 5

Aired Feb 24, 2008

Gray Matter

Walter and Skyler attend a party for a former science colleague; Jesse attempts to go straight; Skyler organizes an intervention.

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Episode 6

Aired Mar 2, 2008

Crazy Handful of Nothin'

Walter is plagued by the side effects of chemotherapy; Skinny Pete makes an introduction to Jesse; the DEA is rounding up suspects.

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Episode 7

Aired Mar 9, 2008

A No-Rough-Stuff Type Deal

Walter embraces his new identity after a PTA meeting; Jesse decides to sell his aunt's house; Marie throws a baby shower for Skyler.

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