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Season 1 – Breaking Bad

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Jan 2008

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86%

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43 Reviews

95%

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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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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)

Aug 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

Oct 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

Oct 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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Esqueleto5678 T

@RT15316404 1 day ago

A weak season, but with a great introduction to all of its characters. There isn’t much that stands out besides its performances and characters, but it works well as a starting point. 8/10.

Tosh T

@ToshNotJosh Aug 30, 2026

Establishes a very strong foundation for the rest of the series, although most breaking bad fans find this season boring because it's slow paced and they have no attention span

Benjamin W

@RT35456170 Aug 25, 2026

Phenomenal, all 5 seasons

ARMAN T

@RT41745558 Aug 15, 2026

Season 1 of Breaking Bad is an incredible start to what would become one of the greatest television series ever made. What impressed me the most was the gradual transformation of Walter White from an ordinary, frustrated high school chemistry teacher into a much more ambitious and dangerous person. Bryan Cranston is absolutely phenomenal, and even in the first season, you can see how complex Walter is going to become. The relationship between Walter and Jesse is another major strength. Their completely different personalities create both genuinely funny moments and intense, unpredictable situations. The cinematography, atmosphere, music, and writing all work together to give the series its unique identity. The first season is shorter and slower-paced compared with the later seasons, and it clearly hasn't revealed the show's full potential yet. However, it establishes an incredibly strong foundation for everything that follows. More importantly, Breaking Bad immediately makes it clear

Omar T

@omhack Aug 14, 2026

My favourite series of all time

J H

@UpstateNYThriller Aug 10, 2026

8.9/10 All season kept same quality Great story of teacher turned Meth cook Walter White

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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.

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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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