Breaking Bad is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. It tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, and his transformation from a humble man to a ruthless criminal. Its intense storytelling, unforgettable characters, and gripping plot twists make it a must-watch for fans of television drama. However, when you finish watching Breaking Bad, you may feel a void, wondering what to watch next.
If you’re looking for TV shows that offer similar levels of excitement, complexity, and emotional depth, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through some great options to keep the adrenaline and tension going. Whether you’re craving more crime dramas, psychological thrillers, or character-driven stories, we have something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the shows you should consider watching after Breaking Bad.
1. Better Call Saul
Genre: Crime, Drama, Legal Drama
Why it’s similar: Prequel to Breaking Bad, Focus on character development.
If you loved Breaking Bad, then Better Call Saul is the most natural next step. It’s a prequel to Breaking Bad that explores the life of Jimmy McGill, who eventually becomes the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman. The show dives deep into Jimmy’s transformation and offers a unique perspective on the criminal world, all while maintaining the same tense atmosphere and moral ambiguity that made Breaking Bad so engaging.
The show is rich in character development, with a slow burn that makes each moment feel significant. If you want to see the backstory of beloved characters like Saul Goodman, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Gus Fring, Better Call Saul will be a rewarding watch. Its storytelling style mirrors that of Breaking Bad, so you will find yourself equally invested in the drama.
2. Narcos
Genre: Crime, Drama, History
Why it’s similar: Crime-driven narrative, Real-life drug cartels, Intense storytelling.
If you enjoyed Breaking Bad’s gritty depiction of the drug trade, Narcos is another show to consider. Based on the real-life story of drug kingpins like Pablo Escobar, the show paints a chilling picture of the rise and fall of these criminal empires.
Narcos brings the same sense of danger and moral conflict that Breaking Bad does, but with the added intensity of real-life events. The characters are complex and multifaceted, and the show doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal consequences of crime. If you’re interested in a fast-paced, action-packed story filled with suspense, Narcos is a great follow-up.
3. Ozark
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why it’s similar: Family-centric crime drama, High stakes, Dark atmosphere.
Another great option for fans of Breaking Bad is Ozark. The series follows financial planner Marty Byrde, who is forced to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Like Breaking Bad, the show explores how an ordinary person is pulled into a dangerous world of crime and corruption. Marty’s attempts to protect his family while dealing with criminals put him in increasingly tense and dangerous situations.
Ozark has a similar tone to Breaking Bad, with its suspenseful atmosphere and moments of dark humor. The series also focuses heavily on family dynamics, making it emotionally engaging in addition to thrilling. If you like stories about people trapped in their own lies and trying to keep everything from falling apart, Ozark will keep you hooked.
4. The Sopranos
Genre: Crime, Drama, Psychological
Why it’s similar: Complex characters, Family themes, Mafia setting.
If you’re looking for a show with deep psychological drama, The Sopranos is a must-watch. Centered around Tony Soprano, a mafia boss balancing the demands of his crime family with his personal life, the series delves into Tony’s struggles with his mental health, family issues, and leadership challenges. The Sopranos is known for its layered characters, slow-burn narrative, and moral dilemmas, much like Breaking Bad.
The show explores complex relationships, much like Breaking Bad does with Walter White and his family. While it’s set in the mafia world, the focus is as much on Tony’s internal conflict as it is on his criminal activities. The Sopranos is an essential watch for anyone interested in character-driven storytelling with a dark edge.
5. The Wire
Genre: Crime, Drama, Police Procedural
Why it’s similar: Gritty portrayal of crime, Complex plotlines, Realistic setting.
For those who want to dive into the world of crime from a more gritty and realistic perspective, The Wire is an excellent choice. The show takes a deep look at the streets of Baltimore, Maryland, and the different institutions that shape the city, including the drug trade, the police force, schools, and the political system.
What makes The Wire similar to Breaking Bad is its portrayal of how individuals navigate and are shaped by systems of power and corruption. The show is known for its realism and ability to show the complexities of life in the inner city. If you appreciate a show that doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects and portrays crime from multiple angles, The Wire will give you a similarly immersive experience.
6. Sons of Anarchy
Genre: Crime, Drama, Action
Why it’s similar: Anti-hero protagonist, Crime family, Intense action.
Sons of Anarchy offers a different but equally compelling take on crime dramas. The show follows an outlaw motorcycle club, focusing on its vice-president Jax Teller. Like Walter White, Jax is a complex character who struggles with moral choices and the consequences of his actions. The series is filled with intense action, drama, and themes of loyalty, family, and betrayal.
If you liked the criminal world of Breaking Bad and are interested in exploring a different subculture, Sons of Anarchy offers a fresh yet similarly gritty experience. Its focus on the anti-hero dynamic and its portrayal of a crime family make it a great follow-up to Breaking Bad.
7. Fargo
Genre: Crime, Drama, Dark Comedy
Why it’s similar: Crime-driven story, Dark humor, Complex characters.
Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the 1996 Coen Brothers film of the same name. Each season tells a new crime story with unique characters, often set in the upper Midwest. The series has the same mix of dark humor, absurd situations, and intense drama that you saw in Breaking Bad.
The show is known for its quirky characters, many of whom find themselves in morally grey situations. If you enjoy crime stories with a strange and unique atmosphere, Fargo provides that same sense of tension and unpredictability that Breaking Bad does, but with a bit of dark comedy sprinkled in. Each season is self-contained, so you can easily jump in without worrying about continuity.
8. True Detective
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Why it’s similar: Psychological depth, Dark tone, Investigation-focused.
True Detective offers a deep dive into the psychological lives of its detectives as they investigate complex and disturbing crimes. The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is particularly notable for its dark tone, character complexity, and slow-burn storytelling. The series dives into existential themes, morality, and the human condition, much like Breaking Bad.
Each season of True Detective is an anthology with a new cast of characters and a new crime to solve, so you can easily enjoy any season individually. If you’re interested in crime dramas with deep psychological elements, True Detective will satisfy that craving for dark, atmospheric storytelling.
9. The Night Of
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Why it’s similar: Crime and investigation, Tension-building, Moral ambiguity.
If you’re in the mood for a tightly-woven crime drama with a focus on the justice system and its flaws, The Night Of is a great choice. The show follows Nasir Khan, a young man who is accused of a murder he may or may not have committed. The series focuses on the police investigation, the legal process, and the personal toll the case takes on everyone involved.
The moral ambiguity in The Night Of is similar to Breaking Bad, as the characters grapple with issues of justice, guilt, and innocence. The tension builds slowly but steadily, making it a suspenseful and engaging experience. If you like slow-burn mysteries with high stakes, The Night Of will not disappoint.
Conclusion
After finishing Breaking Bad, you might find yourself craving more gripping, complex stories filled with tension, morally grey characters, and high stakes. Fortunately, there are plenty of other excellent TV shows that offer these same qualities. From Better Call Saul’s prequel exploration of beloved characters to Narcos’ gritty portrayal of drug cartels, these shows are sure to satisfy your need for thrilling and thought-provoking television.
Whether you choose to dive into a deep crime drama like Ozark or explore the psychological complexities of True Detective, each of these shows offers something unique while keeping the spirit of Breaking Bad alive. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your next binge-watch session with one of these unforgettable series.
