Should you watch Breaking Bad before Better Call Saul? Here’s what you need to know

Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul
Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul (via YouTube)

If you've finally decided to dive into the world of Albuquerque’s criminal underbelly, chances are you’re stuck at the crossroads of one big question: Should I start with Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul? Better Call Saul is technically a prequel, but it came out after Breaking Bad - so what’s the right move? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this conundrum. With two brilliant shows and one shared universe, it’s easy to feel like you're about to mess up a sacred watch order. So, let’s break it down (pun intended) so you can get the most out of both masterpieces!

Should you watch Breaking Bad first or Better Call Saul?

If you’re someone who loves watching a story unfold the way it was originally released, starting with Breaking Bad is the obvious choice. It introduces Saul Goodman, aka Jimmy McGill, as Walter White’s fast-talking, morally questionable lawyer. Watching Breaking Bad first gives you a full picture of who Saul becomes before you learn how he got there. It adds a level of tragic irony to Better Call Saul - you already know where he's going, and seeing him gradually change is heartbreaking but also genius.

And besides, Breaking Bad is generally considered to be one of the best television shows ever made - it's tense, gripping, and full of twists that are better served unadulterated. So, if you see Better Call Saul beforehand, you'll encounter Breaking Bad references and characters that won't strike as forcefully without that groundwork.

Breaking Bad (via Netflix)
Breaking Bad (via Netflix)

But if you’re someone who enjoys stories that take their time and really dive into characters, then Better Call Saul might be the perfect place to start. It’s set years before Walter White even thinks about making meth and follows Jimmy McGill - a struggling, well-meaning lawyer, as he slowly turns into the shady Saul Goodman we meet in Breaking Bad. Starting here helps you truly understand his journey, step by step. And it’s not just a warm-up for Breaking Bad - Better Call Saul is a complete story in its own right, with its own style, emotions, and tension. You also get to learn more about other popular characters like Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring. Seeing their pasts first makes their roles in Breaking Bad hit even harder later on.

Better Call Saul (via Amazon Prime Video)
Better Call Saul (via Amazon Prime Video)

There’s really no wrong choice, but here’s a simple rule: Want plot twists, action, and the original experience? Go with Breaking Bad first. You prefer character studies, emotional depth, and a slow build? Start with Better Call Saul. Either way, you're in for a wild, unforgettable ride. Just make sure you’ve got snacks...and maybe a legal advisor!

Quick Links

Edited by Debanjana