What time does Breaking Bad take place? Entire franchise timeline, explained

Breaking Bad, the critically acclaimed television drama that aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013, follows the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making meth after a cancer diagnosis. As his drug empire grows, so does the risk of his newfound profession.

The franchise includes one other show and a film: Better Call Saul and El Camino. Better Call Saul serves as a prequel, exploring the transformation of lawyer Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman. El Camino, on the other hand, is a sequel film that follows Jesse Pinkman’s life right after the events of Breaking Bad.

The timeline of these stories spans from 2002 to 2010. Better Call Saul takes place first, followed by Breaking Bad, and finally El Camino. These three stories together tell a complete journey through the criminal underworld of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Timeline of the Breaking Bad franchise.

The three titles of the franchise had the following timeline:

Better Call Saul (set from 2002 to 2004)

While the show aired from 2015 to 2022, the timeline of the prequel show, Better Call Saul, began in 2002. It follows Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer trying to make a name for himself. During this time, Mike Ehrmantraut also gets involved with criminal activities, eventually crossing paths with Gus Fring. By 2003, Jimmy adopts the name Saul Goodman as he gets involved in the darker side of his profession. Meanwhile, Gus begins constructing the underground meth lab.

In 2004, the show reached its most intense moments. Saul is fully entrenched in the criminal world, while Mike is firmly working for Gus. Lalo Salamanca, a powerful member of a drug cartel, creates major problems. This leads to the deaths of Howard Hamlin and Lalo, which shake up the main characters’ lives. These events bring Better Call Saul close to the timeline of the main show.

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The break between the two shows (2005–2007)

A few important developments occur off-screen between the end of Better Call Saul and the beginning of Breaking Bad. Saul Goodman becomes a well-known criminal lawyer in Albuquerque, and Mike and Gus continue to grow their illegal operations. This period lays the groundwork for Walter White’s entrance into the drug trade, although we don’t see it directly.

Breaking Bad (2008–2010)

The main story of Breaking Bad kicks off in 2008. Walter White starts producing meth with Jesse Pinkman to secure his family’s future. The early seasons show their rise in the drug world and first run-ins with characters like Tuco Salamanca. Walt’s talent soon brings him to the attention of Gus Fring.

By 2009, things started to escalate with the plane crash tragedy and Walt’s full partnership with Gus. As the series moves forward, the conflict between Walt and Gus turns deadly. By the end of season 4, Gus is killed, and Walt takes control. In 2010, season 5 shows Walt at the height of his power before everything collapses, ending his story.

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El Camino and Saul's Ending (2010)

El Camino takes place immediately after the ending of Breaking Bad in 2010. Jesse Pinkman is on the run and trying to leave his old life behind. The film follows his escape from law enforcement and his efforts to find peace. He eventually makes it out of Albuquerque and disappears into a new life.

At the same time, Better Call Saul includes scenes set in 2010, shown in black and white. These moments show Saul Goodman hiding as "Gene" and dealing with his past catching up to him. In the end, he is captured and held accountable for his actions, completing the franchise timeline.

The franchise unfolds over nearly a decade, telling a powerful story of choices, crime, and consequences. Each piece adds depth to a larger, connected world.

Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and El Camino are all streaming on Netflix.