NEW YORK, U.S. (WHN) – Fans of the critically acclaimed crime drama “Breaking Bad” are seeking new series following the conclusion of its universe. Creator Vince Gilligan has not indicated plans to return to the “Breaking Bad” world, prompting viewers to look for shows with similar themes of ordinary people entering criminal life, antihero descents, and top-tier crime drama quality.
“Breaking Bad,” which concluded over twelve years ago, spawned the prequel series “Better Call Saul” and the sequel film “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.” These productions have maintained the franchise’s high standards.
The Sopranos is frequently compared to “Breaking Bad” for the title of best crime drama series. Tony Soprano, a capo for the DiMeo Crime Family, is already established in organized crime, unlike Walter White’s initial outsider status in “Breaking Bad.” Both protagonists, however, grapple with profound existential dread and moral ambiguity.
Soprano struggles for peace despite his mafia rank. White sought to achieve greatness before his terminal illness diagnosis. Their character arcs are described as “Shakespearean,” featuring compelling personal flaws alongside criminal exploits, according to network descriptions.
Netflix’s “Ozark” presents a premise mirroring “Breaking Bad.” An ordinary man, financial planner Marty Byrde, played by Jason Bateman, is drawn into laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel in Missouri. While Byrde is forced into his criminal role, unlike White who actively pursued it, both characters demonstrate exceptional talent.
A key distinction is the portrayal of the protagonists’ wives. Skyler White in “Breaking Bad” is a reluctant participant. Wendy Byrde in “Ozark” displays more agency and enthusiasm for her husband’s criminal ventures. Wendy’s ambition suggests she embodies the “Walter White” archetype within “Ozark,” making the series a significant point of comparison.
Jax Teller, protagonist of “Sons of Anarchy,” begins the series as an established criminal. As Vice President of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original, Teller aims to legitimize the gang. His quest to become law-abiding leads to a descent into villainy, mirroring Walter White’s trajectory.
The series’ conclusion makes it clear Teller, like White, is too far removed from redemption due to his tragic flaw. Both narratives offer a violent, compelling journey for viewers.
Good Girls offers a lighter tone in the male-dominated crime drama genre. The series features three Michigan mothers—Beth, Ruby, and Annie—who turn to crime to address financial difficulties. Their initial plan for a single supermarket heist complicates when a store manager recognizes one of them, attracting the attention of a local gang leader using the store for money laundering.
This scenario is reminiscent of Walter White’s early efforts to produce meth discreetly, avoiding conflict with local drug lords. “Good Girls” is positioned as a more escapist, less anxiety-inducing alternative for “Breaking Bad” fans.
For viewers who appreciated the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Hank Schrader and Heisenberg, “Justified” is recommended. Raylan Givens, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, combines Hank’s law enforcement dedication with Walter White’s volatility.
While Hank Schrader was unaware his brother-in-law was Heisenberg, Givens actively pursues his quarry. His primary adversary across the series’ six seasons is childhood friend Boyd Crowder, played by Walton Goggins. The show’s Western genre classification may deter some, but its neo-Western elements align closely with crime drama appeal.
The Wire, an HBO series examining Baltimore’s drug trade, is widely regarded as a top crime drama. Its fandom exhibits strong advocacy for the show, comparable to “Breaking Bad’s” fanbase.
“Breaking Bad” focuses on Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, but illustrates the broad impact of the drug industry. “The Wire” expands its scope, with each of its five seasons examining a different institution affected by Baltimore’s criminal underworld.
While not centered on a single male antihero, “The Wire” features complex characters. Both series are noted for shocking deaths and plot twists, ultimately focusing on individuals caught within a life of crime.