Mild spoilers below for anyone who isn't caught up with Pluribus' first season via Apple TV subscription.

As someone who's gone through fluxuating levels of obsession with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, I was beyond ready for Vince Gilligan's newest show Pluribus to similarly suck me in, and I also knew that I'd be unable to watch without my brain forcing comparisons and contrasts between all the shows. I'd like to be able to say it's because all three shows take place in Albuquerque, but nope.

To be sure, Rhea Seehorn's Carol is invested in a story that's entirely unlike Gilligan's grittier crime drama and its body-dropping legal-ish drama follow-up, and not just because I can't predict what'll happen. Carol is a bestselling author and one of very few people left who still has her own thoughts and motivations intact, as the rest of the planet has "suffered" what appears to be the most peaceful alien invasion imaginable. It'd be an understatement to say she's not into it, and she makes zero effort to hide her constant misery and disdain.

It's that side of Carol's personality that brings to mind the point in Bryan Cranston's Breaking Bad run when his Heisenberg persona was rolling on all cyllinders. So let's dig into it.

Pluribus' Carol Is A Miserable And Moody Person, But Rhea Seehorn Immediately Makes It Work

Even before the world went belly-up, Carol Sturka revealed herself to be more misanthropic than one might expect from a hugely popular fantasy author with a loving fanbase. Flashbacks have also shown her to be the glass-half-empty side of the coin to optimistic manager and lover Helen (Miriam Shor). So when Helen is killed and the rest of humanity is taken over by hive-mind behavior, Carol is certainly qualified to be the most unhappy person in existence.

The tonal specifics are obviously intentional, with Carol set up to be the immovable object facing the presumably unstoppable force of The Others' influence. They're currently unable to figure out how to tap into Carol's brain, which sets up an ongoing mystery of sorts, and also allows for a very non-traditional narrative set-up. Our protagonist is both rude and rash, and she makes decisions that seem to fly in the face of her comfort and survival; meanwhile, the antagonists are unendingly pleasant, helpful and seem to have Carol's best interests at heart, even if an ulterior motive or two is also lurking.

A set-up like this doesn't happen that often because it's not one that's destined to succeed. Main characters are generally meant to be likeable and agreeable so that the biggest number of viewers watching can find ways to relate with them. That's more or less how Seehorn was brought into Better Call Saul's story, and her character Kim Wexler became arguably the fourth biggest character in Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould's crime saga.

Without Better Call Saul endearing me so strongly to what Rhea Seehorn brings to Gilligan's storytelling, I can't say for sure that I'd be quite as won over by Carol's unending snark and attitude. But probably so, with Walter White setting the precedent.

Heisenberg Is One Of TV's Most Adored Monsters, Despite Being An Egotistical Asshole

Even beyond the "Prestige TV" comparisons of the overall shows, Breaking Bad's Walter White stands alongside The Sopranos' Tony Soprano in the sense of being TV criminals that fans idolize as if they were bigger heroes than Superman. But when you look at Walt's behavior solely during the later seasons when he's fully taken on the Heisenberg persona, almost nothing he does is virtuous or agreeable or meant to earn goodwill from viewers.

Walt becomes increasingly invested in his own legacy and rise to prominence, and completely loses sight of the vaguely justified reasons he initially had for cooking meth. As Heisenberg, Walt legitimately burns all bridges and seems incapable of going any lower by the end, having both witnessed and perpetrated the murders of those most important to his loved ones, with plenty of other bodies keeping them company.

Unlike Rhea Seehorn's Carol, however, Bryan Cranston was given an ample amount of time during Breaking Bad 's early seasons to play up Walt as a smart and sympathetic family man who opts for logic over emotion. We see him as the loving husband, the supportive father and the dedicated employee, so that it means that much more when those distinctions are stripped away and destroyed.

By the time he's declaring himself to be the "one who knocks," Walt already has millions of viewers on his side, and it's an easy shift to follow along with, especially with an even bigger villainous benchmark like Gus Fring looming. So then when that threat gets taken care of, it's beyond clear that Walt could do absolutely anything without facing a full fanbase backlash.

We're not there yet with Seehorn's Carol, who doesn't appear capable of sinking to Walt's level just yet. Even though she did technically kill millions of people when her emotions went untethered, Carol had no idea it was happening, and has since atempted to avoid repeated instances. Which may or may not be the nicest thing the character has done so far.

By all means, Carol will likely start to shed some of her barbed armor as Pluribus gets deeper into Season 1, but I'm holding out hope that she remains just as prickly to keep audiences on our toes. If we've made it this far without everyone hating her, there's no reason to shift course, I'd think. Blessed be Bryan Cranston and Rhea Seehorn for making murderers and curmudgeons so loveable.

Vince Gilligan has said he’d only go back to Breaking Bad’s universe without other projects to work on, but that would mean Pluribus would need to get canceled. So for now, that’s a big reason why I’m not so eager to dig deeper into Walter White or Saul Goodman’s stories. But just for now.

Pluribus streams new episodes on Apple TV every Friday.

Mild spoilers below for the first two episodes of Pluribus for anyone who hasn’t yet streamed them via Apple TV subscription, so be warned!

The most anticipated post-Halloween streaming debut among prestige TV nerds like yours truly (if not the entire 2025 TV schedule), was the latest series from small-screen laureate Vince Gilligan, the inscrutably named Pluribus. The sci-fi-leaning project has kept fans guessing and doing detective work since its conception was announced, and not even the release of the first two episodes has stemmed that need for answers.

As many are aware, Gilligan was the brain behind Breaking Bad and its rise to permanence atop Best-Of lists for the rest of time, and he also co-created one of television’s most beloved and acclaimed spinoffs, Better Call Saul. Both shows are 100% in my own personal Top 10, and I can already foresee a day when Pluribus will join that same list. In part because it’s already doing something that wasn’t entirely possible with the two shows centering on Walter White and Saul Goodman.

Breaking Bad And Better Call Saul, While Often Mysterious, Weren't Impossible To Predict

Such as it goes for projects that are entirely embedded in the real world, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are largely genre stories that tend to allow for a set amount of possible outcomes. Sure, it was pretty impossible to guess with any amount of specificity how much havoc Bryan Cranston's teacher-turned-kingpin would bring to Albuquerque right when audiences were learning about his cancer diagnosis and meeting the rest of the family. But it wouldn't have been stretching to predict a truly epic fall from grace for Walt. Nor to think that he might not make it through the end alive.

Better Call Saul presented even fewer options for its finale endgame with Jimmy/Saul, since it was set up as both a prequel and a sequel to the Emmy-winning flagship drama, with all signs almost immediately pointing to the Cinnabon-managing Gene being brought to justice in one way or another. It wasn't always clear whether or not Rhea Seehorn's Kim Wexler would stick with him, but for those whose first instincts pegged her as being too smart to stick around....well, you know.

To be sure, I'm not voicing any of this through a negative filter, as I don't necessarily need crime dramas to deliver completely left-field storytelling. I love both of these shows regardless of how much they truly surprised me. But that does play into why I'm enjoying Pluribus on a slightly different level.

Pluribus Kicks Off With An Incomprehensible Event, And I Can't Begin To Imagine Where It's Going

I've never cooked amphetamines, and I've never passed the bar exam, but could obviously still find ways to relate to Walt and Saul's stories. On the flip side, Pluribus kicks off with epically tragic and world-shifting event that's so large-scale that it's relatively impossible to realistically wrap one's brain around it. Not even an author of fantastical fiction, Seehorn's Carol Sturka, can immediately grasp what's occurred, despite witnessing signs of it everywhere she looks.

In that first episode, Carol finds herself caught in a global nightmare when nearly every single living person's consciousness has been usurped by extraterrestrial beings that ooze positivity and helpfulness, despite Carol's behavior being entirely antithetical in the immediate aftermath. And understandably so, since her partner is dead, her successful career is meaningless, and she's one of the only people left whose identity is still intact.

Unlike Saul Goodman and Walter White, whose respective fates were always going to be either "dead" or "jailed," Carol doesn't inspire any such tidy predictions. Sure, she could also get killed or get imprisoned, but within this particular narrative, both of those outcomes actually would be fairly surprising. Especially since it doesn't seem like jails are necessary anymore.

Thankfully, Pluribus seems like it was crafted in part to keep audiences guessing from one installment to the next, and it isn't just a random cobbling of events that naturally aren't easy to foretell. But the fact that it's not a limited series, and that there are overall three-season plans, allows for so much story that I can't wrap my head around any of it.

If I absolutely HAD to predict something, though, it would be this: Magnets, bitch!

Pluribus drops new episodes every Friday on Apple TV. Let us know your own predictions, even if they don't center entirely around magnets.

It’s been three years since fans last saw Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk don the loud suits and crooked smile of Saul Goodman. Yet the character still looms large in pop culture. Introduced in Breaking Bad before headlining his own spinoff (which many argue surpassed the original), Odenkirk transformed Saul from a comical sidekick into one of TV’s most unforgettable antiheroes. Now, the writer-turned-actor is opening up about what it would take for him to return to the Breaking Bad universe, and how, in his eyes, that story could continue.

During an exclusive interview with TODAY, Bob Odenkirk revealed that if Saul were to return, the story would need to reflect where viewers last left him, serving an 86-year prison sentence. Still, for Odenkirk, the role holds a deep personal significance, and he admits it wouldn’t take much to bring him back:

The Saul series finale saw Goodman finally confess to his role in Walter White’s empire and the death of Howard Hamlin, capping off years of transformation from Jimmy McGill, the struggling public defender, into Albuquerque’s most notorious criminal lawyer. As Odenkirk sees it, continuing Saul’s story means leaning into that consequence rather than undoing it. He continued:

Hey, that’s not a terrible idea. There are a ton of brilliant shows and movies that take place in a prison. Also, if anyone could find a way to make a compelling TV show set inside a prison wall, my money would be on Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould.

At the same time, Odenkirk is realistic about the chances of another Better Call Saul or Breaking Bad-related spinoff. Both Gilligan and Gould have moved on to new projects, and the actor says he doesn’t expect them to circle back anytime soon. He added:

He’s not wrong. Gilligan is currently developing Pluribus, a psychological sci-fi drama for folks with an Apple TV+ subscription starring Better Call Saul co-lead Rhea Seehorn. The series has already received a two-season order and is set in a reimagined version of modern-day Albuquerque, promising to take Gilligan’s signature storytelling in an entirely new direction. Bob Odenkirk has already had a sneak peek, beyond that unsettling teaser we all got, and he has nothing but praise.

Bob Odenkirk isn’t slipping back into Saul’s Italian loafers, yet he’s keeping plenty busy. His action sequel, Nobody 2, just hit the 2025 movie schedule and is currently in theaters. He’s continuing to explore new roles that take him beyond the morally compromised men he’s become famous for playing. On that note, both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are available to stream with a Netflix subscription.

Ever since Sharon Stone was announced as the villain in Nobody 2 about a year ago, we’ve been curious about how the actress best known for Casino, Basic Instinct and Total Recall would bring to the action comedy about an assassin-turned-family man. When CinemaBlend spoke to Ben Odenkirk, the movie’s star and producer, he shared the story behind how he convinced her to join the franchise, and his beloved Breaking Bad spinoff, Better Call Saul, had something to do with it.

When I sat down with Odenkirk during the Los Angeles Nobody 2 press junket, I shared my curiosity about getting Sharon Stone on board for the movie. He luckily had a great story about how she joined the cast. In his words:

Considering how great Bob Odenkirk was as Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul over the years, the actor was nominated for a lot of major awards during its six-season run, including earning five Golden Globe nominations. As Odenkirk expressed, during one of the times he was at the award shows, he actually met Sharon Stone, and she revealed she’s a big fan of the series.

He later remembered her when it came to casting the villain for Nobody 2. Here’s what happened next:

While Odenkirk admitted Stone’s character, which has been called “batshit crazy” by the Nobody 2 director, isn’t a complicated role, he really wanted the chance to work with the actress. So he wrote her a letter making his case, and obviously it worked. She in turn plays Lendina, who Hutch crosses paths with while trying to leave behind his assassin ways on a family vacation. Bob Odenkirk also said this about getting to share scenes with the talented actress:

Now that the Nobody 2 release date is here, fans of the first Nobody movie can see what Sharon Stone brings to her role. The actress was actually originally going to play a DC villain in Blue Beetle, before she was replaced by Susan Sarandon. Thankfully, she found another juicy big bad role, this time with an actor she admired herself, in Bob Odenkirk.

And how sweet does this exchange sound? Bob Odenkirk and Sharon Stone seem to be genuine fans of each other’s work, and it ended in the pair getting to be in the same movie. You can see them in the latest of the 2025 movie releases, Nobody 2, now playing in theaters.

Legal dramas, thrillers, and comedies have been part of Hollywood since the very beginning. Whether it's classic shows like L.A. Law and Ally McBeal, or movies like A Time To Kill and To Kill A Mockingbird, there is every kind of movie about the law, and the lawyers who practice it.

L.A. Law

Admit it, you can hear that saxophone intro as the trunk slams on the Mercedes that opened every episode of L.A. Law for eight seasons from 1986 until 1994. It was one of the anchors of NBC's legendary Thursday nights in that era. It was the only drama in the lineup, and for those of us who grew up at the time, it was the perfect way to end the evening.

A Time To Kill

Matthew McConaughey's first movie role came as a cast member of the legendary Dazed and Confused, where he was responsible for some classic lines. He really became a more rounded movie star with his starring turn in A Time To Kill, with Samuel L. Jackson. McConaughey plays a lawyer defending Jackson's character for what audiences see as a justified murder.

Ally McBeal

The legal world has always been a rich area for comedy. I'm not going to make any comments about lawyers here... But Ally McBeal helped define late '90s TV and made stars of Calista Flockhart, Jane Krakowski, and Portia de Rossi.

Juror #2

Lawyers aren't always the focus of legal dramas. Sometimes, movies are about the jury, like the appropriately named Juror #2, directed by Clint Eastwood. Nicholas Hoult plays a juror who quickly learns he may actually be responsible for the death of the person the man on trial is accused of murdering. It's an intense movie, to say the least.

Perry Mason

In the early days of television, one of the most popular and longest-running shows was Perry Mason. It proved so enduring that Raymond Burr, who starred as the titular attorney, returned to play the role in more than two dozen TV movies right up until just before his death in 1993. Perry Mason set the template of "case of the week" shows that followed it.

A Few Good Men

Years before JAG made the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps a staple on TV, the Aaron Sorkin-penned, Rob Reiner-directed classic A Few Good Men brought audiences into the world of military political thrillers. Tom Cruise plays a cocky but inexperienced officer defending two Marines accused of murder in this amazing movie with amazing performances all around, especially Jack Nicholson.

My Cousin Vinny

Marisa Tomai might have won an Oscar for My Cousin Vinny, but she's hardly the only amazing performance in this fish out of water legal comedy starring Joe Pesci as a New York lawyer...well, almost lawyer... who travels to a small town in Alabama to defend his nephew and his nephews friend, who are charged with murder. It's a hilarious classic.

Legally Blonde

You knew we had to include the beloved Legally Blonde on this list. It's the movie that really made Reese Witherspoon an A-list star and spawned multiple sequels, a musical, and a streaming TV show on Prime. The law in it may be dubious, but the comedy is not.

Marshall

2017's Marshall is the origin story of a real-life superhero, future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The film, starring Chadwick Boseman as Marshall, tells the story of an early case in the legend's career when he defended an innocent man, played by Sterling K. Brown, accused of murder. It's a movie that doesn't often get mentioned, but it should because it's as powerful as it sounds.

To Kill A Mockingbird

One of the true American classics of both literature and cinema is To Kill A Mockingbird. The movie, based on the book by Harper Lee, stars Gregory Peck as the single father and lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a man accused of assault. It's hard to understate how important both the book and movie are to millions of people.

Suits

Of course, these days, Suits is maybe most famous for being the Duchess of Sussex's greatest success on screen. Meghan Markle is part of a great cast of this legal drama that first became a hit on the USA network before finding a second life years later on Netflix, when its renewed popularity spawned a spinoff, Suits LA, on the streamer.

The Firm

The Firm is about a different kind of practice than most legal thrillers. There aren't any courtrooms or dramatic moments deposing witnesses; instead, it's about a slimier side of the law. Tom Cruise plays a young lawyer fresh out of law school who unwittingly goes to work for a mobbed-up law firm. Like others on this list, it's based on a John Grisham book, one of his first.

Amistad

One of Steven Spielberg's more under-appreciated movies has to be Amistad, about the trial of a group of enslaved men accused of murder on the high seas. It features a ton of wonderful performances, including Anthony Hopkins in the role of former President John Quincy Adams, who helped defend the men in this true story.

Boston Legal

The Practice was a more serious legal drama on ABC in the late '90s, but its spinoff, Boston Legal, mixed in a ton more humor. James Spader and William Shatner both play lawyers in the show, and both are brilliant in their roles. It had some very serious moments, and some completely over-the-top ridiculous ones, too. It was a great blend of drama and humor. It's a rare example of a spinoff meeting and maybe exceeding its predecessor.

Erin Brockovich

Julia Roberts' character, the titular Erin Brockovich, is a real person, though she wasn't a lawyer. That doesn't mean she didn't understand the law, though, nor was she unwilling to fight for those that couldn't get anyone else to help.

Law & Order

Of course, we had to include Law & Order. The enduring show has run for more than two dozen seasons over the years, though not all consecutively. We'll just include all its various spinoffs here; otherwise, we'd only be able to half the list we have here with all the different versions over the years. And you can admit it, you're humming the theme song right now.

Better Call Saul

There are a handful of TV spinoffs on this list, and one is Better Call Saul, which, of course, was spun off of Breaking Bad. The immensely popular show was critically lauded, but somehow the Bob Odenkirk-led drama never won an Emmy, which is bonkers.

The Rainmaker

John Grisham has written a ton of books that have been adapted into movies, and one of the best of those adaptations is the underrated The Rainmaker, starring Matt Damon as a young lawyer suing an insurance company in a true David v. Goliath plot. It's one of Francis Ford Copolla's most overlooked movies.

How to Get Away with Murder

Shonda Rhimes has developed everything from medical dramas (Grey's Anatomy) to political thrillers (Scandal), so of course, she's got a legal drama under her belt with How to Get Away with Murder. It's unique because it blends law school with law practice, and it definitely benefits from the wonderful performance by Viola Davis in the starring role.

Matlock

Right there with Perry Mason as one of the most famous TV lawyers of all time is Andy Griffith's Matlock in the show of the same name. Sure, it's been the butt of jokes on The Simpsons for years, but the show was truly beloved when it aired and even spawned a reboot recently on CBS.

Philadelphia

One movie that people love, but can only watch once because it is so heavy, is Philadelphia, starring Denzel Washington as a lawyer suing on behalf of another lawyer who was let go from his law firm after contracting AIDS. It was one of the first movies to ever confront the epidemic and its effects directly, and it's an amazing and heartbreaking legal drama.

12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men, from legendary director Sidney Lumet, is considered one of the best movies ever made, to say nothing of one of the best legal dramas ever. It's a power takedown of McCarthyism at the height of the Red Scare in 1957, and it's a fearless movie in that regard. The cast is led by Henry Fonda and includes actors like Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, Ed Begley, Sr., and Martin Balsam as the jury foreman.

Anatomy Of A Fall

The Best Picture-nominated Anatomy Of A Fall gives audiences a peek into the legal system in France, which is very different from most of the entries on this list. The movie is set around a mysterious death that could be murder. It's a powerful and engaging movie that holds the viewer's attention for every second of the film.

Night Court

If you grew up watching TV in the 1980s, there is little doubt that Night Court on NBC was a favorite sitcom. The cast became legendary, winning all kinds of Emmys and other awards. The plot, about the goings on of a court in New York City, was not secondary to the characters, either, as every episode had some over-the-top legal moments, few of which were realistic but most of which were hilarious.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Television producer David E. Kelly has a great history of developing legal dramas for TV, which include Ally McBeal, The Practice, and Boston Legal. His fourth on that list is The Lincoln Lawyer, based on a book by Michael Connelly called The Brass Verdict about a lawyer who literally practices law out of his car, a Lincoln. The first book in the same series was adapted into a movie starring Matthew McConaughey in 2011.

The Good Wife

The parade of guest stars that appeared in episodes of The Good Wife is long and distinguished, but that isn't all the show is remembered for. Unlike most legal TV shows, the show often had long story arcs over multiple episodes. It made the show unique and insanely bingeable.

The Pelican Brief

The Pelican Brief is John Grisham's third book, and the second to be adapted into a movie (behind The Firm). Like most of Grisham's stories, it's fast-paced and entertaining, but it's a pretty different story from The Firm or A Time To Kill (Grisham's first novel). It almost has the vibe of a spy thriller as much as a legal thriller. Julia Roberts' career was really exploding at the time, as was Denzel Washington's, so the movie was almost guaranteed to be a hit, and it was.

Legal Eagles

1996's Legal Eagles is unique on this list in that it is a rom-com as much as it is a legal movie. There aren't all that many movies that cross those genres, and while the '80s movie does feel a little dated, it is buoyed by two solid performances from Debra Winger and Robert Redford, and some snappy directing from Ivan Reitman.

The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Anyone alive in 1995 remembers the O.J. Simpson murder trial all too well. It was literally inescapable. In a way, it's surprising that it took more than 20 years for a movie (or, in this case, a mini-series) to be made about it. It was worth the wait, though, as the Ryan Murphy-produced show was gripping, despite the fact that everyone knew how it was going to end. It also has a fantastic ensemble cast.

A Civil Action

1998's A Civil Action was one of the first legal movies to tackle a civil litigation against a big company. Based on the true story of a lawyer named Jan Schlichtmann (John Travolta), the movie follows a class action lawsuit against two companies accused of contaminating groundwater, causing widespread cases of cancer. While it is very much a "'90s" movie, and it didn't do all that well at the box office, it's got some solid performances by a slew of great actors.

From The Hip

We had to include this oft-forgotten classic comedy that we think is very underrated. From The Hip features a hilarious performance from Judd Nelson as a young lawyer trying his first case and not understanding (or caring about) the rules of the court. Not the best movie on this list, but a fun deep cut if you've seen all the others.

The Client

Another great legal drama based on a book by John Grisham is The Client, starring Susan Sarandon, who works on behalf of an 11-year-old who is a witness in a mob case. Brad Renfro, who is an actor who died tragically before turning 40, plays the boy in a scene-stealing performance.

Sometimes, you watch a show like The Wire and later discover that despite being almost universally acclaimed and often considered one of the best–if not the best–shows of all time, it never won an Emmy of any kind. How in the world does that happen? The classic, available to stream on HBO Max, is hardly alone with the dubious distinction of being a great show with no Emmys. This is a list dedicated to shows just like The Wire.

It's worth noting that we're talking about Primetime Emmys here, not Creative Arts Emmys. Some of these shows have won the latter.

Parks And Recreation

For seven seasons, Parks and Recreation made fans laugh on NBC. With an all-star cast that included Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Aubry Plaza, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, and Rob Lowe, the show was one of the top-rated sitcoms of its era. Still, it never managed to win an Emmy, somehow, despite eight nominations.

Chappelle’s Show

Although it only ran on Comedy Central for three seasons, Chappelle’s Show took the world by storm, and you could argue it changed sketch shows forever. There are still countless memes based on the jokes on the show, and people still quote it all the time. It was nominated for two Emmys, but didn't win either.

Better Call Saul

There may not be a show on the list of Emmy snubs that gets its fans fired up about that fact more than fans of Better Call Saul. In six seasons, the critically acclaimed show, which was beloved by fans, was nominated for 30 Emmys, including multiple times for Outstanding Drama, but never won one. It's one of the most egregious examples of a true prestige show that didn't run on HBO on this list.

Star Trek

It's well known that Star Trek wasn't the most popular show when it first aired in the mid-'60s. Still, it's kind of crazy that the groundbreaking show was nominated for 13 Emmys during its brief three-season run, but never won one. Getting shut out for an Emmy certainly hasn't dampened the show's cultural influence or its popularity.

Yellowstone

One of the more recent shows on this list, Yellowstone, wrapped up its very successful run in late 2024 without winning an Emmy. The show has always been somewhat politically divisive, but you can't deny that it's a really great show. During its five-season run, the Kevin Costner-led show was never even nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Costner did win a Golden Globe, though.

Good Times

One of the most groundbreaking sitcoms of all time, Good Times, was probably a little too radical for the Emmys. The show wasn't just funny, it was also heartwarming and poignant. IT still couldn't win an Emmy, and that's not "dy-no-mite!"

Blue Bloods

Tom Selleck is an Emmy winner. He won for Best Lead in a Drama in 1984 for his legendary character Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. He was never even nominated for his equally legendary role as Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. In fact, Blue Bloods never won an Emmy of any kind despite 14 great seasons and legions of fans, who are still upset the show was canceled.

Grace And Frankie

Legends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin starred in Grace and Frankie for seven wonderful seasons that you can watch with a Netflix subscription. Netflix is no stranger to winning Emmys, but this excellent never won one. Both Fonda and Tomlin were nominated multiple times, coming away empty each time. That's okay, they are still two of the greatest of all time.

Enlightened

A decade before Mike White kept the nation in suspense with his White Lotus series on HBO, he created Enlightened, starring Laura Dern. It's a completely unappreciated show that deserved more Emmy love than it ever got.

Veronica Mars

Kristen Bell became a hero to millions when she starred as the detective Veronica Mars in the show of the same name. It's a show that is famous for its die-hard fan support, but that support didn't translate to Emmy Awards, sadly.

My So-Called Life

Of all the shows on this list, My So-Called Life is the easiest to understand why it didn't win an Emmy. Despite being a show that helped launch the careers of stars Claire Danes and Jared Leto, the show only lasted 19 episodes and only really found its fanbase after the show was canceled.

Empire

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson led an all-star cast in the music industry drama Empire, which despite critical acclaim and running for six seasons, the show was never bestowed with an Emmy. Howard and Henson alone should have more multiple awards, if you ask fans. Henson was nominated twice, at least, but that doesn't make up for not winning any.

The Wire

There is no small contingent of people who will argue that not only was The Wire the best show on TV when it first ran in the early '00s, but it's the best television show of all time. For five seasons, the show suffered from poor ratings, but in the years since, it's found its fanbase and more. In fact, despite all the praise it receives today, it was only ever nominated twice. Clay Davis might have something to say about that.

The Good Place

Kristen Bell and Ted Danson starred in The Good Place. It's a show that struggled to find an audience for reasons that are hard to pinpoint. It's a really funny show, and it was unique in its premise and its humor. That might be why it never managed to win an Emmy, despite certainly being deserving of some.

Narcos

Netflix's Narcos is a fantastic example of a truly great peak-era TV show that somehow got snubbed by the Emmys. There was a lot of competition, sure, but Narcos was a step above many of those shows. Wagner Moura's performance as Pablo Escobar should've won every award there was, and Pedro Pascal was fantastic as well. Maybe the content scared the voters off, or that the show was bilingual, but no matter what, it should have won something.

The Leftovers

HBO dominated prestige TV in the early 2000s with shows like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Six Feet Under, and The Leftovers. Unlike the previous two, the latter never won an Emmy. It seemed like it would be the next show in line to collect all the Emmys like the other shows on the network, but alas, it wasn't to be, and they were left behind.

The Brady Bunch

Okay, okay, this one is a bit of a stretch to wonder why it never won an Emmy, but come on, who doesn't love The Brady Bunch? Multiple generations have grown up watching the show now, and there isn't a person in America who isn't aware of this classic family sitcom. It's a perfect example of critics and Emmy voters disagreeing with viewers.

The Comeback

Of all the shows that former cast members of Friends have starred in over the years, maybe the most underappreciated is The Comeback starring Lisa Kudrow. It wasn't an immediate hit when it hit HBO in 2005 for 13 episodes, but it proved enduring, and it returned for a second season in 2014. Don't call it a comeback...

Newhart

The '80s classic Newhart, starring Bob Newhart, features one of the greatest finales in television history. It was also nominated for an astounding 25 Emmys. It never won, though. It's almost too ridiculous to believe that a show this good and with this many nominations never won one. Adding insult to injury, Bob Newhart's first hit sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show, never won one, either.

Parenthood

NBC's Parenthood, which was very loosely based on the 1989 movie starring Steve Martin, was a bit of a surprise hit on the Peacock Network. The show, like the movie, had just the right combination of laughs and tear-jerking moments, and it did so successfully for six seasons. Despite having all the ingredients of a multiple Emmy-winning show, it was completely shut out. In fact, it was only nominated for one, and that was a guest star (Josh Ritter).

NCIS

For decades, NCIS ruled the ratings. Despite more than 20 seasons on the air, the show has never won an Emmy. It's one of the most popular shows ever, yet it's only ever been nominated for three Emmys, total. Wild.

Hannibal

Horror shows, like horror movies, often have a difficult time show business' biggest awards, and Hannibal is no exception. Despite being a fantastic (and really scary) show, it never won an Emmy.

Oz

One of the earliest examples of prestige TV is Oz. The show is one of the hardest-hitting, raw shows in TV history, with an amazing cast. It was probably a little ahead of its time, however, as it really never got the accolades it deserved when it was on the air. That includes never winning an Emmy.

Leave It To Beaver

We had to include this one. Leave It To Beaver is a show that basically invented and defined the family sitcom, and yet it never got the appreciation it deserved from the Emmys. The awards were still pretty new when the show was on the air, but it was incredibly popular, yet ignored by the Emmys.

Supernatural

Few shows in television history have a fan base as dedicated as Supernatural. For 15 seasons, the show kept them coming back for more, through casting changes, and even a network change, the fans kept showing their love. The Emmys never did, sadly.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

The quirkiness and enduring humor of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt would seemingly be enough to win at least one Emmy. Ellie Kemper's performance as Schmidt herself was also certainly good enough to win one. Alas, over three seasons and a remarkable twenty nominations, it won none.

New Girl

146 episodes. Seven seasons. Zero Emmys. Such is the fate of New Girl. Zooey Deschanel played the titular new girl, and even though she was widely praised for her comedic performance, she didn't win an Emmy, nor did the show. It was nominated five times, including Deschanel once for Lead Actress, but walked away empty-handed.

Mindhunter

It's a crying shame that Mindhunter only ran for two seasons. It's a prime example of Netflix canceled without a proper ending. While fans are still holding hope that the show could be revived one day, for now, we'll have to live with just the two excellent seasons. Despite how good those seasons are, they didn't win any Emmys.

Sons Of Anarchy

While many might say that Sons of Anarchy never deserved to win an Emmy, that's not fair. The show had some tremendous moments, like Opie's death, and frankly, the finale. It's one show that actually ended really well. For 92 episodes over seven seasons, we laughed, cried, and bled with SAMCRO, but the show never grabbed voters, it seems. It did receive a few Creative Arts Emmy nominations, but it was never nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

Bates Motel

As horror shows go, Bates Motel is among the best ever. For five seasons, the show scared the pants off fans, but it seems to have never scared the Emmy voters into getting an award. Vera Farmiga was nominated a couple of times, but alas, walked away without a win.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It's hard to fathom just how popular and enduring It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is. It first aired way back in 2015. Now, the stars own football teams in England. It's just crazy, but not as crazy as how the gang has never won even one Emmy.

Gilmore Girls

One of the most enduringly popular shows on this list, Gilmore Girls is still as popular as ever with its fans, despite being off the air for more than 15 years. Fans still keep on the lookout for shows with the Gilmore Girls cast members, but none of those stars won an Emmy for the show. In fact, the show was completely shut out, just like the rest of the shows on this list.

With all due respect to some classic central TV show protagonists, there are times when it is a good idea to shift gears a bit and show things from another character’s perspective. This has actually become a relatively common practice as many modern small-screen favorites have given a scene-stealing supporting character (or even a never-before-seen character) the chance to almost completely steal the show for an episode. The following are some of the most revered examples.

“Lower Decks” - Star Trek: The Next Generation

According to TV Tropes, episodes that put supporting characters in the spotlight are referred to as “lower decks episodes.” The term is borrowed from the title of a classic episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation from Season 7 which focuses on a group of younger characters who are working their way up in the ranks at Starfleet.

“Five-O” - Better Call Saul

Sometimes a character becomes such a memorable scene-stealer that they earn their own equally great spin-off series, such as when Breaking Bad's Jimmy "Saul Goodman" McGill (Bob Odenkirk) became the star of the prequel, Better Call Saul. In just its first season, the AMC hit proved that Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) could have led his own series, too, in "Five-O," which peers into his origins as a former Philadelphia police officer.

“Dear Sigmund” - M.A.S.H.

One character from M.A.S.H. whom you could always rely on to give sage advice is Maj. Sidney Freedman (Allan Arbus), who got to the be star in a Season 5 episode called "Dear Sigmund." The Alan Alda-directed episode sees the recurring character penning a letter to legendary psychiatrist Sigmund Freud while visiting the 4077.

“Life Of Brian” - My So-Called Life

A great '90s show that ended far too soon was My So-Called Life, which starred Claire Danes in the Golden Globe-winning main role of struggling teen Angela Chase. One of the few episodes not narrated by Angela is the revered "Life of Brian," which primarily focuses on the personal struggles of her friend, Brian Krakow (Devon Gummersall).

“Musings Of A Cigarette Smoking Man” - The X Files

The first episode of The X Files in which David Duchovny's Fox Mulder does not appear at all and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is only seen briefly in archival footage from the pilot episode is "Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man." The Season 4 episode sheds light on the past of the mysterious recurring role (William B. Davis), portraying him almost as a Forrest Gump-like figure for historical assassinations, such as JFK.

“The Zeppo” - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

In the Season 3 Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode, "The Zeppo," the titular teen warrior (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is faced with a problem that is merely the B-plot. The main storyline focuses on Xander (Nicholas Brendon), who likens himself to Zeppo Marx, feeling like the gang's most expendable member, until he must singlehandedly take on a group of reanimated corpses conspiring to blow up his high school.

“His Story” - Scrubs

There are several episodes of Scrubs that pass narrative duties from J.D. (Zach Braff) onto another character. The first of the bunch was Season 2's "His Story," which follows Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) as he speaks with his therapist about issues he is experiencing in his personal life.

"How Your Mother Met Me" - How I Met Your Mother

After finally meeting Tracy "The Mother" McConnell (Cristin Milioti) in the Season 8 finale, watching her mingle with the rest of the gang, and catching glimpses of her relationship with Ted (Josh Radnor) throughout Season 9, we finally got to know her personally in How I Met Your Mother's 200th episode. Chronicling the series' entire timeline up to that point all from her perspective (during which she experiences heartbreaking tragedy, tough life decisions, and The Naked Man), "How Your Mother Met Me" is easily considered one of the best HIMYM episodes.

"Chapter 5: Return Of The Mandalorian" - The Book Of Boba Fett

After Tamuera Morrison took on the iconic role of Boba Fett on The Mandalorian Season 2, he became the star of his own seven-part spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett. However, the fifth chapter sees the limited series essentially become The Mandalorian Season 2.5 as it focuses entirely on Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin, who ends up becoming the star of the show from that point on.

"Long, Long Time" - The Last Of Us

The most widely celebrated episode of HBO's series adaptation of the popular video game series, The Last of Us, spends the least amount of time with our central protagonists, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). The Emmy-winning "Long, Long Time" is also the first and last episode to feature the characters of Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), tracing their loving relationship over several years after the cordyceps outbreak.

"Teddy Perkins" - Atlanta

Arguably, the best episode of Atlanta has very little to do with creator Donald Glover's Earn or Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) but does heavily feature Glover in a whole different kind of role. The main focus of Season 2's "Teddy Perkins" is Lakeith Stanfield's Darius, who is seeking to buy a piano from the episode's reclusive, eccentric title character (played by a nearly unrecognizable Glover under heavy makeup, who is discovered to be hiding a disturbing secret.

"Almost Got 'Im" - Batman: The Animated Series

Many DC fans agree that the best episode of Batman: The Animated Series is one that shifts the perspective from Kevin Conroy's Dark Knight to the five most notorious members of his rogues gallery. In "Almost Got 'Im," Poison Ivy, The Penguin, The Joker, Two-Face, and Killer Croc gather for a Poker game, during which they trade stories about the times they came closest to defeating the Caped Crusader.

"Wilson" - House

Considering how the titular diagnostician from House (played by Hugh Laurie) is inspired by Sherlock Holmes (whose stories are narrated by John Watson), it is funny that the medical drama is not told from the perspective of the "Watson" in his life. That would change in Season 6 with the airing of "Wilson," which follows Robert Sean Leonard's Dr. James Wilson racing to save the life of his friend, Tucker (Joshua Malina).

"The Ricklantis Mixup" - Rick And Morty

Technically, this classic Rick and Morty episode shows more of the titular duo than any other but because it is really told from the point of view of their many alternate selves, it deserves a spot. The misleadingly titled "The Ricklantis Mixup" is essentially a mini-anthology movie that takes place during a day at the Citadel of Ricks from various perspectives.

"Exposé" - Lost

Out of the many survivors of the plane crash, only a chosen few were recognized as main members of the Lost cast but one episode revealed the backstories of two lesser-seen survivors. "Exposé" begins with Nikki (Kiele Sanchez) and Paulo (Rodrigo Santoro) found dead before flashing back to the couple's lives before the island and their experiences on it.

"A Jury In Jail" - American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson

The eighth episode of American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson still depicts a great deal of the legendary trial from the perspective of the accused former athlete (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) and the opposing legal teams. However, the focus does shift more heavily to the jury and their alternates as sequestration begins to have a challenging effect on them.

"Beard After Hours" - Ted Lasso

In Season 2 of one of the best Apple TV+ original TV shows, Ted Lasso, "Man City" sees Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) go off on his own after AFC Richmond suffers a tough loss. The following episode, "Beard After Hours," sees what the character went through after he walked away, which involves an epic, night-long journey of debauchery, self-discovery, and near-death experiences.

"Pine Barrens" - The Sopranos

Tony (James Gandolfini) and his souring affair with Gloria is the B-plot of the Season 3 Sopranos episode, "Pine Barrens." The central focus is Christopher (Michael Imperioli) and Paulie (Tony Sirico), who come close to freezing to death after getting lost in the woods after being tasked with running collections for the flu-ridden Silvio.

"Blink" - Doctor Who

One of the most acclaimed (and frightening) modern episodes of Doctor Who, "Blink," barely features David Tennant's eponymous time lord or his companion, Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), due to them becoming stuck in the year 1969. Thus, it is up to a woman from the present day named Sally Sparrow (Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan) to prevent statue-esque creatures called Weeping Angels from taking control of the TARDIS.

"What Wood You Wear?" - Dave

While FX's Dave is a fictionalized look at the rise of Dave "'Lil Dicky" Burd (who also co-creates and stars as himself), the humorous hip-hop artist was sure not to hog the spotlight for the first season's entirety. In the seventh episode, "What Wood You Wear?," Dave's buddy Elz (Travis "Taco" Bennett) takes center stage as it follows him DJing at a silent disco and sparking a romantic connection with Emma (Christine Ko).

"Live Bait" - The Walking Dead

Season 3 of The Walking Dead ended with The Governor (David Morrissey) wiping out most of his crew and taking off with the last of his loyal henchpeople. The sixth episode of the fourth season, "Live Bait," fills us in on what he had been up to since then, showing evidence of redemption since Woodbury's destruction as he bonds with a small family but also evidence of a further descent into madness, which leads to his attack on the prison.

"A Quick One, While He's Away" - BoJack Horseman

In addition to any of the main characters from Netflix's animated acclaimed TV sitcom, BoJack Horseman, Will Arnett's eponymous washed-up celebrity does not show up, nor is he mentioned by name in Season 6's "A Quick One, While He's Away." However, the episode does focus on characters who have been heavily, and mostly negatively, affected by his actions, based on their implied references to him.

"Teacup" - Man Seeking Woman

Creator Simon Rich's absurd romantic fantasy satire, Man Seeking Woman, is told largely from a male perspective (specifically that of Jay Baruchel's Josh Greenberg) but flips the script with Season 1's "Teacup," which makes Josh's sister, Liz (future Severance cast member, Britt Lower), the star. Liz experiences common pains of modern dating in a ridiculously exaggerated manner, from becoming jealous of a group of married girls who are much younger (elementary school age, to be exact) to literally Frankensteining the perfect man for her, only to learn he is gay.

"Zuko Alone" - Avatar: The Last Airbender

One of the most interesting ways that a TV show can shake things up is by making its main antagonist the star of an episode, such as "Zuko Alone" from Nickelodeon's original Avatar: The Last Airbender series. The seventh chapter of "Book Two: Earth" sees the Firebender (voiced by Dante Basco) reminiscing about his childhood after he is exiled from his village.

"New York, I Love You" - Master Of None

In a Season 2 episode of Netflix's Master of None called "New York, I Love You," Dev (co-creator Aziz Ansari) and his friends only appear in the bookend scenes. Instead, the focus shifts primarily toward the intersecting lives of a group of never-before-seen working-class New Yorkers, including a doorman, a deaf cashier, and a taxi driver.

“Ballad Of The Lonesome Loser" - High Fidelity

Much like the classic music movie Nick Hornby's novel inspired in 2000, Hulu's series adaptation of High Fidelity follows the romantic challenges of record store owner Rob Gordon (Zoë Kravitz)... except for Episode 8. In "Ballad of the Lonesome Loser," Rob's gay friend and coworker Simon (David H. Holmes) gets the chance to break the fourth wall and discuss his romantic struggles.

“The Algae's Always Greener" - SpongeBob Squarepants

Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence) has been the primary focus in a few episodes of SpongeBob Squarepants, the funniest and most amusing of which would have to be "The Algae's Always Greener." Fed up with always failing in his attempts to steal the Krabby Patty Secret Formula, the pint-sized Chum Bucket owner uses a special device that allows him to experience life from the perspective of his longtime rival, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown).

"A View From The Gallery" - Babylon 5

Years after Star Trek: The Next Generation helped coin the "lower decks episode" term, Babylon 5 – a sci-fi series that earns many comparisons to the Star Trek franchise – released its own. "A View from the Gallery" is told largely from the perspective of the eponymous space station's custodial crew.

"Tarrare" - Atlanta

The Season 3 finale of Atlanta, "Tarrare," provided an eye-opening explanation for Vanessa's (Zazie Beetz) unusual behavior, showing that she has adopted a bizarre alternate personality, and a French accent while living in Paris. Donald Glover's Earn is the only other main character to appear in the episode but does not show up until the even weirder post-credit sequence.

"5 To 9" - House

After dedicating an entire episode to Robert Sean Leonard's Wilson, House gave Lisa Edelstein's Dr. Lisa Cuddy the same treatment. Season 6's "5 to 9" follows a day in the life of Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital's Dean of Medicine and Chief Hospital Administrator.

"Symphony Of Illumination" - How I Met Your Mother

In the Season 7 episode, "Symphony of Illumination," How I Met Your Mother cast member Cobie Smulders' Robin Scherbatsky takes over as the narrator to tell her future son and daughter about her and Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) pregnancy scare. However, she later discovers that she is actually unable to have children and the kids she was talking to only existed in her imagination.

“Relevance” - Person Of Interest

Season 2 of CBS' Person of Interest introduced a new character named Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) in an episode that made her the star of most of the action.

Better Call Saul is a (law school) textbook example of a TV spinoff that matches its predecessor in terms of quality storytelling, and it helped turn Mr. Show icon Bob Odenkirk into a dramatic powerhorse. But as it often goes with incredibly amazing television standouts, an ill-sighted network note nearly clipped the actor’s Saul Goodman character from existence before he could bring his signature sleaze to some of Breaking Bad’s best episodes.

Better Call Saul co-creator and esteemed Breaking Bad writer Peter Gould dropped this gobsmacking nugget of info in the impending BTS extravaganza Saul Goodman V. Jimmy McGill: The Critical Companion to Better Call Saul (via EW), penned by Alan Sepinwall and out on February 4, 2025. The Emmy winner dug into the origins of the flagship drama’s Season 2 episode “Better Call Saul,” by first admitting that when Season 2 was being crafted, he wasn’t entirely sure what the tone was, and defaulted to creator Vince Gilligan for guidance.

The basic idea was that Bryan Cranston’s Walter White needed a lawyer, and the writers initially went a little overboard in the conception phase for that character that eventually became Saul. As Gould put it:

As a kid, the idea of a pneumatic tube connections was the stuff of dreams, so I would have been down with that idea all the way. But I digress.

Continuing his explanation, Peter Gould said that as opposed to being conceived as a standalone character with the potential to expand this crime drama saga, Saul Goodman was just meant to be a means to an end for Walt's story, albeit a means that was more amusing than perhaps expected. Which sparked some nervousness when it came to how the shyster would properly fit into the deadly serious story. And as Gould put it, those nerves were fully justified.

You gotta love a higher-up boss who can look at something and, probably without making an attempt to grasp how much work went into it, ask if it could be done all over again from top to bottom. Wait, did I say "love?" I meant "rage out against."

Thankfully, Vince Gilligan made the decision to speak up in defense of the colorful attorney, making it possible for Better Call Saul's A+ episodes to exist and entertain in perpetuity. According to Gould:

And here I thought the wildest change-in-decision behind the scenes of Breaking Bad (at least ones concerning Bob Odenkirk's character) might have been flipping Saul from having a Hot Topic job to working at Cinnabon. But this is on a whole other level of "What the hell was that one person thinking?"

All episodes of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are available to stream with an AMC+ subscription, and if there’s ever a point when it looks like BCS doesn’t exist anymore, that’s how you’ll know you unwittingly slipped into that alternate universe where AMC execs got their way. Good luck getting home!

The so-called "Golden Age" or "Peak TV era" of television is broadly (and roughly) defined as the running from the debut of The Sopranos to the finale of Better Call Saul. This isn't a perfect description, as there are still some really amazing shows that continue part, like, say, Severance, just to name one. But, for this article, we're going to stick to those parameters. Without further ado, here is our list of some of the truly great shows from the Peak Era of television.

Game Of Thrones

We certainly couldn't make this list without the grand dragon on them all, HBO's Game of Thrones. Though the ending made a lot of people mad and you can argue that the show declined greatly in its last couple of seasons, it doesn't diminish the greatest of the show's early years. With some of the most shocking moments in TV history, the show was must-watch TV for all eight seasons.

Atlanta

Creator and star of Atlanta Donald Glover proved yet again that he is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Over six years and four seasons the show and its star were showered with acclaim and industry awards, including multiple Golden Globes and Emmys. Not only did Glover win an Emmy for acting on the FX series, but he became the first African-American to win Best Director at the Emmys in the show's first season.

The West Wing

There aren't a lot of network TV shows on this list, but one that simply has to be is The West Wing. For seven seasons in the early 2000s, the NBC hit was one of the best shows in network history. Featuring a long list of stars that included Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, and many other cast members, The West Wing gave us all a look into all that government can be if we want it to be.

Lost

Pardon the pun, but it's fair to say that ABC's Lost lost its way towards the end. A confluence of events, including a writer's strike, left fans more than a little annoyed with the show's final couple of seasons, but those first few years were simply incredible. The show, which debuted in 2004, was one of the first shows that was ever described as "bingable" and with good reasons, the cliffhangers were amazing.

Mad Men

In a lot of ways, AMC's Mad Men kind of came out of nowhere. Set in the 1960s, it was unlike anything on TV at the time and the longer it went on, the better it got, which is rare for any show. It made a star out of Jon Hamm and fascinated viewers each week both with its wonderful storytelling and its look back at one of the most turbulent and interesting decades in American history.

The Office

In an era when sitcoms were evolving and struggling to keep up with their dramatic counterparts, The Office was one of the biggest shows of all time (that's what she said). Steve Carell's performance as the worst boss in the world became one of the most quotable and memed shows ever. It's true the NBC show did suffer some when Carell left after Season 7, the legacy of the show was well-established by then.

Downton Abbey

If you had bet on a period piece set on an opulent estate during Edwardian England would be a massive hit, most of the time, you'd lose. If you placed that bet on Downton Abbey, however, you'd have won big. There are no action sequences, stunts, or special effects. It's simply a wonderfully told story with fantastic characters played by excellent actors.

Better Call Saul

As a spinoff to another Peak TV era show, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul found its own place in television history. It's a very different show from the show that birthed it, as it's a little more surreal and, frankly, funny. In some people's eyes, the AMC's show's finale in 2022 marks the end of an era.

The Wire

Famously, The Wire was never a monster hit for HBO. Certainly not on the level of The Sopranos, which ran during roughly the same few years. Still, it has maintained a spot at the top or near the top of almost any list of "Best TV Shows in History." The Wire plays out like a 60-hour movie or a great book. The character development is unrivaled and the storytelling is heartbreaking, uplifting, and frustrating (in a good way). There is no doubt that the show will be remembered as one of the best for a long, long time.

Breaking Bad

What can we write about Breaking Bad that hasn't already been written. Widely considered the best (or close to the best) TV show of all time, the Bryan Cranston-led show was wildly popular with both fans and critics alike. It is one of the darkest shows in history, but that never diminished the love for it.

Narcos

Netflix landed itself a massive hit with Narcos in 2015. Wagner Moura, who played the kingpin Pablo Escobar stole the show with his uncanny and incredible performance as the notorious drug lord and Pedro Pascal found a new level of fame as one of the DEA agents trying to bring Escobar down. The show's third season, which shifted away from the Escobar story after the character's death wasn't quite on the level of the first two, but the show was popular enough to launch a spinoff, Narcos: Mexico, which ran for three seasons as well.

The Sopranos

The Sopranos' debut on HBO in January of 1999 marks the unofficial beginning of the Golden Age of Television - or at least the modern Golden Age. The production value, storytelling, and acting on the show were unlike anything anyone had ever seen. the characters were fully formed almost from the moment they first hit the screen and the story that unfolded, about a mafia boss played by the late, great James Gandolfini trying to keep both his crime family and his actual family together was simply unparalleled. Right down to the end and the show's much-talked-about finale.

Grey's Anatomy

As one of the longest-running prime-time shows in history, Grey's Anatomy has run for almost the entire era of "peak TV." Since its debut in 2005 and over more than 20 seasons and 400 episodes, the show has just kept chugging along with a devoted fanbase who stayed with it over the decades and though the endless cast changes can be frustrating, the show is remarkable.

24

One of the very first "bingable" shows would have to be 24. The Kiefer Sutherland-led action show from Fox kept viewers on the edge of their seats for nine seasons, one TV movie (24: Redemption), and a couple of spin-offs. It all made 24 one of the most bankable franchises of the era.

Six Feet Under

The early 2000s were an incredible era for HBO. Along with The Sopranos and The Wire, the network had another one of the best shows of the era with Six Feet Under. The show told the story of the Fisher family and their trials and turbulations running the family business, a funeral home. Mix in some supernatural elements and HBO had a unique hit on their hands.

Modern Family

Network sitcoms that enter the general cultural zeitgeist are few and far between these days. Certainly not like they were in their heyday of the 1970s and '80s. There are still a few that break through though, like Modern Family. For a time, it seemed as those everyone in the country was watching the ups and downs of the most dysfunctional and wonder families in TV history. For 11 seasons, the ABC hit dominated the ratings and is still a hit on streaming years after airing its finale in 2020.

Orange Is the New Black

Orange Is the New Black wasn't the first "prestige TV" show from Netflix, but it's safe to say it solidified Netflix's spot among the biggest players in the industry. For seven seasons over six years, the prison comedy-drama told the semi-autobiographical story of Piper Kerman, whose book of the same name was the basis for the show. Kerman spent a year in prison and many of the stories in the show reflected or told the experiences she had while in jail.

Deadwood

Many of the best Westerns on film came out many decades ago. On TV, there were big hits in the '50s and '60s like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, but the best Western television show of the 21st Century, Deadwood has almost nothing in common with any of those. The show was dark, crass, and unlike anything else on TV. The verbose language and insane moments made must-see TV at the time. Sadly it was never quite as popular as it should have been and that made for some herky-jerky starts-and-stops between seasons, but the show never dipped in quality.

Friday Night Lights

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose," from a speech by Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) in Friday Night Lights has become part of the television canon, just as the show has. Based on the movie starring Billy Bob Thornton about the spectacle that is high school football in Texas, the show has outshined its source material in almost every way.

Veep

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is unique. She not only starred in the biggest sitcom of the 1990s, Seinfeld, but she's followed it up with two more hot shows. First in the '00s she won awards for The New Adventures of Old Christine and then in the 2010s had maybe her best performance as the hapless, power-hungry Vice President on HBO's Veep for which she won an incredible seven Emmys in a row.

House Of Cards

In 2013 Netflix loudly announced it was ready to be a player in the Peak Age of TV with House Of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Based on a British show of the same name, the show highlighted the darkest corners of politics and despite the show losing some steam when Kevin Spacey got caught in the middle of a serious legal battle forcing him off the show and effectively ending his career, it still deserves recognition for all six seasons it ran for.

The Walking Dead

Over 11 seasons and 177 episodes, it's fair to say that not every moment on The Walking Dead was peak TV. That doesn't tell the whole story though, because when The Walking Dead was great, it was really great. The AMC zombie show was a ratings monster and cultivated one of the most dedicated fanbases ever, which led to multiple spinoffs that will seemingly run forever.

Boardwalk Empire

When Boardwalk Empire premiered on HBO in 2009, it came with a lot of hype as the mind behind it, Terrence Winter, had been of the key creative minds behind The Sopranos. While Boardwalk Empire never quite reached the lofty heights of The Sopranos, it was still one of the best shows on TV in its time.

Sons Of Anarchy

Like a few other shows on this list, FX's Sons Of Anarchy isn't a perfect show. There were some ill-advised plot decisions, like moving the gang to Ireland for a while, but like those other shows, when SOA was good, it was really, really good. The characters became our own dysfunctional family who we laughed, cried, and died with over the show's seven seasons. A spinoff, Mayans M.C., wasn't as good, but it also found a fanbase and lasted for five seasons.

The Americans

Of all the shows on this list, the one that maybe flew under the radar more than most has to be The Americans. The FX show was just... cool. It was a spy thriller that brought the Cold War back to U.S. television. Set in the '80s and starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, the show ran for six great seasons and never really fell off as so many other shows do.

30 Rock

How do you follow up an incredible run as a star and head writer on SNL? Well, if you're as talented and funny as Tina Fey, you create one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 21st Century with 30 Rock. If nothing else, the show left us with the important bit of advice that you should never go with a hippie to a second location.

Justified

FX's Justified updated the Western for the 21st Century. Based on a book for Elmore Leonard and starring Timothy Olyphant as a 21st-century lawman with with his heart in the 19th Century, Justified was as noir as you'd expect from a story by Leonard and the acting is, across the board, fantastic.

True Detective

One of the darkest shows during the Peak Era of TV had to be True Detective, especially the first season. The unconventional storytelling was brought to life brilliantly by stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson and while the show was still great for a couple of more seasons, it really was that first season that stood out and above the others.

Succession

On HBO's Succession, the entire Roy family are all awful people. It's a show entirely made of characters we love to hate. We hated them so much, we couldn't wait to tune in each week to see what awful things they would do and it made the show unique and magical in that way.

Homeland

Showtime's Homeland started with a bang in its first season, or rather, almost ended its first season with a bang that never happened. The spy thriller starring Claire Danes and Damian Lewis was the ultimate nail-biter as no one really knew how the season would end. While the end of that first season was probably the pinnacle of the show, it ended up airing for seven more excellent seasons.

Battlestar Galactica

Interestingly, though there are some exceptions, Sci-Fi wasn't a huge part of the era. One of those exceptions was Battlestar Galactica, a reboot of the old series from the 1970s. The new version was a mystery wrapped in a space adventure and featured some of the craziest twists of any show from the time.

Barry

It's always cool to see an actor known primarily for their comedic talents take on a more serious role and Bill Hader in Barry is a perfect example. Sure, there is some dark comedy in the show of course, but, especially as the show went on, the character played by Hader was as complex as any character we've seen on TV and Hader is amazing.

I have a confession to make. Amidst my dislike for green beans and custard (a tragedy given my St Louis home base), I also didn’t love one of the proclaimed peak TV greats: Breaking Bad. In fact, my husband and I got through more than a season of slogging through the well-acted, well-scripted, and highly lauded drama series before I gave up and called it quits. I don’t regret it for a second.

I didn’t quit Breaking Bad because I thought it was rubbish. I didn’t quit because life got too busy; life is always busy and I’ve still had time to binge-watch a decade’s worth of Masterchef. I didn’t quit because I have a grudge against Bryan Cranston or Vince Gilligan or because I liked Dean Norris better in Under the Dome. (Sidebar: I did not like Dean Norris better in Under the Dome, though the first season is solid.)

I didn’t quit because at the time of Breaking Bad’s airing, particularly near the end, the Albuquerque-set series was all my co-workers could talk about. Though it is worth pointing out that Breaking Bad was a huge talking point for CinemaBlend back in 2013 when I was a freelancer at this esteemed website.

I quit because I found it dark, graphic and depressing. Much like Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone In The Dark, it was keeping me up all night on the nights I managed to get through an episode or two. I could watch an episode at 4 p.m. and still be stressed about it at 1 a.m. It had nothing to do with the memorable characters or the solid writing; I simply could not abide living adjacent to this world created by Vince Gilligan.

I can’t be the only person in the history of the universe who simply found Breaking Bad to be too stressful to manage, but I have yet to find another person willing to admit this. All of the reasons above are reasons Breaking Bad is often listed as one of the best TV shows and (among the best TV shows that got even more popular streaming). In fact, there are so many people who like the Bryan Cranston-led drama there are literal resources to help viewers find shows like Breaking Bad.

My co-workers have since told me that Better Call Saul might be a better fit tonally for me, and they are probably right. Bob Odenkirk’s a funny guy in real life and Saul has been branded by us as a TV series that’s “easy to dive into.” I even recently found out Saul was originally supposed to work at a Hot Topic, a prospect I find very amusing. But I had so much trouble sleeping with Breaking Bad, I haven’t been willing to give Saul Goodman’s tale the proper reverence, either. Maybe my Gilligan-less streak will change when his new show with Rhea Seehorn drops?

Listen, as someone who works on the Internet, I am inherently aware I missed out on a lot of cultural milestones and a piece of peak TV history by ducking out when I did. I know because TV moments like Heisenberg throwing a pizza onto the roof were everywhere. But for me, there’s just stuff I wanted to do that didn’t include well-written stories about a teacher-turned-crime lord and the chances he was willing to take when he felt like he had nothing to lose.

I know I write about TV for a living, but the occasional gap is necessary given how much content is being created these days, and we have a lot of wonderful employees who could wax poetic about which episodes are the best (and worse) and which Gilligan series sticks with them more. It's just not me.

And in case you are wondering… No, I haven’t been able to finish Sons of Anarchy either.

Sometimes, you get to a point where you need a new show to binge – and thankfully, there are plenty of great dramas out there that are readily available. Whether it’s some of the best shows to binge on Netflix or some of the best HBO shows out there, there are so many dramas that you can dive right into. Here are some of the best that I would recommend.

Yellowstone (2018 – 2024)

Running for five seasons, Yellowstone is one of those neo-Western dramas that just exploded when it first came out. The series follows the lives of those who live on a large cattle ranch – the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch – as well as the Broken Rock Indian reservation and the land developers who want to take it all away. I can literally think of no other drama to dive headfirst into other than this one.

Narcos (2015 – 2017)

Narcos, a Netflix series with three seasons, follows the story of Pablo Escobar, a real-life drug lord, and how he became the legend we all know him as. Season 3 follows the aftermath of his defeat. As someone who loves a good crime drama, I think this show is one of the best to sink your teeth into.

Game Of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

There is no better cast out there than the Game of Thrones cast, and you will think the same thing once you watch this series. The legendary HBO show is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin. It follows the story of several influential individuals who all look for one thing – to rule Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms, as well as the lives that are taken in the process. With eight seasons, it’s an easy binge.

Outlander (2014 – Present)

Based on the novels of the same name, Outlander takes romance and history and makes it into the steamiest drama that you’re going to love. The series follows the story of a World War II military nurse who is sent back in time to the 1700s and falls in love with a Highland warrior. Yes, this is a legit series, and it takes so many twists and turns that you’ll love every second of it.

The Wire (2002 – 2008)

The Wire is considered one of the best HBO shows of all time, and for good reason. The crime drama is set in Baltimore, Maryland, and each season discusses a new part of the city and how it’s related to the legal system there, from education to drugs. While it’s shocking that the series never won Best Drama at the Emmys, it’s still an incredible show, one that deserves so much praise.

Stranger Things (2016 – Present)

While plenty see Stranger Things as sci-fi (for good reasons), it is, at its core, a fun drama that features some really cool mysteries. The series begins in the 1980s with Will Byers going missing and his mother and friends trying to find him in a town full of secrets. The series itself is one of Netflix’s biggest hits, so it’s certainly worth the time to watch.

The Bear (2022 – Present)

I legitimately don’t care what people say. This show is way more drama than comedy, and I stand by that. The Bear follows the story of a young chef who travels back to Chicago in order to save his brother’s restaurant after he passes and tries to turn it into a fine-dining restaurant. The series has an incredible The Bear cast and is constantly nominated for so many awards. It’s so good.

Ozark (2017 – 2022)

Over four seasons, Ozark follows a married couple as they move to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to launder money for the Mexican drug cartel. However, as they arrive, they run into trouble that turns their lives upside down. The series was a huge hit on Netflix and earned plenty of praise during its run.

Silo (2023 – Present)

One of the best Apple TV+ shows will have you on the edge of your seat. Silo, which is based on the trilogy of novels Wool, Shift, and Dust, follows the story of a community that somehow lives in a vast underground silo that has 144 levels and the conflicts that arrive in this dystopian world.

Lost (2004 – 2010)

When we think of dramas, Lost certainly tops the list. The series, which aired for six seasons, follows the lives of plane passengers who survive a crash on a distant island. However, they start to realize that this place is not a typical island and that there are deadly forces at work. While the Lost finale is highly discussed as one of the worst out there, the rest of the series is great to watch.

House Of The Dragon (2022 – Present)

If you love Game of Thrones, chances are you’ll enjoy House of the Dragon as well. The series, based on the novel Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, focuses on the story of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and how she fights for the throne in the legendary Dance of Dragons when her half-brother takes it. It’s undoubtedly one of the best fantasy shows right now.

Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)

Starring Cillian Murphy as the iconic Tommy Shelby, Peaky Blinders is a period crime drama that follows the lives of the Peaky Blinders crime gang and their rise to power in Birmingham after World War I.

Bridgerton (2020 – Present)

If you’re looking for a romantic drama to dive into, then Bridgerton is the one for you. With three seasons (so far), the series follows the lives of the Bridgerton children back in the 1800s in England, with each season focusing on a new romance filled with scandalous drama and steamy moments.

Squid Game (2021 – Present)

Squid Game is hands down the biggest Netflix show of all time, and for good reason. This drama, hailing from South Korea, tells the story of a group of competitors who all play children’s games in order to win a large amount of money – but the competition takes a deadly twist when people are literally eliminated from life when they lose the games.

The Walking Dead (2011 – 2022)

The Walking Dead was, at one point, one of the biggest shows on television, and as someone who has watched all eleven seasons of The Walking Dead, I still think it’s a great series to dive into. Based on the comics of the same name, the show mainly follows Rick Grimes, a former cop, who leads his group of survivors as zombies – known as “walkers” – take over the world.

Yellowjackets (2021 – Present)

Yellowjackets is hands down one of the best Showtime shows, and I will always recommend it to anyone who wants to dive right into it. The series follows two timelines—one in which a high school soccer team must survive in the Canadian wilderness when their plane crashes over the mountains and do whatever it takes to make it out alive, and the other decades later, where the survivors are still dealing with the consequences of their actions.

The Last Of Us (2023 – Present)

If you want to talk about the best video game adaptations out there, I can think of nothing better than The Last of Us. Based on the video game franchise of the same name, The Last of Us follows Joel Miller, a survivor of a zombie outbreak, who is tasked with getting a teenager across the United States because she might be the cure for the rest of the world.

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

I only put one miniseries on this list, but trust me when I say The Queen’s Gambit is the best miniseries to dive into. The series, based on the novel of the same name, follows the story of a young woman named Beth Harmon in the 1950s and 60s as she rises to fame as a chess player but also deals with substance abuse. The series was a huge hit and was a career-changing role for star Anya Taylor-Joy.

Barry (2018 – 2023)

I could go on about Barry for years. The series follows the life of a former U.S. Marine who takes on a new job as a hitman, but when he goes to California for a job, he finds himself drawn to the life of an actor and questioning his role in his life. The Barry cast is so talented, and all four seasons are so intense you’ll want to binge it for hours.

Alice In Borderland (2020 – Present)

Japan has always had some amazing dramas to dive into, and one that I love is Alice in Borderland. The series, based on the manga of the same name, follows the lives of two young people who work together to survive dangerous games in Tokyo. If they don’t succeed, they are killed by lasers shot from the sky. Yes, this is an intense drama, but it’s worth every second watching.

Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

I have to put Breaking Bad on this list. The famous AMC series follows the life of a high school science teacher who turns to a life of crime in order to provide for his family after his sudden cancer diagnosis. Considered one of the best dramas of all time, Breaking Bad is worth every second watching – and of course, the Breaking Bad cast is incredible as well.

Better Call Saul (2015 – 2022)

If you’ve seen Breaking Bad, then Better Call Saul is the subsequent drama that you should dive into. The series, which is a spinoff of Breaking Bad, follows the beginning years of the iconic lawyer, Saul Goodman, who originally began as Jimmy McGill. But throughout six seasons, we see him fall into a life of crime.

This Is Us (2016 – 2022)

This Is Us is one of those dramas that only comes once in a lifetime because, I swear, there is something that we can all connect to with this show. The series mainly revolves around the lives of three siblings and their connections to each other from across the United States, as well as seeing flashbacks of their past to growing up with their parents. It doesn’t sound like it would be dramatic, but trust me when I say you’ll find something to cry about with this show in the first episode.

The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

The Sopranos is another great drama that I think everyone thinks of when they hear the word “crime.” The series, which comes from HBO, tells the story of Tony Soprano, a mobster from New Jersey, and how he deals with his personal and professional life with the mob and the problems he runs into.

Black Mirror (2011 – Present)

There are some excellent anthology shows out there, but Black Mirror is the type of drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. The series has different episodes each season, and all of them display some strange dystopian concepts in a not-so-far future that will truly shock and entertain you, from strange afterlives to how we view social media.

All Of Us Are Dead (2022 – Present)

South Korea has some of the best horror shows out there, and one that I will always recommend is All Of Us Are Dead. The series follows a group of high school students who must survive when a zombie outbreak begins within their walls and how they try to communicate to the outside world that they need help.

You (2018 – Present)

Oh, hello there, you. Yes, you, reading this, because surely, you’ll end up being the next thing Joe Goldberg is obsessed with. You is a drama that follows Joe, a seemingly normal man who falls in love way too quickly – and when he loves, he loves hard and will take out whoever threatens that relationship or your life.

Black Doves (2024 – Present)

Starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, Black Doves is the latest spy thriller that will have you on the edge of your seats. The series follows a young woman whose identity is revealed, putting her life in danger. Her employers send an old friend to keep her safe, sending them on a whirlwind espionage adventure.

The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)

There are plenty of Mike Flanagan TV shows to check out on Netflix, but I always recommend The Haunting of Hill House before any of the others. The series alternates between two timelines: one of a family moving into a seemingly normal house with a dark past, and the next day, the family comes back together to face the darkness they had once encountered in their new home.

The Crown (2016 – 2023)

The Crown, which detailed the life of Queen Elizabeth II, had six seasons that followed her rise to become the monarch we all knew her as and how her reign changed as the decades progressed. The series earned several awards and nominations over its six-season run.

Dexter (2006 – 2013)

While plenty of people talk about the Dexter finale, the series itself is still a great drama to drive into. Following the titular character, Dexter is a blood splatter analyst by day and a serial killer by night, who uses his job to find horrible people and take them out as a way to suit his dark urges. But when one other killer starts to challenge him, he decides to take matters into his own hands and end them.

Succession (2018 – 2023)

HBO has been a huge producer of dramas for years, and Succession is hands down one of the best in the last decade. The series follows the Roy family, a hugely successful family that owns an entertainment conglomerate. Their lives are thrown upside down thanks to a health scare from their patriarch. Now, the question of who will own the company after he passes causes drama.

These are just some of the best dramas out there to check out – all of which are great ways to spend a weekend. I think it’s time for another binge. Who’s up for a marathon?

As many Better Call Saul fans are well aware, one thing that made the AMC prequel stand apart from its predecessor was the use of black-and-white flash-forwards that gave audiences a peek into Saul Goodman’s life after splitting ties with Walter White. Gene’s introduction in Better Call Saul’s series premiere was an immediate callback to Breaking Bad, which set up Bob Odenkirk’s character managing an Omaha Cinnabon. But I was shocked to discover Saul was nearly set up in a different part of the mall: Hot Topic.

No, the man born Jimmy McGill wasn’t meant to be showcasing a previously untapped love of metal band T-shirts and Nightmare Before Christmas merch, at least not that we know of. It was just a creative choice that creator Vince Gilligan and the writers landed on when crafting Breaking Bad’s fifth and final season, with a coporate mall gig poking fun at how far away that kind of professional life is from Saul Goodman’s illegal dealings.

Breaking Bad writer and Better Call Saul co-creator Peter Gould took to BlueSky after stumbling upon an early draft of the second-to-last installment of the widely acclaimed drama, “Granite State,” and shared the page where the original idea for Saul’s follow-up gig was typed out, with the following message:

The scripted scene in question is taking place when Robert Forster's Ed is meeting with Bryan Cranston's Walter White and Odenkirk's shifty lawyer, and here's how Saul originally worded his assumed fate:

• Saul: I mean, a month from now, best case scenario, I'm managing a Hot Topic in Omaha.

For whatever reason, a Hot Topic in Omaha comes across as even more of a desolate situation for Saul than a Cinnabon in the same location. It would be very weird to pass by the semi-goth store and see someone with Gene's demeanor and mustache stocking shelves.

Why Breaking Bad Went From Hot Topic To CInnabon

Obviously the Breaking Bad episode that made it to air had no mention of that particular mall chain, which was replaced by the now-ubiquitous dessert brand Cinnabon. While it would be interesting to hear that the switch came about due to some deep character development ideas, it turns out Hot Topic was avoided for other reasons. As Gould explained in the comments beneath the post:

At which point someone pointed out that Cinnabon sounds funnier than Hot Topic anyway, to which Gould replied:

Never forget that the franchise's generosity included once giving Gene/Saul major props as its "favorite team member." At least, before things went far screwier in later seasons.

Don't get me wrong, I would have absolutely loved to have seen Saul-as-Gene dealing with Hot Topic inventory and customers, though it would have been the flip side of the bright, white aesthetics of Cinnabon's interiors. Plus, we wouldn't have gotten the all-time great cinnamon bun montage, which would be a crime against TV audiences.

But for those who would still like to know what Bob Odenkirk might have looked like as a more extreme Hot Topic manager, here he is in Mr. Show's Norma Jean Monster sketch.

Now to wash that image out of one's brain, both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul can be streamed in full with a Netflix subscription. Both shows go great with a nice, warm, fluffy, cinnamon bun.

When it comes to TV shows, character deaths are relatively common, as plenty of shows have axed main or supporting players throughout their runs. Feelings over such casualties can vary, with some eliciting waves of tears and others causing people to celebrate. What we’re going to discuss here are the fictional fatalities that fall into that first category. So break out the tissues as we discuss the notable demises that still break our hearts.

Joyce Summers (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

To say that Buffy the Vampire Slayer features its fair share of brutal and otherworldly deaths would be an understatement. Yet it’s the natural passing of Buffy’s mom, Joyce Summers, that arguably still hurts fans the most today. The matriarch dies in Season 5 due to a brain aneurysm, and her body is ultimately found by her daughter. Joyce’s death shakes Buffy and her friends to their cores, but it also prompts them to grow up and take a greater step towards adulthood.

Nate Fisher (Six Feet Under)

Mortality is a major theme of Six Feet Under and, while every main character’s demise is chronicled by the end of the show, one that really sticks out is the passing of lead character Nate Fisher. Diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, Nate dies of a brain hemorrhage in a hospital with his brother, David, by his side. While Nate’s death prompts his family to cope with their grief and ultimately move forward with their lives amid the series’ final episodes, it’s a gut-wrenching development nonetheless.

Glenn Rhee (The Walking Dead)

The Walking Dead’s heartbreaking deaths are all painful in some way or another, but few can hold a candle to the moment Glenn Rhee is killed off. In Season 7, the thoughtful young man dies at the hands of the Saviors’ leader, Negan, who beats him to death with his barbed wire baseball bat, Lucille. Glenn’s death itself is sad, but it’s even more unfortunate considering that he leaves behind his wife, Maggie, and their unborn child.

Prue Halliwell (Charmed)

Drama between Charmed cast members Alyssa Milano and Shannen Doherty is said to be a contributing factor to the death of the latter actress’ character, Prue Halliwell. At the end of Season 3, Prue is murdered by a demon named Shax. In addition to marking the end of the character, this event also serves as a turning point for the remaining Halliwell sisters.

Hank Schrader (Breaking Bad)

Special Agent Hank Schrader is one of the best Breaking Bad characters and arguably has one of the most distressing deaths in the franchise’s history. Following a shootout, Hank is killed by neo-Nazi leader Jack Welker in the acclaimed episode “Ozymandias.” Schraeder’s drug-dealing brother-in-law, Walter White, witnesses the event and is left distraught. The loss of Hank is tremendous, and the only point of comfort is that Walt later avenges him by killing Jack.

Bill McNeal (NewsRadio)

The passing of comedian Phil Hartman in 1998 is what prompted the producers of the hit NBC sitcom NewsRadio to kill off his character, Bill McNeal, ahead of the fifth and final season. It’s explained in the premiere that Bill died (off-screen) from a heart attack, and his co-workers mourn him heavily. The episode is an emotional tribute to the character and the work of the great Hartman.

Dr. Mark Greene (ER)

One of the key storylines from ER Season 8 involves Dr. Mark Greene dealing with a serious brain cancer diagnosis. His health sadly declines as the season goes on and, in the penultimate episode, Greene dies. The situation is truly bittersweet as, before he passes on Greene, he’s able to spend time with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters, Rachel and Ella.

Ned Stark (Game Of Thrones)

Game of Thrones killed off Eddard “Ned” Stark in truly Shakespearean fashion. Joffrey Baratheon goads Stark into admitting to “treason” in order to save his children’s lives and his own. Stark eventually makes that declaration during a public hearing, though Joffrey orders him to be killed anyway, in what’s truly a devastating turn of events.

Caitlin Todd (NCIS)

Caitlin Todd’s death at the tail end of NCIS Season 2 might be one of the most tragic moments in the history of TV. The character is murdered via a sniper attack by Mossad double-agent Ari Haswari, who later reveals that he only did it to hurt Todd’s colleague, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Caitlin’s demise is only made worse by the fact that her final words are “Wow, I thought I'd die before I ever heard a complim…”

Mark Sloan (Grey's Anatomy)

Mark Sloan’s death can be attributed to injuries sustained during a plane crash in Grey’s Anatomy’s eighth season finale. Mark is taken off life support in the Season 9 premiere after being in a coma. And that tragic event only adds to the sadness that his co-workers feel after Sloan’s lover, Lexie Grey, succumbed to injuries from the crash in the Season 8 finale.

Adriana La Cerva (The Sopranos)

It’s honestly hard to feel sympathy for a lot of the characters on The Sopranos, but Adriana La Cerva deserves some. La Cerva, who’s aware of fiancée Christopher Moltisanti’s mob dealings, eventually becomes a mole for the feds after being busted for drug possession. After she tells Chris about this and tries to convince him to disappear with her, he tells his uncle, Tony Soprano, who has Adriana killed.

Jonathan Kent (Smallville)

DC Comics fans surely know that there are many continuities in which Clark Kent’s adopted father, Jonathan Kent, dies. However, that doesn’t make seeing him die from a heart attack – while surrounded by Clark and Martha Kent – in the 100th episode of Smallville any easier.

Mrs. Dolores Landingham (The West Wing)

A character as endearing as The West Wing’s Mrs. Dolores Landingham doesn’t deserve to die at all. With that, many would surely agree that she didn’t deserve to be killed by a drunk driver near the end of Season 2. Landingham’s death still marks one of the most shocking moments in TV history.

Charlie Pace (Lost)

Of the various deaths that occurred on Lost, Charlie Pace’s passing still arguably hurts more than others. The fan-favorite character was killed off during the events of the third season’s finale. It’s in that installment that Charlie is doomed to drown after Mikhail Bakunin blows a hole in the underwater Looking Glass Station, though he dies a hero due to the fact that he saves some of his comrades.

Chet Hunter (Boy Meets World)

The father of Shawn and Jack Hunter, Chet died suddenly during Boy Meets World’s sixth season after suffering from two heart attacks. While the patriarch passes on before being able to formally reconcile with Shawn, the two do so when the younger Hunter later encounters his father’s ghost.

Mr. Hooper (Sesame Street)

Many members of Generation X surely remember one of the most emotional moments in Sesame Street’s illustrious history – the death of Will Lee’s Mr. Hooper, which occurred after Lee himself passed on in 1982. The episode that tackles Hooper’s passing is a truly emotional episode that sees the members of the community paying tribute to the late store proprietor. The installment also remains a groundbreaking piece of work for its exploration of death and grief in a children’s show.

Wallace (The Wire)

16-year-old Wallace possesses one of the most heartbreaking storylines ever presented by The Wire. During the first season, the young drug dealer finds himself in a tough spot after he chooses to cooperate with authorities and provide information on the local drug trade. Ahead of a trial, Wallace is found and killed by former associates, and the sight of the teen begging for his life before the trigger is pulled is still affecting.

Mike Ehrmantraut (Breaking Bad)

The wise and stoic Mike Ehrmantraut is murdered by Walter White, following an argument, amid the final season of Breaking Bad. After being shot by Walt, Mike sits by a riverbank, where he finally passes on. Ehrmantraut’s demise is made sadder due to the fact that Walt and his associate, Todd, later dissolve his body using acid.

Tara Maclay (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

It’s during the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that Tara Maclay is sadly killed by a stray bullet to the heart. Tara’s passing ultimately plunges her girlfriend, Willow Rosenberg, into grief and pushes her towards her darker magical impulses. Willow’s rage is intense – but arguably not as explosive as the fan responses to Tara’s passing were at the time.

Henry Blake (MASH)

As humorous as MASH is, it also features some legitimately heartbreaking moments, and the death of Henry Blake at the end of Season 3 is certainly one of them. Blake is set to be discharged from military service and sent home. But, shockingly, it’s revealed at the end of “Abyssinia, Henry” that Blake’s plane has been shot down over the Sea of Japan and there are no survivors. At the time, this was a shock to viewers and to the actors involved in the scene, as it was a last-minute addition.

James Evans (Good Times)

Those who avidly watched sitcoms during the ‘70s can probably remember the night Good Times killed off family patriarch James Evans Sr. James dies off-screen at the start of Season 4, with his family receiving word of his death from a car accident in Mississippi via a telegram. In the years since that development occurred, fans have argued that James’ death marked a serious shift in quality for the Norman Lear-produced show.

Lawrence Kutner (House)

A TV character death that still hits incredibly hard is that of Lawrence Kutner, who is killed off after two seasons of House. Kutner dies by suicide, in what is an absolutely earth-shattering turn of events. What really makes this development so heartbreaking is that the exact reasons for Kutner’s decision to shoot himself are never made clear.

Edith Bunker (Archie Bunker’s Place)

Edith Bunker, one of the most iconic characters in TV history, dies in her sleep from a stroke in between the first and second seasons of All in the Family spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place. The mere notion of such a lovable character like Edith dying is sad enough, but watching her usually. boisterous husband, Archie, come to terms with her passing really tugs at the heartstrings.

Margaery Tyrell (Game Of Thrones)

Like so many Game of Thrones characters before her, Margaery Tyrell meets a brutal end. Tyrell’s death is due to the machinations of Cersei Lannister, who arranges for the Sept by Qyburn to be burned – with Margaery and many more inside of it.

Ben Sullivan (Scrubs)

Ben Sullivan doesn’t appear in many episodes of Scrubs, but he manages to leave a serious impression through his kindness and very mellow demeanor. So it’s understandable why his eventual death from leukemia is so affecting.

Poussey Washington (Orange Is The New Black)

Orange is the New Black sadly kills off Poussey Washington by having her unintentionally die by suffocation at the hands of Baxter Bayley. Her passing has a profound impact on the other residents at Litchfield Penitentiary. And, while her absence is felt as the show progresses, she at least returns via occasional flashbacks.

Anastasia "Dee" Dualla (Battlestar Galactica)

On the list of Battlestar Galactica’s most shocking deaths is that of Anastasia “Dee” Dualla, Dee dies by suicide by shooting herself in the head – a move that’s slightly prompted by her depression over seeing how ravaged Earth (now a nuclear wasteland) is. And, if that’s not sad enough, the final motivating factor in Dee’s suicide is her reconciliation with estranged husband Lee Adoma, which happens moments before she shoots herself. Dee ultimately wants to hold on to one final moment of happiness, so she ends her life.

Fred Andrews (Riverdale)

Beloved Riverdale character Fred Andrews dies as the result of a hit-and-run incident, leaving his son, Archie, and just about everyone in their eponymous town saddened. His sendoff episode is truly beautiful, as it not only honors Fred but also his portrayer, Luke Perry, whose death necessitated Andrews’ passing.

Lincoln Campbell (Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

At the end of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Season 3, the titular team is forced to say goodbye to another one of its own – Lincoln Campbell. The young Inhuman sacrifices himself by flying the villainous Hive and a nuclear warhead into space, where they can detonate. While Lincoln’s death hits hard, he goes out like a true hero. 

Teri Bauer (24)

A number of people meet their maker over the course of 24’s nine-season run, and one of the major characters to die early on is Teri Bauer. She loses her life to corrupt CTU operative Nina Meyers, as Nina shoots (the pregnant) Teri to cover her own tracks. Even now, it’s tough to shake the image of Jack Bauer cradling his wife’s body.

J.T. Yorke (Degrassi: The Next Generation)

Degrassi: The Next Generation fans are probably still shaken by the moment that beloved character J.T. Yorke was stabbed to death by Drake Lempkey. J.T.’s passing serves as a “loss-of-innocence” moment for his friends, who continue to cherish his memory. 

Howard Hamlin (Better Call Saul)

If any TV character has ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s Better Call Saul’s Howard Hamlin. The occasionally smug – but mostly well-meaning – lawyer is savagely killed by drug dealer Lalo Salamanca at Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler’s apartment. What’s sadly ironic is that Howard goes there to tell off Jimmy and Kim for secretly sabotaging him and is merely killed by Lalo to keep his issues with Wexler and McGill quiet.

Presumed Innocent branches from an age-old trend of TV shows based on movies. These days, limited series inspired by novels that were previously adapted for cinema are more popular, and one of the more recent and most notable examples is developer David E. Kelley's adaptation of Scott Turrow's novel, which is available with an Apple TV+ subscription.

The series stars Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal as a married lawyer suspected of murdering his lover — a role previously portrayed by Harrison Ford in Alan J. Pakula’s 1990 film. The show was well-received by critics and has been promoted from a limited series to an ongoing drama, having been renewed for a second season by Apple TV+. If you also plead guilty to wanting more sexy, suspenseful tales such as this while you await its return, take a look at these other shows like Presumed Innocent.

Fatal Attraction (2023)

Starring: Joshua Jackson, Lizzy Caplan

What it's about: Married lawyer Dan Gallagher's one-night fling with Alex Forrest, who also works in the legal system, comes back to haunt him in shocking ways.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: The Oscar-nominated 1987 film, Fatal Attraction, is another dark, sexy thriller detailing the consequences of an attorney's extramarital affair that was later reimagined as this miniseries from Alexandra Cunningham and Kevin J. Hynes and was originally exclusive with a Paramount+ subscription.

How to watch Fatal Attraction

• Buy Fatal Attraction on Amazon

Defending Jacob (2020)

Starring: Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell

What it's about: A successful district attorney struggles to keep his family and his career together when his latest client becomes his teenage son, who has been accused of murdering a classmate.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: From developer Mark Bomback, the Emmy-nominated Defending Jacob is another intense, star-studded, Apple TV+ original legal drama based on a novel (by William Landay) about a lawyer whose personal life is affected by a horrific case.

How to watch Defending Jacob

• Stream Defending Jacob on Apple TV+

Your Honor (2020-2023)

Starring: Bryan Cranston

What it's about: New Orleans judge Michael Desiato is faced with the greatest challenge of his career when his son falls into trouble with a local mafia family after a hit-and-run accident.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: Based on an Israeli series called Kvodo, developer Peter Moffat’s Your Honor — which is also a show like Breaking Bad in many ways — is another critically acclaimed legal drama involving a protagonist working in the legal system whose morality is put in question in light of a horrific event.

How to watch Your Honor

• Stream Your Honor on Netflix
• Stream Your Honor on Paramount+ with Showtime
• Buy Your Honor on Amazon
• Buy Your Honor on Blu-ray on DVD

Suspicion (2022)

Starring: Uma Thurman, Kunal Nayyar, Tom Rhys-Harries, Georgina Campbell, Elizabeth Henstridge

What it's about: When the son of a prominent, American public figure goes missing, a group of ordinary British people are forced to go on the run when they become prime suspects.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: Based on an Israeli series called False Flag, developer Rob Williams’ Suspicion is yet another Apple TV+ original series that, in this case, follows a whole group of individuals struggling to prove their innocence in a shocking investigation.

How to watch Suspicion

• Stream Suspicion on Apple TV+

The Night Of (2016)

Starring: Riz Ahmed, John Turturro

What it's about: A Pakistani-American student becomes a prime suspect after waking up to find a woman he picked up the night before brutally murdered.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: When it comes to miniseries courtroom dramas, among the absolute cream of the crop is The Night Of — Richard Price and Steve Zaillian’s addictive, Emmy-winning adaptation of the British series, Criminal Justice, that, like Presumed Innocent, involves a man accused of killing a woman he was romantically linked to.

How to watch The Night Of

• Stream The Night Of on Max
• Buy The Night Of on Amazon
• Buy The Night Of on Blu-ray on Amazon

Goliath (2016-2021)

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton

What it's about: Disgraced attorney Billy McBride takes on a case that could rejuvenate his career or, perhaps, allow him the opportunity to achieve vengeance on the firm that fired him in the first place.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: David E. Kelley was a perfect person to develop Presumed Innocent, given his reputation for creating great legal dramas, such as Goliath — another series about a lawyer whose personal demons affect his career and family.

How to watch Goliath

• Stream Goliath on Amazon Prime

The Undoing (2020)

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant

What it's about: The lives of a wealthy New York therapist and her husband are thrown into upheaval when they become involved in a brutal murder case.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s novel, You Should Have Known, The Undoing an acclaimed, Emmy-nominated, HBO-original, whodunnit-style legal drama that was also developed by Kelley and features Lily Rabe in a supporting role.

How to watch The Undoing

• Stream The Undoing on Max
• Buy The Undoing on Amazon
• Buy The Undoing on Blu-ray on Amazon

Anatomy Of A Scandal (2022)

Starring: Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend

What it's about: A woman learns that her politician husband has had an affair with one of his aides but things get worse when the other woman accuses him of assault.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: Based on the novel by Sarah Vaughn, Anatomy of a Scandal is a British legal drama available with a Netflix subscription developed by Kelley with Melissa James Gibson that, like Presumed Innocent, also involves the consequences of an extramarital affair.

How to watch Anatomy of a Scandal

• Stream Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix

Big Little Lies (2017-2019)

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, Shailene Woodley

What it's about: The lives of a group of upper-class women are unexpectedly changed by the arrival of a single mother who moves into their California neighborhood.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, the Emmy-winning Big Little Lies — which has yet to receive a third season — is one of the most acclaimed series to ever be developed by Kelley and, while not a legal drama, does deeply involve consequences of dark secrets affecting the lives of ordinary people.

How to watch Big Little Lies

• Stream Big Little Lies on Max
• Buy Big Little Lies on Amazon
• Buy Big Little Lies on DVD on Amazon

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn

What it's about: Struggling attorney Jimmy McGill plays loose with the rules in hopes of getting ahead.

Why it is a great choice to watch if you are a fan of Presumed Innocent: Widely considered to be a spin-off series as good as its predecessor, Better Call Saul — Vince Gilligan’s prequel to Breaking Bad following the origins of “Saul Goodman” — is also, like Presumed Innocent, a legal drama following a morally questionable protagonist, but is far lighter in tone.

How to watch Better Call Saul

• Stream Better Call Saul on Netflix
• Buy Better Call Saul on Amazon
• Buy Better Call Saul on Blu-ray on Amazon

While we find these TV shows perfect for fans of Presumed Innocent, the jury will still be out until you watch them yourself.

I don't know about you, but I love a good character arc. Whether it's someone bad turning good, someone good turning bad, or just a character growing up and maturing over time, a good character arc makes a TV show a million times better. 

Don't forget that a good character arc also makes fans favorites, and these characters certainly became major fan favorites after their well-deserved character arcs on their television shows. 

Alexis (Schitt's Creek)

The Schitt's Creek cast is incredibly talented in many ways, but everyone had a better character arc than Alexis. Starting as a pretty, spoiled girl who didn't have a clear direction in life, she seriously matures toward the end of the series and begins to figure out what she wants – through hilarious moments. However, it's still a great character arc. 

Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

It's well-known that Zuko has one of the most significant character arcs of all time, especially in television, but most definitely in Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

Starting as a banished prince, Zuko had to undergo serious self-reflection, punishment, and much more to realize his true destiny. In the end, he was willing to sacrifice his life for the Avatar and his friends rather than try and earn the honor of his father over and over again. 

Loki (Loki)

Loki is a curious character because he had character arcs in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Loki television show, but we'll talk specifically about the series. 

Throughout its two seasons, Loki changes immensely, from the villain he was at the end of the first Avengers film to someone who would lock himself away forever to ensure his friends survive in timelines and keep the universe intact. I mean, talk about a change. 

Walter White (Breaking Bad)

We could say that Walter White had one of the best character arcs ever on television. Breaking Bad was an incredible show for many reasons, but I think the Breaking Bad cast was one of the main things that made it fantastic, including that of Bryan Cranston as White. 

In the beginning, we can almost see White as a savior, desperate to do anything to help his family after his inevitable death from cancer. Still, over time, we see how he changes into this power-hungry fool, ostracizing himself from his life and the people he loves. 

John Silver (Black Sails)

Black Sails is one of the best pirate shows, and John Silver was one of the best characters. I mean, think about it – he started off with nothing, just working as a cook due to being captured and taking out another cook. Silver had a brilliant mind, and through the show, we see him turn into a great strategist behind Captain Flint. He was always able to find a way out of any issue, making him more interesting. 

Jamie Lannister (Game Of Thrones)

For years, I have considered Jaime Lannister one of the best character arcs on television. As part of the Game of Thrones cast, Jaime Lannister was as selfish as a Lannister could be when the series started and then began to change throughout the following seasons, fighting for what was right, denying his sister, and so much more. Let's ignore what happened in Season 8 of the show. He was still a great character – just not his sad death. 

Octavia (The 100)

Good god, I remember when I first watched Octavia, a character a part of The 100 cast, I could not stand her. She was bratty, selfish, and straight-up annoying. 

But it wasn't long before she began to mature, and sooner or later, she learned how to fight, lead, and kill, which is needed in this world. What makes her even better is that she's a flawed character at best—she has moments of morally grey instances that really make you either root for her or hate her—which is why she's a fan-favorite. 

Jimmy McGill (Better Call Saul)

Oh, Jimmy McGill. Better Call Saul was a spinoff of Breaking Bad and told the story of Jimmy McGill or Saul Goodman. He started as someone genuinely trying to make it as a lawyer, but as the seasons go on, we see him sink more into criminal activity to get ahead since no one would give him a chance, thanks to his past. It's a slow, depressing character arc, but it's still fantastic either way.

Roy Kent (Ted Lasso)

He's here, he's there, he's every-well, you know the chant. 

Roy Kent of Ted Lasso began the series as a crude, mean, and old (in the eyes of sports) man, bitter about his past and despising Lasso coming in as their coach. But through the help of his close friends, significant others, and more, we see how much of a heart he has. He starts to show his true colors, and sooner or later, we see him even making friends with Jamie Tartt.  

Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)

Out of everyone on The Walking Dead, I think Daryl Dixon's character arc is among the most intriguing and fun to witness. When we first meet Daryl, he's super selfish and only cares about himself and his brother, but by the end of the series, he has a family, a life, and so much more that he's willing to die for. He was so beloved that there was a phrase called, "If Daryl Dies, We Riot." I would know, I had a shirt that said it.

Diane Nguyen (BoJack Horseman)

BoJack Horseman focuses on so many traumatized characters, but one of the best they really did a good character on is Diane Nguyen. She starts off as BoJack's ghost-writer, and while she's a bit passive at first, we start to see her grow into herself as time passes, confronting her past and future and even dealing with her own mental issues. 

Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

I'm pretty sure everyone during the first season of Stranger Things was not the biggest fan of Steve, played by the excellent Joe Keery. But of course, we all ended up loving Steve Harrington because he learned to care for others and also became the best babysitter ever for the kids we loved. 

Nick (New Girl)

I could do any of the boys from the apartment, but Nick began New Girl as the type of guy I don't think any girl would want. He was immature and didn't have any direction in life. But towards the end of the series, even if he was still silly, he committed to fixing his life, growing stronger bonds with others, and opening up about his feelings instead of keeping it all closed inside. You have to love him. 

Carol (The Walking Dead)

Carol's timeline on The Walking Dead is something special. Her character arc makes me smile every time I think about it. Carol began the show as an abused wife of a beating husband, but once he's gone, she begins to get stronger every season, becoming a kick-butt zombie slayer and doing anything to protect the ones she loves. 

Starlight (The Boys)

Starlight from The Boys is the epitome of the phrase "never meet your heroes," literally in the sense of this show. She joins The Seven with bright ideas and discovers that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Over the course of three seasons so far, she's truly stood out and tried to make change—even going as far as breaking the law to do so. 

Jamie Tartt (Ted Lasso)

Jamie Tartt from Ted Lasso was so immature and selfish when we first met him, but he gets his time to shine in Seasons 2 and 3, where we start to see him change. He begins to grow and understand his role as a leader, making amends with old rivals and past relationships and building new bonds. 

Lexa (The 100)

While Lexa wasn't in the series for nearly as long as she should have been, she was an impactful character in The 100. Lexa's character arc, from being Clarke's enemy to doing a full 180 and becoming her lover before her tragic demise, will haunt every The 100 fan. This reminds us of all the great 'enemies to lovers' movies. 

Negan (The Walking Dead)

Negan was one of the best characters on TV when he appeared on The Walking Dead. His character arc not only made him stand out but also made him an easy fan favorite. Clearly one of the franchise's antagonists from the very beginning, Negan ended up finding his morally grey middle line and helping his once-enemies while also learning to find people to truly love and care about. 

Ahsoka (The Star Wars Franchise)

Ahsoka was one of the most hated characters in the Star Wars franchise when she first debuted because many thought her immature. Years later, through the Clone Wars and the Disney+ Star Wars shows, she matured into a Jedi master, was calm and collected, and was one of the most versatile warriors out there.

The Big Three (This Is Us)

As someone who loves the This is Us cast, the Big Three certainly had some of the best character arcs. These three go through so many heartbreaking hardships and moments throughout the franchise that it's a miracle they turn out fine by the end. 

But they didn't just end up surviving – they faced some of their worst moments, from drug addiction to racism to body issues to so much more, and came out on top. That's a character to root for – well, three characters in this case. 

Lydia (Teen Wolf)

There are plenty of great supernatural teen dramas with superb casts, but Lydia from Teen Wolf certainly has the best character arc. She starts as a popular girl who only cares about herself embraces her powers, and helps her friends down the line with whatever they need, even risking her life on multiple occasions. 

Arabelle (I May Destroy You)

I May Destroy You is a miniseries, but Arabelle's character arc is top-tier. Through nine episodes, we see Arabelle face one of her darkest and loneliest moments as she tries to figure out who sexually assaulted her one night, and she must face her grief, trauma, and so much more to find inner peace towards the end. 

Eren Yeager (Attack On Titan)

There are plenty of character arcs in anime, but the one I have to do is Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. He started off this anime as a brat who only wanted to kill Titans and would do anything to achieve it, but towards the end, he wound up becoming one of the most complex anime characters out there, with deep, hidden intentions and feelings that we could barely comprehend. 

Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place)

Out of the many characters in The Good Place, I have to give the character arc award to Eleanor. Her whole journey in the afterlife literally begins with a lie and being super selfish, but towards the end, she is filled with wisdom and selflessness and is willing to fight for what is right. It's a beautiful story. 

Bubbles (The Wire)

Surprisingly, The Wire is a show that has never won Best Drama at the Emmys, but it should have these character arcs, and I have to give it to Bubbles. One of the show's many characters, Bubbles' road to recovery, made you want to root for him from the very beginning and support him no matter what. 

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Sokka was probably one of the most misogynistic characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender. At first, he believed that women could not fight, but towards the end of the series, he becomes a valuable leader, leading both men and women and becoming the man he was always meant to be. 

Sansa Stark (Game Of Thrones)

I know for a fact that many people did not like Sansa in the first few seasons of Game of Thrones, but she had some serious character growth that turned her into a fan favorite. From spoiled brat to Queen of the North, Sansa's maturity shines through. 

Spike (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Starting as a villain in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spike was initially super unlikable. Over time, as he realized there was more than watching everything that went against him fall, he eventually worked with Buffy and became a trustful person.

Rebecca (Ted Lasso)

Rebecca's entire journey began with her as a villain in Ted Lasso, where she specifically hired Ted for the team to do poorly so it would shut down for revenge towards her ex-husband. But she is changed through Ted's kindness; towards the end, we miss her as much as we miss Ted. 

Peggy Olsen (Mad Men)

Peggy Olsen was a boss, and she wanted you to know. Mad Men was an AMC show that followed advertising executives in NYC, and Peggy was a character who worked her way up in power, beginning as a secretary unaware of the world she was entering and becoming an absolute leader despite her being a woman in the workplace in the 1960s. 

Theon Greyjoy (Game Of Thrones)

While Game of Thrones’ last season had issues, Theon Greyjoy's character was not one of them. Starting off as selfish and a betrayer who would do anything for power, Theon devotes his life to the Starks' cause in fighting against the Night King and dies in Season 8 defending Bran—but he dies a hero. 

April (Parks And Recreation)

April from the Parks and Recreation cast really started off as a slacker, but over the course of the series, through the help of her friends, relationships, and more, we start to become a heck of a lot more trusting—and still keeping that same deadpan humor that fans love. 

Which one of these classic fan-favorite character arcs is your favorite? This makes me want to rewatch all these shows again, just for fun. 

Bob Odenkirk has played a police chief (in Fargo), a pair of reverends (in Ed and 2019’s Little Women adaptation), the President (in Long Shot), and the Devil himself (in Hell and Back), but the actor has yet to play a kingly kind of leader. And while he apparently doesn’t have any love for monarchies on the whole, the Better Call Saul vet was shocked to discover that he’s directly tied to a royal bloodline. And it’s not one of Slippin’ Jimmy’s scams, either.

Even with Better Call Saul having set the most unfortunate Emmy record possible already in 2024, Bob Odenkirk was all smiles during his conversation with Henry Louis Gates Jr. on PBS’ Finding Your Roots, where he was primed to share his thoughts on the monarchic ruling system. In his words:

It’s probably a good thing Odenkirk opted for such a well-worded and centrist form of answer, as opposed to more of a seething screed. Because that’s when Henry Louis Gates Jr. dropped the info bomb that the Nobody star is actually the 11th cousin of King Charles III.

Though he was clearly ready to hear something surprising — why would Gates have invited him to be on Finding Your Roots if his roots didn’t bloom with interest? — Odenkirk certainly didn’t seem primed to learn he’s a distant cousin of the highest-ranking monarch in England. That would be a shock to anyone, even if they hadn’t spent the previous 30 seconds downplaying the monarchy.

The way that works is, Bob Odenkirk's fifth great-grandfather, whose name was Friedrich Carl Steinholz, was the son of the Duke of Plön, who had connections with various other European royal clans through intermarriage. 

And what was his first reaction beyond a big hearty laugh?

I can't wait to see if this reveal is what inspires Bob Odenkirk to possibly take on a role where he plays a king himself. Or, if nothing else, maybe he can land a show with Dominic West, who portrayed King Charles in the final two seasons of The Crown.

Incidentally, King Charles was recently admitted to the London Clinic to seek treatment for an enlarged prostate, but without any serious worries attached to it. So if that runs in the family, watch out!

With hopes for Nobody 2 to get made sooner rather than later, Bob Odenkirk is next set to star in the bonkers sorta-remake The Room Returns!, which will co-star horror director Mike Flanagan and House of Usher’s Kate Siegel, as well as O.G. The Room star Greg Sestero. On the small screen, Odenkirk was one of several A+ guest stars in Season 2 of The Bear, so here’s hoping for more of that in Season 3.

Finding Your Roots airs Tuesday nights on PBS at 8:00 p.m. ET. Head to our 2024 TV premiere schedule to see what other new and returning shows are set to reign in the new year. 

It’s rare for spinoffs to be as good, if not better, than the original show that spawned them. Better Call Saul is one of those rare cases that stands head and shoulders, if not above, its sister show, Breaking Bad. Over the course of its 9-year, six-season run, the acclaimed spinoff scored a staggering 53 Emmy nominations. But, unfortunately, it never won a single award, making it the most Emmy-nominated show that never actually won. Despite this “unfortunate” record though, one of the show’s writers responded perfectly. 

Former Breaking Bad cast member Bob Odenkirk, who played the role of seedy mall lawyer Saul Goodman, was more than just a sarcastic comic relief character. He portrayed a nuanced and complex version of the character Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, and it was a complete departure from his comedy background as a former SNL writer. Despite the exceptional performances of Odenkirk and his castmates, the show was overlooked by the Emmys every single season. Now, one of the show's former writers, Thomas Schnauz, expressed his thoughts on this lack of recognition from the TV Academy in a post on X (formerly Twitter), humorously writing: 

At least the writer is a good sport. 

Better Call Saul’s predecessor, Breaking Bad, won 16 Emmys, including two awards for best drama series, during its AMC run. Which, makes Saul's loss a bit of a headscratcher, honestly. Maybe times have changed, and the awards are far more stacked, but, for my money, the Odenkirk-led show is much more layered and nuanced as it blends courtroom drama, comedy, and the crime drama we came to expect from its sister series. 

Emmy wins, or no Emmy wins, though, one thing that cannot be taken away from co-showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould is they have crafted two of the most prestigious shows ever to hit the airwaves. 

Now that Albercurquie’s world of drugs and crime is far in his rearview, Gilligan has a new project starring Saul alum (and Emmy-robbed) actress Rhea Seehorn. Though the mastermind behind the AMC crime series has stressed his new show is nothing like Bad or Saul, it still sounds great. And who knows, with the Kim Wexler performer in the lead, perhaps this new series will have better luck with the Emmys when the psychological sci-fi lands on the 2024 TV schedule. 

Better Call Saul doesn't need Emmy wins to be remarkable. What makes the show and the other projects, including Breaking Bad and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, so special is the fact that there are multiple ways to watch and enjoy them and they all come together to build a complex and compelling story. You can stream them in release order or, if you want, do your own chronological rewatch (like we did). No matter what, I think you'll come to the conclusion that these shows deserved the acclaim they got (despite Saul's lack of wins). 

Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie are all available to stream with a Netflix subscription. Physical media collectors can also pick up the Breaking Bad complete series box set, the Better Call Saul complete series box set, and El Camino on Blu-ray. 

The results of turning a hit TV series into a franchise can be hit-or-miss, to say the least. However, for every ill-received or mostly forgotten TV spin-off, there are many that managed to reach, or even exceed, the success of their predecessors. Take a look at some of our favorite examples below.

Frasier (Cheers)

Despite being added later in the series, Frasier Crane was one of the most beloved Cheers characters and right after it ended in 1993, Kelsey Grammer led the Frasier cast in his psychiatrist’s role’s self-titled spin-off. Like its parent series, it also lasted 11 seasons, won multiple Emmy Awards, and became one of the most acclaimed sitcoms of its time before being revived on Paramount+ in 2023.

Family Matters (Perfect Strangers)

Jo Marie Payton was on two seasons of Perfect Strangers as elevator operator Harriette Winslow before starring in the Family Matters cast in the same role for nine seasons. What initially began as a conventional family sitcom when it premiered in 1989 became a wildly successful cultural phenomenon with the addition of Jaleel White as Steve Urkel. 

Angel (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

David Boreanaz stole the show from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast as a good-natured bloodsucker named Angel and, eventually, earned his own series set in the same creature-infested universe. From 1999 until its 2004 cancellation, Angel followed the Boreanaz’s title character and other Buffy vets helping Los Angelenos with otherworldly problems.

Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad)

While he could have easily been viewed as merely the comic relief of the Breaking Bad cast, Bob Odenkirk — a former SNL writer and sketch comedy performer — experienced a career 180 by playing Saul Goodman. His performance as the shady lawyer only grew stronger when he became the center of the prequel series, Better Call Saul, which surpassed its predecessor in seasons (six) and Emmy snubs (53 nominations with zero wins, much to fans’ chagrin).

The Good Fight (The Good Wife)

The Good Wife was a CBS drama chronicling the personal and professional struggles of litigator Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies in a two-time Emmy-winning role) after a scandal lands her state attorney husband (played by Chris Noth) behind bars. Christie Baranski’s Diane Lockhart was the central focus of the sequel series, The Good Fight (exclusively available with a Paramount+ subscription), which earned two Emmy nominations during its six-season run.

The Facts Of Life (Diff'rent Strokes)

When Diff’rent Strokes debuted in 1978, Charlotte Rae’s Edna Garrett served as the Drummonds’ housekeeper. The following year, Rae reprised the role as the lead of The Facts of Life, in which she served as the housemother for boarding school students Blair (Lisa Whelchel), Tootie (Kim Fields), Natalie (Mindy Cohn), and Jo (Nancy McKeon).

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Star Trek)

While it was canceled after three years in 1969, Star Trek launched an out-of-this-world cultural phenomenon that lives on in several ongoing TV shows and even quite a few big-screen hits, as well. However, for some Trekkies, the best installment of the franchise is the multi-Emmy-winning Star Trek: The Next Generation, which was led by Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard for seven seasons.

The Punisher (Daredevil)

The first installment in a shared universe of Marvel TV shows originally exclusive to Netflix was Daredevil, which introduced Jon Bernthal in the role of Frank Castle in its second season. While the vengeful vigilante’s own spin-off only lasted two seasons, The Punisher was highly acclaimed, and Bernthal will continue playing the role into the future. 

Laverne & Shirley (Happy Days)

The long-running nostalgic sitcom Happy Days was the parent series of several well-known spin-offs, including Mork & Mindy and Joanie Loves Chachi, but easily the most successful of the bunch was Laverne & Shirley. Cindy Williams reprised her role as Shirley Feeney alongside Penny Marshall as the titular duo on the sitcom that became one of the most popular TV shows of its time and ran from 1976 to 1983.

Benson (Soap)

The most notorious scene-stealer from the cast of Soap — an acclaimed parody of daytime soap operas — was the late Robert Guillaume in the Emmy-winning role of Benson DuBois. The future Lion King voice cast member won his second Emmy when he reprised the character in his self-tilted spin-off, which saw him promoted from the Tates’ butler to working for a bumbling state governor. 

Xena: Warrior Princess (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys)

The Kevin Sorbo-led Hercules: The Legendary Journeys begat two spin-offs — a prequel series called Young Hercules (starring Ryan Gosling in the title role) and Xena: Warrior Princess. The latter would run longer than its parent series (six years) and skyrocketed New Zealand-born Lucy Lawless to geek goddess status.

Boston Legal (The Practice)

James Spader originated the role of Alan Shore on Season 8 of The Practice before becoming one of the central figures of the legal drama’s direct continuation, Boston Legal. The series ran for more than 100 episodes and earned five Emmy Awards, including two for Spader and one for William Shatner as Denny Crane.

Melrose Place (Beverly Hills, 90210)

Among the the most popular ‘90s TV shows, two of the biggest titans of the serial drama category were Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place. Both series were created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling and existed in the same universe, with Grant Show’s Jake Hanson being the main connection.

Maude (All In The Family)

Before Bea Arthur joined the Golden Girls cast, she was best known for her Emmy-winning performance as the title role of Maude from 1972 to 1978. The late actor originated the outspoken character on an episode of All in the Family in which she visits her cousin, Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton), and butts heads with Edith’s husband, Archie (Carroll O’Connor).

Mayans M.C. (Sons Of Anarchy)

Two years after Sons of Anarchy had its final curtain call in 2014, FX debuted another tale of outlaw bikers, set near the California-Mexico border, called Mayans M.C. While led by a new character named Ezekiel "EZ" Reyes (portrayed by J. D. Pardo), the series — which ended after five seasons in 2023 — also featured a few Sons of the Anarchy cast members, including Katey Sagal portraying Gemma Teller in the pilot.

House Of The Dragon (Game Of Thrones)

Even though many fans were disappointed by the Game of Thrones finale, that did not stop them from tuning into HBO’s prequel series. In addition to the stellar House of the Dragon cast, including Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy, the fantasy epic’s stirring writing and gorgeous production design earned it rave reviews, multiple Emmy nominations, and a Golden Globe win for Best Television Series - Drama after its first season.

NCIS (JAG)

Very rarely has a spin-off show outran its parent series, but that is the case with NCIS. Not only would the series last at least twice as long as JAG, which saw the debut of Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in its eighth season; but it also inspired multiple spin-offs of its own, including the long-running NCIS: Los Angeles.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Law & Order)

Before its revival in 2022, the initial run of Law & Order ran a whopping 20 seasons on NBC. The only subsequent installment in Dick Wolf’s franchise of crime dramas to last as long is Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which was anchored by the chemistry between Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay as Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson.

Lou Grant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

One of the most successful examples of a spin-off that was almost nothing like the original show is Lou Grant. Following the end of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ed Asner earned his sixth and seventh Emmys for reprising the TV news producer on this more dramatic series in which he becomes a Los Angeles newspaper editor.

The Jeffersons (All In The Family)

After stealing the show on All in the Family as the Bunkers’ neighbors, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise “Weezy” Jefferson (Isabel Sanford) would “move on up to the East Side” in their own show. The Jeffersons only earned two Emmy Awards, but lasted an impressive 11 seasons and, in the process, became almost as influential as its parent series.

The Simpsons (The Tracey Ullman Show)

As the longest-running animated series of all time, The Simpsons has been around long enough that most modern audiences might not even remember (or were ever informed) about its origins. The dysfunctional family gained traction as a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show before creator Matt Groening developed a half-hour program based around them.

Batman Beyond (Batman: The Animated Series)

Most fans would agree that the all-time best Batman-related TV show is Batman: The Animated Series, but its futuristic follow-up, Batman Beyond, is not so far behind on that list. What started as a “terrible idea” (in the words of producer Bruce Timm to IGN) to reimagine the Dark Knight as a teenager evolved into an intriguing and inventive Neo-noir following an older Bruce Wayne (voiced by the late Kevin Conroy) mentoring his young successor, Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle).

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (The Andy Griffith Show)

Charmingly naive mechanic Gomer Pyle became a fan-favorite character on The Andy Griffith Show following his introduction in Season 3. Jim Nabors went on to reprise the role on another hit sitcom called Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., in which the character becomes a marine. 

The Colbert Report (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart)

Few Daily Show correspondents made as grand an impact during host Jon Stewart’s legendary stint than Stephen Colbert as an over-the-top conservative version of himself. He went on to host his own, arguably funnier late-night Comedy Central original, The Colbert Report, before retiring the character for good when he was chosen to replace David Letterman on CBS’s Late Show.

Rhoda (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

The first spin-off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, revolved around Valerie Harper in the title role returning to her native New York City, where she meets and marries Joe Gerard (David Groh). The latter seasons of the sitcom’s five-year run saw Rhoda becoming one of TV’s most iconic divorcees when she and Joe split.

CSI: Miami (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation)

The CSI franchise involves two series set in Vegas, another set in New York, a short-lived version dedicated to cybercrime, and is even set in the same universe as Without a Trace and Cold Case. Perhaps the one installment with the most cultural impact is CSI: Miami, with much credit due to David Caruso’s iconic performance as quip master, Lt. Horatio Caine.

Emergency! (Adam-12)

The pilot episode of Emergency! featured Martin Milner and Kent McCord as their respective characters from Adam-12, officers Peter Malloy and Jim Reed — establishing it as a spin-off of the police procedural. However, as MeTV.com recalls, a later episode featured some of Station 51’s firefighters watching an episode of its parent series, which is just one strange continuity error from an otherwise exciting and grounded drama.

The Flash (Arrow)

The CW’s shared universe of DC TV shows is collectively referred to as the “Arrowverse,” with Arrow being the one that started it all in 2012. One might argue that the best of these spin-offs (and one of the best modern superhero TV shows in general) is The Flash, starring Grant Gustin as a version of lightning-fast Barry Allen who was first introduced in Arrow’s second season.

Empty Nest (The Golden Girls)

A follow-up to The Golden Girls called The Golden Palace, in which the characters (sans Dorothy) manage a hotel together, was far less successful than Empty Nest, which was branched off from a 1987 Golden Girls episode. Notably, however, the series that came to be, and lasted seven seasons, merely borrowed the concept of the original backdoor pilot (a middle-aged couple with “empty nest syndrome”). It employed a whole new cast and characters, but still established the Golden Girls characters as their neighbors.

Justice League Unlimited (Justice League)

One of the most acclaimed DC TV shows is Justice League, which saw Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others coming together amid an extra-terrestrial threat. The hit animated series continued in the form of Justice League Unlimited, which saw the crew expand to an innumerable quantity by employing even some of the most obscure and underrated characters from the comics.

The Parkers (Moesha)

After four seasons on the Brandy Norwood-led sitcom Moesha, Countess Vaughn left the show after UPN greenlit a sitcom focusing on her own fan-favorite character, Kim Parker. The Parkers lasted more than 100 episodes and featured a scene-stealing performance by future Oscar winner Mo’Nique as Kim’s mother, Nikki.

Knots Landing (Dallas)

Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford) and Valene Ewing (Joan Van Ark) from the blockbuster primetime soap opera, Dallas, were given a series of their own in 1979. Knots Landing turned out to be a blockbuster itself, lasting 14 seasons, much like its parent series.

Next time you see a spin-off to your favorite hit series, don’t be quick to judge. It could end up being as successful as any of these.

In a world that is surrounded by some of the best television shows ever, from the best programs on Netflix to the best series on Max, there have been plenty that have won Outstanding Drama, Comedy or Limited or Anthology Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards. A few I could think of are Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Ted Lasso, Modern Family and many more. 

There are also so many shows that have never won any of these awards. Despite their impressive reputations or stellar casts, these 32 shows have never won Best Series in any category at the Emmys. Prepare to have your mind blown.

This Is Us 

This Is Us was a famous NBC show known for its brilliant storytelling and episodes that always found a way to make you cry. It was led by a brilliant This Is Us cast which included Sterling K. Brown (who won an Emmy for this show), Milo Ventimiglia and more. Somehow, the series never won Outstanding Drama at the Emmys. What's even worse is Mandy Moore never won an Emmy for her portrayal of the matriarch of the Pearson family. That, in itself, is a sin. 

Shameless

Yes, I know that in the later years of Shameless, the episodes didn't feel the same without Emmy Rossum as part of the fearless Shameless cast. However, the first few seasons of the dramedy became some of the best television at the time – and one of the best Showtime shows. And still, it never won Outstanding Comedy. 

Enlightened 

Enlightened only ran for two seasons, but they were full of great acting, a fun story, and so much more. Plus, it was led by the legend Laura Dern. The series, however, was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy. The only nomination that came through was for Dern, and she didn't win. 

The Walking Dead

Say what you want about The Walking Dead, but as someone who watched all eleven seasons of the show, those first five were excellent television. The only praise this show ever got in the Emmy world was for its visual and practical effects on the zombies – but the acting and the show as a whole? It went completely over the heads of those who chose the nominations. 

Dickinson 

Dickinson was one of the best Apple TV+ original shows. I fully believe this series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy because it flew under the radar at first as one of the streaming platforms' first series. Hailee Steinfeld at least should have garnered a nomination, but there was no love for this series. 

Parks And Recreation

You're probably shocked to see this on the list, but Parks and Recreation never won a single Emmy Award. The show was top-rated and well-known for its talented Parks and Recreation cast, but not even Amy Poehler won the Emmy for her lead performance in the show. And the series, while nominated twice for Outstanding Comedy, never won.  

Dexter

I still believe Dexter is worth rewatching despite its later seasons being less than stellar. But the first four seasons of Dexter are classic TV. The plot twists are great, the acting is fantastic, and the backstory behind the serial killer is one of the best in Showtime history. While the series was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series several times, it never won. 

The Wire

I know. The Wire is one of the best shows in HBO history and television in general. And yet, somehow, the series never won any Emmy awards. It was never even nominated for Outstanding Drama. The only praise the Television Academy ever gave it was in the form of its writing – which was excellent, understandably – but come on, only that? 

The Brady Bunch

This sitcom from the 1970s is considered one of the most well-known and created several spinoffs. It also spawned one of the best-known TV catchphrases ever ("Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"), yet somehow, this series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy -- or a single other Emmy award.

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders has gained a lot more popularity over the last few years thanks to the growing stardom of Cillian Murphy from the Oppenheimer cast, but this show was one of the best the BBC had to offer. It featured several other major stars too, like Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Hardy, Sam Claflin, and many more, and it was a fantastic story. But it was never nominated for a single Primetime Emmy Award. I'm upset even writing that down. 

Doctor Who

Doctor Who is one of those shows that has ebbed and flowed in quality. Some doctors have been great, others have been forgettable. But you can't deny the impact this series has had and the stories it tells with its most excellent doctors. And yet, Doctor Who has never been recognized in terms of acting, writing, or anything at the Emmys. The only nomination it ever got was for Outstanding Derivative Interactive Program in 2020.  

Better Call Saul

When Better Call Saul was confirmed after Breaking Bad, many believed it would never live up to its predecessor. Still, the prequel series about Saul Goodman was almost as good as the original – and to some, it's even better. But while Better Call Saul was nominated several times for Outstanding Drama, it has never won. 

Hannibal

Hannibal was a tremendous psychological horror-thriller that aired for three seasons and told stories that would blow the minds of anyone who watched it. It was scary and psychological and everything you could want – but it was never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. 

New Girl

I loved New Girl and will rewatch it over and over again, but it seems like the Emmys forgot about the popular sitcom series after its first season. New Girl was only nominated for a few awards in 2012, not even for Outstanding Comedy Series. After that, it wasn't nominated again. 

Parenthood 

Parenthood lasted six seasons and had some of the best writing about modern-day family life. It is a more dramedy version of Modern Family. But the only person who ever got recognition for the show at the Emmys was Jason Ritter, and that was for a guest appearance on the series. 

Chuck

Starring Zachary Levi, Chuck was the spy drama that everyone enjoyed when it first came out in 2007, and it lasted for five seasons. But despite the show's fun nature and entertaining stories, it was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy. Its stunt work did receive some praise, though. 

The Good Place

This one surprised me when I found out, but The Good Place and The Good Place cast have never won an Emmy award. The show was nominated for 14, including Outstanding Comedy Series, but aside from that, it has never actually won an award. Considering the love this show got, that's very shocking – almost as much as the twist in Season 1. 

Narcos

Narcos was one of those crime drama TV shows that took the world by storm and has only gained more popularity over the last several years, especially with Pedro Pascal's rise to fame. But the series, which told the story of Pablo Escobar, was only ever nominated for Creative Arts Emmy Awards, and never for Outstanding Drama. 

Chappelle's Show

Dave Chappelle is hands down one of the most influential voices in comedy and sketch television. Chappelle's Show is an excellent example of that, showcasing the comedian in some of the funniest sketches of the 21st century. However, the series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy. It was, however, nominated for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series but didn't win. 

The Flight Attendant 

Kaley Cuoco is known for her role in the Big Bang Theory cast, but it's a sin that people don't talk about her incredible performance in The Flight Attendant more. And while she and the show were nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, it never won. 

Daredevil

Daredevil was one of the best Marvel TV shows on Netflix, lasting for three seasons and telling authentic superhero stories that didn't seem as intense as aliens invading from the galaxy. Instead, it was a much more grounded show with excellent battle sequences. But despite its popularity, Daredevil was never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. Maybe Daredevil: Born Again will earn that privilege – only time will tell. 

Married…With Children

Married…with Children was one of the best sitcoms of the late 1980s to 1990s, lasting ten years and eleven seasons, and it brought up one of the best-known names in comedic television, Ed O'Neill. But this series, despite its long run, never won a single Emmy Award. Talk about the definition of snub. 

Station Eleven

Station Eleven was a miniseries that came out of Max (previously HBO Max), an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel, and was one of the best post-apocalyptic TV shows out there. However, while the miniseries received praise, it was not nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

WandaVision

There was a rumor that WandaVision would be a multi-season series, but it was put into the Emmys as Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Of all the MCU shows on Disney+, the show was a huge hit but didn't win at the Emmys. 

The Leftovers

The Leftovers was an excellent supernatural series that showed what would happen when 2% of the world's population suddenly vanished without a trace. The series was popular and featured a fascinating story. But the show was never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. 

Perry Mason

Perry Mason is an HBO series people adored, but it didn't live as long as it should have, because it was canceled by Max after Season 2. On top of that sad news, it hasn't been nominated for Outstanding Drama at all. The only people who have received praise are Matthew Rhys and John Lithgow, both of whom have only been nominated and not won.

Star Trek

While the Star Trek franchise has gone on for many years, the original Star Trek series (the one that pioneered and started it all) was never nominated for a single Emmy Award. This show, which meant so much to so many people, didn't even get to compete in this prestigious awards competition. But no matter – we'll always live long and prosper without an Emmy win. 

Jane The Virgin

I know it's rare for some of the best CW shows to get nominated for Primetime Emmys, but Jane the Virgin should have been a contender. The series features an original idea, bold storytelling, and the impressive Jane the Virgin cast. And yet, the Emmys never gave it the praise it deserved. In fact, only the narrator was nominated. 

BoJack Horseman

There are some excellent adult animated shows on Netflix, and BoJack Horseman stands out as one of them. The series is a realistic telling of what it's like to fall out of the spotlight in Hollywood and what can happen to people. Despite its acclaim, the series was never nominated for Outstanding Comedy at the Emmys. It did get two nominations for Outstanding Animated Program, but it deserved Comedy. 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

I could not think of a better example of a show that deserved way more Emmy love than Buffy the Vampire Slayer in its earlier seasons. The show, led by Sarah Michelle Gellar, is a staple in supernatural television. However, it has yet to receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series.

Oz

Oz is considered one of the best TV shows ever, taking place in a men's prison and following the stories of prisoners over six seasons. However, despite its reputation and impact on TV, it was never nominated for Outstanding Drama. The only actor who was nominated in the series was Charles S. Dutton for a guest appearance on the show. 

Mindhunter

Mindhunter, starring Jonathan Groff, was an excellent TV show on Netflix from director David Fincher, and everyone was sad when Season 3 was confirmed never. The series was fantastic and featured storytelling unlike any other. But despite its fresh tales and incredible acting, Mindhunter was never nominated for Outstanding Drama. It's such a shame. 

Even more TV shows have never won these types of Emmys, but these are just some of the first that come to mind. But now, I know I need to rewatch some of these to give them the love they deserve – or have fun showing them to others—time for a binge-fest. 

After crafting two of the most prestigious shows ever to hit the airwaves, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, what's next for Vince Gilligan? Well, he's not dwelling on the past. The mastermind behind these groundbreaking AMC series is diving into a thrilling new venture, teaming up again with former Saul collaborator Rhea Seehorn. Breaking the silence surrounding the highly anticipated Apple TV+ series, the writer and showrunner finally gave us some tantalizing hints about the project. But, if you were expecting another crime drama in line with his previous works, you might be in for a surprise. The new, still untitled, show doesn't delve into crime or drugs, yet it still sounds incredible, and I can not wait.

It's been over a year since Vince bid farewell to his cherished Albuquerque-based franchise for the second time with the ending of Better Call Saul. The creator is gearing up for something a bit off the beaten path: sci-fi. In a recent chat with Variety, Gilligan gave a sneak peek into his upcoming show featuring the acclaimed Kim Wexler actress in what might seem like a surprising change of genre for the pair, stating:

Venturing into science fiction, whether mild or not, may seem like a significant shift for the creator of two of the most prominent crime shows of the 2010s. However, it's not as outlandish as it might appear. Vince Gilligan's journey in the industry began with a role in the widely popular science fiction drama series The X-Files. Vince, who credits the creator of The X-Files for teaching him some invaluable lessons in running a show, started on the show as a staff writer during season 2 of the enduring cult classic and remained involved until its initial conclusion in 2002.

The announcement of Gilligan and Seehorn's collaboration came in September 2022, with Apple TV+ swiftly giving it the green light for an impressive two-season run. Despite the series sharing the Albuquerque setting with his other works, the Virginia-born writer assures that Rhea's character will be a departure from her previous role as Kim Wexler. According to him:

Seehorn, concluding her stellar six-season run as Kim Wexler last year, earned acclaim and two Emmy nominations for her portrayal. As fans eagerly anticipate her return to the small screen, the promise of a fresh and uncharted narrative with Gilligan steering the ship has heightened my anticipation for the series.

As we wait for more details about the project, which will be able to be viewed with an Apple TV+ subscription,  to emerge, viewers can relive Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul with their Netflix plan. For those inclined to rewatch, explore various viewing orders for both shows. If you've had your fill, consider trying shows similar to Breaking Bad.

In the modern world of streaming, ratings don't really mean what they used to mean for most TV shows. Looking back, it's incredible how many people were tuning in for some of these famous shows' episodes with the highest ratings, so let's dig in and see what kind of numbers they drew. Warning: this story contains spoilers. 

ER - "Ambush" 

At its peak in the mid-1990s, ER was the most popular show on TV. It comes as no surprise that its highest-rated episode fits right in the middle of it. Episode 1 of Season 3, titled "Ambush" drew a whopping 42.71 million viewers, one of the highest-rated dramas of all time. 

The West Wing - "In The Shadow of Two Gunman" 

The West Wing is considered by many to be one of the best television shows of all time, especially the first four seasons. The Season 1 cliffhanger was of shots fired at President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) and 25.05 million people tuned in to the Season 2 premiere "In The Shadow Of Two Gunman" to see what happened. 

Breaking Bad - "Felina" 

By the time Breaking Bad came around, ratings numbers were completely different. With the dawn first of cable TV, then of streaming, TV shows didn't draw the same number of viewers network shows did at their peak. Still, the highest-rated episode was still watched by a respectable 10.28 million watchers. The episode was of course the series finale, "Felina." 

Better Call Saul - "Uno"

The Breaking Bad spinoff, Better Call Saul benefited from its connection to the hit AMC show, and when it debuted in 2016, the first episode drew its highest ratings through its run, 2.57 million viewers. 

Atlanta - "The Big Bang"

Looking at the numbers for Atlanta you can see how things have changed in the television landscape. The critically acclaimed show was very popular, but its numbers are dwarfed by older shows. The most-watched episode of the Donald Glover-driven show was the premiere with 1.08 million people tuning in. 

The Sopranos - "For All Debts Public and Private" 

This one is a bit of a surprise. The finale of The Sopranos was a huge deal and it felt like everyone in the world was tuning in. It is not, however, the highest-rated episode for the series. That distinction belongs to Episode 1 of Season 4, "For All Debts Public and Private." The show's peak reached 13.43 million people, which is really impressive for a pay channel.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - "Ch-Ch-Changes" 

For the first seven seasons of its run on CBS, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation completely dominated the ratings for dramatic shows. It regularly drew 20-25 million viewers every week. It reached its apex with Episode 8 of Season 5 when 31.46 million viewers tuned in to  "Ch-Ch-Changes."

The Office - "Pilot" 

The Office remains one of the most beloved sitcoms ever. You might expect episodes like Pam and Jim's wedding to crush it ratings-wise, but it was actually the pilot episode, way back in 2005 that takes the title, with 11.23 million people. 

Roots - Final Episode

Okay, this is fudging a little bit. Roots was really a mini-series, not a regular show, but it's impossible not to include it because the ratings were so insane. It's estimated that 100 million people watched the final episode on PBS in 1977. 36.36 million TV sets were tuned in, which was 71% of the total TV viewership in its timeslot. 1 in 4 TVs in the whole country were tuned to Roots.

Lost - "Man of Science, Man of Faith" 

Lost took the TV world by storm when it debuted in 2004. By the end of Season 1, fans were glued to their sets every week. 23.47 million of those fans tuned in for the first episode of Season 2, "Man of Science, Man of Faith" to find out what was in the hatch. 

Magnum, P.I. - "Resolutions" 

Thomas Magnum has had an enduring legacy on TV, first with Tom Selleck in the role, and then with Jay Hernandez in the recent reboot of Magnum, P.I. In the original show's run, the ratings were generally good, though they fell off as the years went on. Still, the series finale showed just how popular the show was when, according to the fansite MagnumMania, the final episode drew 50.7 million viewers, ranking it 5th all-time for a single episode. 

This Is Us - "A Father's Advice"

While network shows have generally seen ratings decline over recent years, NBC's This Is Us bucked the trend and brought back the idea of "must see TV." The tear-jerker regularly drew high ratings throughout its 6 seasons run, peaking at 12.94 fans tuning in for Season 2, Episode 1 titled "A Father's Advice". 

The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air - "Just Say Yo"

Will Smith was just getting started on his acting career when The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air first aired in 1990. Two and a half seasons later, it was clear how popular he'd become when Episode 19 of Season 3, "Just Say Yo," found 30.6 million people tuning in to watch the hijinks of Will and Carlton making some bad decisions about some pills. 

Mad Men - "Person to Person" 

AMC's Mad Men stayed remarkably consistent through its entire seven season run. The ratings didn't fall off a cliff like so many shows do at some point. Sure, it's a more modern show, so the ratings aren't through the roof like the pre-cable era, but still 3.29 people watched as the series came to a close in Episode 14 of Season 6, called "Person to Person" when Don Draper finally seems human at the end. 

Dallas - "Who Done It" 

"Who shot J.R.?" was more than just a TV catchphrase. For the entire summer of 1980, people everywhere were asking the same question.  J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) getting shot at the end of Season 3 of Dallas remains to this day the most famous cliffhanger in TV history. Episode 1 of Season 4 reflects just what a huge deal it was when 61% of the TVs in the country tuned in to find out who did it, which translated to 38 million people at the time. The show dragged it out of course, and the ratings peaked for Episode 4 of that season when we all learned who actually did it. An astounding 76% of all the TVs in America were tuned to CBS for the episode "Who Done It." 53 million people. Just nuts. 

The Simpsons - "Bart Gets An F" 

The Simpsons holds a lot of TV records, as you would expect for a show that's been on since the first George Bush was President. Surprisingly, its highest-rated episode came very early on in its run. Season 2, Episode 1 "Bart Gets An F" remains the highest rating the show's ever gotten, with 33.6 million viewers. It's a classic episode, but you'd think something like "Who Shot Mr. Burns" would have eclipsed it, but nope. 

Seinfeld - "The Finale" 

It will come as no surprise that Seinfeld is responsible for one of the highest-rated episodes of all time. The final episode of the show, simply called "The Finale" drew an unbelievable 76.26 million viewers. Those are numbers that we will likely never see again with the diversification of viewer habits. It is simply amazing. 

The Wire - "Port in a Storm" 

While The Wire is often ranked at the top, or very near the top of the greatest TV shows of all time, it had pretty modest ratings during its original run. Fans at the time were always worried that HBO was going to cancel the beloved show. The show hit its ratings peak in Season 2, with Episode 12 "Port In A Storm" which sees the demise of Frank Sobotka, with 4.48 million fans tuning in. 

Succession - "With Open Eyes" 

HBO has a knack for churning out hit after hit and Succession is no exception. What's different is how people consume those hits these days. With the rise of streaming, ratings on HBO don't come close to what they used to be and that's reflected in Succession's highest-rated episode, the series finale, "With Open Eyes," only garnering 800k viewers. No doubt that number was much higher on the MAX streaming platform, and it was met with widespread critical acclaim. 

House - "One Day, One Room" 

For seven seasons on Fox, House was among the network's most popular shows. Episodes like when Dr. House (Hugh Laurie) was shot and others garnered high ratings, but the highest ratings came when it was revealed if House would beat the drug charges against him in Season 3, Episode 4, "One Day, One Room."

M*A*S*H - "Goodbye, Farewell, Amen" 

Here it is. The granddaddy of them all. The series finale of M*A*S*H, a show that famously ran for 5 times as many years as the actual Korean conflict lasted, was a television event that will never come close to being matched. The episode, titled "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen" drew an insane 105 million viewers. It was at the time, and remained for years, the highest-rated TV show of all time. It wasn't until 2010 that even a Super Bowl surpassed it.  

Gossip Girl - "The Dark Night" 

Gossip Girl has a big place in the hearts of its fans and its highest rated episode, "The Dark Night" in Season 2 reflects that as it's usually ranked as one of the best shows of the series. The episode drew 3.73 million fans to the screen

The Walking Dead - "No Sanctuary" 

AMC had another huge hit on their hands with The Walking Dead. The show, especially in its early seasons, drew enormous ratings. The show was also the master at cliffhangers, so it's not surprising that one of the biggest, with our heroes locked in a train car at the end of Season 4 would be resolved with the highest-rated show of the series, Episode 1 of Season 5, which drew 17.29 million watchers. 

Cheers

Like so many shows in the '80s and '90s, it was the finale of Cheers that scored huge numbers. The final episode, appropriately named "One For The Road," was watched by 80 million people in the U.S., ranking among the highest-rated shows ever. Many in Gen X can remember where they were when Sam (Ted Danson) turned the lights off in Cheers for the final time. 

Game of Thrones - "The Iron Throne" 

In a rare example of streaming likely helping a TV show's ratings, Game of Thrones' viewership numbers steadily climbed as the show moved along, culminating in the 13.61 million people that tuned in to HBO to watch the finale. While critics and fans had mixed reviews of the ending, you can't argue with the numbers. 

Full House - "Happy Birthday, Babies" 

The legacy of Full House is huge. Millions of fans still love the show enough that it was brought back decades after it ended with Fuller House. The family is still one of the most loved in TV history, so the episode "Happy Birthday, Babies" in Season 5, when Becky gives birth to Nicky and Alex, is unsurprisingly the most-watched episode, with 35.7 million people tuning in. 

Friends - "The Last One" 

You will not be shocked to learn that the series finale of Friends, "The Last One," is one of the most-watched shows of all time. The ratings juggernaut saved its best for last with 52.2 million fans watching as the show came to a close. It's good enough for 5th all-time, among TV finales. 

Grey’s Anatomy - "It's The End Of The World" 

Full disclosure here, the highest rated episode of Grey’s Anatomy had a little help, as the Season 2 ep aired directly after a Super Bowl. The result was a monster viewership of 38.1 million people. The show has always been very successful and its ratings are regularly among the highest on TV, but it's hard to imagine it ever topping that number. 

Yellowstone - "One Hundred Years Is Nothing" 

The newest show on this list is Paramount's Yellowstone. The Kevin Costner-led show started modestly, but over its first five seasons, it's grown into a powerhouse. The Season 5 premiere is the cherry on top of John Dutton's cake as he got sworn in as governor of Montana with 9.4 million people watching. 

The Cosby Show - Series finale

Like many of its fellow sitcoms, The Cosby Show's final episode was its peak, with 44.4 million viewers. A huge show that will never be seen the same way ever again, but worth mentioning on this list. 

Family Matters - "Life of the Party" 

The enduring legacy of Family Matters is the character Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White, so it's only appropriate that the highest rated episode was in Season 2 when Urkel taught everyone how to do "The Urkel" dance. 30.9 people danced along at home. 

Arrow - "The Scientist" 

Arrow had a long run, lasting seven seasons, and it kept its ratings remarkably consistent, at least until the last couple of seasons. The high water mark for the superhero show was 3.24 million viewers for the Season 3 episode, "The Scientist."

If you're wondering what program has the highest ratings of all time, it's not a Super Bowl, though eight Super Bowls are in the top 10. The highest-rated TV broadcast of all time was the Moon landing in 1969 with somewhere in the neighborhood of 125 million people watching on all three networks, in total. A small step for a man, a giant leap in TV viewership. 

Over the last several decades, the critical view of television has changed from being a lesser, more mass produced art form, not on the level of movies, to being the place for some of the most creative and progressive content being produced. Much of that collective reappraisal is due to HBO. In the late '90s and early 2000s, the premium cable company poured money into original productions like The Sopranos, Sex And The City, The Wire, Six Feet Under and more. 

As the awards, critical praise, positive fan feedback and subscriptions poured in, more TV networks started taking chances on difficult and complicated subject matter and shelling out to attract major stars. HBO still remains arguably the most famous and successful prestige TV network, but over the last few decades, tons of other networks have taken their chances with riskier and complicated shows. Many of those chances have paid off too.

Here’s a look at some really famous and really successful prestige TV shows that didn’t air on HBO but likely took some level of inspiration from the path the network blazed.

House Of Cards (Netflix)

Few shows in the history of television have upended the entire industry more than House Of Cards. The political drama was the first major original production from Netflix, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Emmy nominations in all the major categories helped create a ton of word of mouth, and within a few years, Netflix’s long-term strategy shifted from a focus on acquiring content to a focus on producing content. 

Downton Abbey (ITV/ PBS)

Every awards voter knows period piece family dramas set among the aristocracy can be major contenders for awards, but Downton Abbey proved just how popular they can be with a broad audience too. The sprawling historical drama found huge popularity in both Britain and The United States, ultimately producing six seasons and multiple movies, and yes, of course, it won plenty of awards too.

The Americans (FX)

One of my personal favorite shows on this entire list, The Americans was a bit of a slow build. Its first season got very solid ratings and a few nominations, but within a few seasons, the spy drama about a Russian family pretending to be Americans was attracting huge Metacritic scores and picking up Emmy nominations in all the major categories for both the show itself and its brilliant lead actors Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. 

Breaking Bad (AMC)

Widely considered to be one of the greatest shows of all-time, Breaking Bad may not have been on premium cable, but its subject matter was every bit as uncomfortable and morally complicated as anything found elsewhere. By the end of its incredible five-season run, the show had won two Emmys for Outstanding Drama, as well as acting Emmys for three of its primary actors and nominations for two more. 

The Good Wife (CBS)

Prestige TV shows typically have shorter seasons. Maintaining the highest quality over ten episodes is a lot easier than doing it over the twenty-plus network TV typically requires, but The Good Wife was able to maintain high quality thanks to really tight scripts that perfectly blended courtroom case-of-the-week style procedural elements with real character development. Great acting performances also helped, as its actors were collectively nominated an astounding thirty times at The Emmys over just six seasons.

Justified (FX)

Prestige TV shows are most often classified by the number of awards they won, but sometimes it’s about elevating a genre and having an original vision. That’s the case with Justified. It had eight Emmy nominations (and two wins for Margo Martindale and Jeremy Davies), but it’s here mostly because of how much life and originality it brought to the crime genre. It slowly evolved past being a procedural and into a carefully plotted linear story featuring a holler of fascinating backwoods personalities.

Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)

Whether awards voters were asked to call it a comedy or a drama, Orange Is The New Black found a very large and very passionate fanbase with its unique blend of prison shenanigans and societal commentary. It also helped prove Netflix was going to be a long-term threat for prestige television awards long after House Of Cards was gone.

The Great (Hulu)

The Great is maybe the most outlandish show I have ever watched and this comes from someone that’s watched Twin Peaks multiple times. There was no line this show wouldn’t cross, but with a filthy wit, it was able to ride the line between stupid and clever and rewrite the history of Catherine The Great And Peter III’s relationship in a really fascinating way. Reviews were great, and by the end, the lead actors were getting recognized for huge awards.

Lost (ABC)

I’m not sure there will be a single entry on this list that’s more divisive than Lost. The show, which Wikipedia calls a science fiction adventure drama, lost the patience of a percentage of its audience by the end, but it’s impossible to deny just how hooked millions were there for awhile. And with good reason. It got fifty-four Emmy nominations during its run and many are still discovering its joys on streaming.

30 Rock (NBC)

The bar is a lot higher for a comedy to be considered Prestige television, but there are few comedies in the history of television more praised and widely respected than 30 Rock. The hysterical take on the backstage politics behind making a TV show won Outstanding Comedy at the Emmys three times and in later seasons, attracted some of the biggest stars in the world for multi-episode guest spots.

Mad Men (AMC)

Apart from the fact that it’s utterly fantastic, Mad Men is one of the most important TV shows of the last few decades because it conclusively proved literally any network had the ability to create one of the buzziest, most acclaimed series on television, including AMC which launched Mad Men as its first original program. It also turned Jon Hamm into a huge star, and shined a light on many members of its talented supporting cast.

Dexter (Showtime)

Yeah, I know Dexter was inconsistent during its run, but man, was that Dark Passenger fun to ride around with when it was good. Showtime’s drama about a serial killer who tried to live by a moral code netted its primary actor, Michael C Hall, five well-earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead and netted terrific vet John Lithgow a guest star Emmy win for his terrifying work in Season 4. 

Homeland (Showtime)

Homeland didn’t have quite the universal acclaim in its later seasons, but there aren’t many shows in TV history that could match the universal acclaim of its early seasons. Its terrific first season won Outstanding Drama at The Emmys, as well as statues for its two lead actors Claire Danes and Damian Lewis. Altogether, it’s probably the most talked about and acclaimed series in Showtime history, and that’s huge praise given what else has been on that network.

The West Wing (NBC)

The West Wing is perhaps a little more inside the box and network TV-ish than a lot of other entries on this list, but to me, that’s part of its appeal. It’s well put together enough to consistently provide payoff moments, but it’s good enough at what it’s doing that the formula rarely gets in the way. Voters agreed, as it nominated the show for an astounding ninety-eight Emmys.

Ted Lasso (Apple+)

At its absolute best, Ted Lasso, the show but also, the person, has a way of making you feel so unreservedly happy. Before you realize it, you’re rooting for these characters more passionately and with more love in your heart than you ever knew was possible for a TV show. Critics, fans and awards voters all agreed too, as for awhile there, Ted Lasso became the most talked about thing on streaming.

Weeds (Showtime)

Given it ran for eight seasons, Weeds is far from the most nominated show on this list. Some of its actors did well at The Emmys, but what’s really important long-term about the drug dealing dramedy is how it turned what could have been a goofy, throwaway premise of suburban mom turned drug dealer into sharply written material that explored many different emotions and tones. It was never content to remain the same, which is the opposite of what many comedies want.

Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

This choice for sure is picking up some eyerolls, but people forget how freakin’ good Grey’s Anatomy was during its first handful of seasons. It earned multiple Outstanding Drama nominations, and many of its actors, most prominently Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson, were nominated for their performances. Its third season premiere was also watched live by more than twenty-five million people, which was a huge number at the time, especially for a critical darling.

24 (FOX)

24’s unconventional format of having episodes correspond to specific hours was a masterstroke, given the high pressure intensity of its subject matter. It was also able to really push the line with network television but more in the way of aggression and physical violence. It felt dangerous at the time, and decades later, that ever-present ferocity still comes through. It was consistently rewarded by critics and awards voters too in a way you almost never see for something this action-packed.

Modern Family (ABC)

Modern Family works so well because it’s really good at many different types of comedy. It has an overarching tone, sure, but because it brings together multiple generations, as well as many varied characters, it mines a lot of different subject matter for humor. That allows the show to feel fresh and keep from getting repetitive for longer than most comedies. Its wild range is probably best exemplified by the show somehow getting a combined six nominations in the Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress Emmy categories in the same year.

Better Call Saul (AMC)

There aren’t many spinoff shows in the history of television that pick right up where the original left off in terms of quality. Better Call Saul is a rare exception, which is positively insane given the original quality it needed to aspire to was maybe the greatest show ever in Breaking Bad. Fortunately, Bob Odenkirk is an absolute delight to watch, and Better Call Saul was able to give many of Breaking Bad’s greatest side characters more chances to shine.

Schitt's Creek (CBC)

If you want to know how beloved Schitt’s Creek was when it went off the air, especially among awards voters, look no further than the acting nominations it got during its last run at The Emmys. It somehow netted nine nominations just in the on-screen performance categories. It was a great final moment for a show that was often able to feel like both the best parts of a sitcom and the best parts of a linear dramedy at the same time.

Mr. Robot (USA)

Over the course of four critically acclaimed seasons, Mr. Robot built up a passionate fanbase who loved the dynamic between Rami Malek and Christian Slater, as well as the score and pace of the series. Starting mostly with its second season, it was also honored quite a bit by various award shows, including The Emmys, which gave Malek the Best Lead Actor award, along with nominating the show itself, guest actor BD Wong and more. 

Rescue Me (FX)

A show on FX about firefighters starring stand-up comedian Dennis Leary probably wouldn’t strike most people as a future Emmy winner and critical darling, but Rescue Me was never afraid of tackling more complicated material. That willingness to explore tougher subject matter attracted audiences, as well as high profile guest stars including Michael J Fox who picked up an Emmy for his contributions. 

This Is Us (NBC)

This is Us was so popular during its first few seasons that NBC gave it the post Super Bowl slot. The show took full advantage and aired a Super Bowl-themed episode that many consider to be one of the best of This Is Us’ entire run. It’s a perfect example of how the show, at its best, weaves together the type of complicated subject matter Emmy voters go for, while remaining broad enough to satisfy a massive audience. The actors in particularly were consistently hit with nominations, especially Sterling K Brown who was recognized by The Emmys five times.

The Crown (Netflix)

Typically when a show connects with a large audience, critics and awards voters, those behind the scenes do everything they can to keep the magic going with the original cast. Not The Crown. Rather than focus on a narrow window, the show hurtled forward, picking up new leads and new characters every few seasons, while somehow still maintaining enough quality to connect with Emmy voters and please its legion of fans.

The L Word (Showtime)

The L Word was never as enticing to awards voters as it should have been, though Ossie Davis did notably win an Emmy for Guest Actor, but its popularity and effect on prestige TV’s willingness to tackle LGBT+ subject matter cannot be overstated. Over the course of six seasons, the show tackled a wide variety of subjects and built a rich, complicated world of interconnected characters for its fanbase to root for and sometimes get mad at. 

Fargo (FX)

Taking spiritual inspiration from The Coen Brothers’ movie of the same name, no one was quite sure what to expect when Fargo premiered back in 2014, but the result was a fantastic crime narrative that was entirely different, yet oddly similar to the pace of the original film. Critics were overwhelmingly hot and loads of major nominations followed, especially for the actors. Subsequent seasons went in very different directions, but the basic spirit and popularity with awards voters remained. 

The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)

House Of Cards may have been the first streaming show to get significant critical acclaim and awards nominations, but The Handmaid’s Tale is actually the first one to win Best Drama at The Emmys. The unnerving and often disturbing adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel is a tough watch but can be so rewarding, as millions of viewers found out. Its first few seasons in particular were showered with praise and numerous nominations for both the show itself and its brilliant cast.

Arrested Development (FOX/ Netflix)

Has a comedy ever used a narrator better than Arrested Development? The well-written and often deeply weird comedy never attracted the biggest audience, but it was a huge hit with its fanbase and critics, who adored the complicated relationships between its characters and their ridiculous recurring jokes and plots. By the end of its short run, it won Best Comedy and Best Writing at The Emmys and saw four of its cast members nominated in acting categories.

Ozark (Netflix)

It took a little time for enough awards voters to give Ozark a chance, as the first season mainly only saw wide praise for Jason Bateman’s work, but once voters gave it a chance, the nominations started flying in. The show’s last three seasons were all nominated for Best Drama at The Emmys and Julia Garner won multiple times in the supporting category for her incredible work. New fans also keep discovering the show and taking to social media, where the hype train continues, despite not being on the air anymore.

Killing Eve (BBC Three/ BBC America)

There’s no shortage of fans and critics with opinions about Killing Eve's divisive final season, but the first two, in particular, remain beloved by pretty much everyone. Not surprisingly, perennial awards contender Sandra Oh got four Emmy noms for her work on the show, but voters also flipped for Jodie Comer, who got nominated three times and took home a win. Not bad for a spy thriller that wasn’t initially seen by some as a prestige project.

Pose (FX)

The loudest support for Pose came from those who couldn’t get enough of Billy Porter’s fantastic lead performance. He was repeatedly nominated and picked up an Emmy win during the show’s run, but there was also a lot of acclaim for individual seasons themselves too, as Ryan Murphy’s exploration of New York City’s LGBT+ subculture gave an opportunity for so many talented supporting actors to have their moment. 

When your favorite TV show is said and done, it’s kind of hard to pick which episode is the best of the bunch. But that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss, as according to the voters at IMDb, there’s a definitive answer for the highest rated episodes for 32 of beloved TV series like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Friends. Prepare to be amazed by these potential conversation/argument starters! 

“Ozymandias” - Breaking Bad - Season 5

In Breaking Bad’s five seasons of TV, the Rian Johnson directed “Ozymandias” is easily the victor. A perfect 10/10 in its IMDb vote, many have heralded this chapter of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and his crime saga as the finest. Which is probably because of all the acclaim spotlighting one word that this installment seems to embody: “payoff.”

“Plan And Execution” - Better Call Saul - Season 6

Much like its predecessor Breaking Bad, it’s the setup to the punchline that made Better Call Saul’s crown jewel a fan favorite. “Plan and Execution” is so close to the finale that you can feel the series’ finality, but at the same time you might be surprised to know that the climactic betrayal and death of Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian) was actually the mid-season finale of Bob Odenkirk’s swan song.

“Connor’s Wedding” - Succession - Season 4

How was Succession ever going to send out Logan Roy (Brian Cox) with a bang? Well, in the episode “Connor’s Wedding,” the answer was simple: you kill him by surprise, and early on in the final season. Stuff the episode with the sort of tragically awkward Succession moments that we all know and love, and you’ve got a recipe for a story that brings down the house.

“Finale” - The Office - Season 9

The Office’s series finale, aptly titled “Finale,” tied things up with a beautiful knot, which just happened to include Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Angela (Angela Kinsey) tying the knot. Also, Steve Carell’s big return as Michael Scott still circulates online as a true moment of joy from this landmark chapter. 

“Pine Barrens” - The Sopranos - Season 3

Even after The Sopranos pretty much answered the pressing question of whether or not Tony Soprano was wacked, Season 3’s “Pine Barrens” still contains an unsolved mystery. So on top of Steve Buscemi’s directorial chops, and watching Paulie (Tony Sirico) and Chris (Michael Imperioli) spend some time in those Jersey woods, people are probably still watching this episode in hopes of answering, “Is Valery dead, or not?” The world may never know.

“Modern Warfare” - Community - Season 1

What happens when a mile-a-minute pop culture joke machine like Community dedicates an entire episode to some of the best action movies of all time? Well, you’d get the Justin Lin directed “Modern Warfare,” an all-time heater that sees Jeff (Joel McHale) battling it out for priority registration. It’s an episode that blew people away so hard, that much like Die Hard, it got a couple sequels. 

“The Constant” - Lost - Season 4

Through Lost's best episodes, it was a series that bent people’s minds in all sorts of directions, and left them wanting more. “The Constant” is a firm example of that, as the time travel-centric episode went down the usual rabbit holes the show was known for. However, throwing in that romantic plot line between Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) and Penny (Sonya Walger) probably stuck the landing for this one in the hearts of fans. 

“The One Where Everybody Finds Out” - Friends - Season 5

It’s not hard to see why “The One Where Everybody Finds Out” is Friends’ highest-rated episode on IMDb. With Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courteney Cox) finally seeing their clandestine love affair outed to their whole group, it's a watershed moment for the pair. It's also considered one of Matthew Perry's best Friends episodes, so there's something else to consider.

“Everyone’s Waiting” - Six Feet Under

Would anyone be surprised to learn that Six Feet Under’s series finale “Everyone’s Waiting” is the highest rated entry? Alan Ball’s darkly comic dramedy about death went out on a fitting note, showing the entire Fisher family’s final fates. Sia’s “Breathe Me” still brings people to tears when thinking about it.

“How Your Mother Met Me” - How I Met Your Mother - Season 9

Getting the answer to who “The Mother” was in How I Met Your Mother was only the beginning of the road for the series’ endgame. With Season 9 bringing fans closer to Tracy (Cristin Milioti) and her marriage to Ted (Josh Radnor), “How Your Mother Met Me” took the time to fill us in on every hysterical and heartbreaking moment that led these two to each other.  

“Once More, With Feeling” - Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Season 6

There are several reasons “Once More, With Feeling” probably topped the list of Buffy the Vampire Slayer favorites. Known forever as “the musical episode,” the keen gimmick introduced us all to the silky smooth singing of Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) just as he was heading out the door. Also, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Spike (James Marsters) had their first actual, non-magically influenced kiss. 

“The Stockholm Syndrome” - The Big Bang Theory - Season 12

Sitcom characters are a good example of systems so delicate that the wrong type of change could sink them rather quickly. The Big Bang Theory managed to seemingly avoid that with its series finale “The Stockholm Syndrome,” which both gave Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) everything he wanted, and the audience an ending they didn’t know they needed. Seeing a very married, and very loving Sheldon is the ingredient that more than likely made this curtain closer one fans still remember.

“The Contest” - Seinfeld - Season 4

When an episode of a sitcom happens to be so good it invents pop culture slang that still lands to this day, as well as finds itself referenced in an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you know its done the trick. One of Seinfeld’s best episodes, “The Contest,” fits both of those bills, as the New York gang of idiots challenge each other in a very personal way. 

“Connection Lost” - Modern Family - Season 6

Sometimes, you need a good format breaker to keep things fresh. In the sixth season of Modern Family, the powers that be recognized that and gave us “Connection Lost,” a story where Claire (Julie Bowen) plays a literal game of telephone to investigate what may or may not be happening with daughter Haley (Sarah Hyland). 

"The Inner Light" - Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 5

"The Inner Light" is an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that's so popular, all you need is music to spark its memory within the fandom. A touching story of bittersweet devastation and empathy, this could be the episode that epitomizes who Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) is, and what he's always stood for in this landmark sci-fi franchise.

“Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” - The X-Files - Season 3

Story driven series like The X-Files sometimes strike it big with the occasional one-off episode. In the case of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson’s third season of action, “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” was one such episode, following the case of an insurance salesman (Peter Boyle) who knows when people are going to die. Properly spooky, but also slyly witty, it may be Mulder and Scully’s greatest victory against the show’s shadowy conspiracy. 

“Middle Ground” - The Wire - Season 3

“Middle Ground” is the type of episode that shows like The Wire live for. Well regarded by fans and critics alike, the Season 3 heater saw Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) ringing on the streets of Baltimore for the last time. With Omar (Michael K. Williams) helping punch his ticket, this endgame between these legendary characters is still the episode to beat.  

“The Suitcase” - Mad Men - Season 4

“THAT’S WHAT THE MONEY’S FOR!” You could probably hear a pin drop after Don (Jon Hamm) and Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) had their infamous argument over who deserved the true credit for the Glo Coat ad. “The Suitcase” saw perhaps the greatest fracture between this mentor/mentee team, and its effects would reverberate through to the series’ finale. Also, that quote did become one hell of a meme; so that helped in the longevity department of this Mad Men champion.

“Eye Of The Beholder” - The Twilight Zone - Season 2

Technically, The Twilight Zone has two episodes tied for the highest rating in its iconic collection of episodes. If you guessed Nightmare at 20,000 Feet as the technical tie, you’re absolutely correct. However it’s Season 2’s  “Eye of the Beholder” that still wins out, based on a higher volume of votes. And if you want to guess why that is, it’s probably because this episode has one of the biggest twist endings in Twilight Zone history, complete with truly frightening prosthetics.

“One Last Ride” - Parks and Recreation - Season 7

Sorry Parks and Rec fans, even with Chris Pratt’s legendary improv “Flu Season” isn’t the NBC series’ highest rated episode. Rather, the series finale “One Last Ride” is the best regarded installment of the pop culture hit. Though if you’re a true fan of the Amy Poehler-led ensemble series, you’re probably not sorry, as this is the episode that gave everyone a pretty happy ending.

“Two Cathedrals” - The West Wing - Season 2

“Two Cathedrals” is both one of the darkest hours and finest moments of President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen). The episode where he ponders running for another term, in light of an MS diagnosis and the loss of close friend and colleague Mrs. Landingham (Kathryn Joosten). The reason this episode is the top of the class is, unquestionably, Sheen’s enraged monologue in discussion with God; which became a real bilingual tongue lashing of fury.

“Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse” - The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air - Season 4

If you ever need inspiration to cry in a rush, put on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s Season 4 episode “Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse.” When you get to the end, in which Will (Will Smith) expresses his heartbreak of being abandoned by his father again, you’ll understand why this is the episode that still has fans singing its praises.

“11:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.” - 24 - Season 1

24 was a massive cultural hit when it first premiered, and eventually spawned the story of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) and the worst days in his life. The best rated episode of his adventures, “11:00 pm - 12:00 am” saw Jack’s deadly battle with the Drazen family come to an explosive conclusion; but at a cost. With the loss of his wife Teri (Leslie Hope) and the escape of traitor Nina Meyers (Sarah Clarke), the path of his life would be set for years to come.

“Crossroads: Part 2” - Battlestar Galactica - Season 3

Talk about a “payoff” episode, as Battlestar Galactica's "Crossroads: Part 2" not only brought Starbuck (Katee Sackoff) back from the dead, it also revealed the Final Five Cylons hiding among the Galactica’s crew.  So depending on where your head is at as a fan, you’ve got two different reasons to choose from, and both lead to Earth! 

“Happy Ending” - Schitt’s Creek - Season 6

When a comedy can make you laugh as much as Schitt’s Creek has, the ability to make the audience cry in-between laughing fits is seen as a bit of a superpower. “Happy Ending” closed out the ensemble series with tears of joy and sadness, as David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid) finally got married. With the Rose family splitting off for fates unknown, a truly happy ending was had as all of our favorite characters grew into the beautiful beings we saw in this final frame.

“On The Beach” - ER - Season 8

Good luck talking about this episode of ER without breaking into tears. Serving as the tearful goodbye to Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards), watching a dear friend make peace with his mistakes before his death was a heart smasher. To this day, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s cover of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is an easy emotional trigger. 

“Abyssinia, Henry” - M*A*S*H - Season 3

M*A*S*H is a unique animal. “Abyssinia, Henry” proves that point rather well, as the departure of Colonel Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) went from bittersweet to downright devastating. With the series regular dying in a finale that even surprised the cast, you could imagine how fans felt when they first saw it.

“Raincoats And Recipes” - Gilmore Girls - Season 4

Gilmore Girls fans, you know exactly why you voted “Raincoats and Recipes” as the top rated episode on IMDb. If you’re a fan of Lorelai (Lauren Graham), you love this episode because it’s her first kiss with Luke (Scott Patterson). If you’re on Team Rory (Alexis Bledel), then the rather complicated moment of her and Dean (Jared Padalecki) trying to “salvage their friendship” is probably the high point.

“An American Girl in Paris: Part Deux” - Sex and the City - Season 6

Before both movies and the formation of the legacy-quel And Just LIke That would change history, Sex and the City landed its grand finale with “An American Girl in Paris: Part Deux” as Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker) fairy tale reunion with Mr. Big (Chris Noth) seemed like the happy ending fated from square one.

“Always” - Friday Night Lights - Season 5

The last dance with Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his East Dillon Lions resulted in “Always,” the series finale to the ever popular Friday Night Lights. With a State Championship on the line, as well as Coach’s own future in football, the results weren’t the draw for those who followed the show. It was, as always, about clear eyes and full hearts. 

“Lucy Does A TV Commercial” - I Love Lucy - Season 1

Legendary sitcoms like I Love Lucy have those gags that always land on t-shirts, trivia questions, and fan favorite roundups. “Lucy Does A TV Commercial” gave the world one such moment, as Lucy (Lucile Ball) talks her way into a medicine commercial for Vitameatavegamin. Let’s just say the side effects of that elixir are what make this episode very “poopular.”  

“One For The Road” - Cheers - Season 11

There is no Cheers without Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Full stop, no exceptions. The series finale “One For The Road” got that right out of the gate, and seeing Sam realize it in the closing moments is probably why fans love it so much. It’s good to know that there’s always somewhere where everybody knows your name.

Fans know what they love from their favorite series, and the episodes that top the charts only prove it. So remember that whenever your favorite show takes its final bow, it'll eventually be contributing to the history of moments and plotlines like the ones shown above.

My favorite TV show of all time is Breaking Bad, which stars Bryan Cranston as a terminally ill high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing crystal methamphetamine to support his family. Since creator Vince Gilligan’s Emmy-winning drama ended after five seasons in 2013, I have been on the lookout for more titles that remind me of the best episodes of Breaking Bad in terms of content and tone. As far as I am concerned, the following TV series are just about “Heisenberg-level.”

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn

What it's about: An Albuquerque attorney rises up in the world of practicing law by scheming his way toward wins and taking on shady clients.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Of course, no list of TV shows like Breaking Bad would be complete without the series’ acclaimed spinoff show, Better Call Saul, in which Breaking Bad cast member Odenkirk reprises his role of the slimy Saul Goodman in the earlier years of his career when he was still known as Jimmy McGill.

How to watch Better Call Saul

• Stream Better Call Saul on Netflix
• Buy Better Call Saul on Amazon
• Buy Better Call Saul on Blu-ray on Amazon

Dope Thief (2025)

Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura

What it’s about: Two criminals who specialize in posing as DEA agents to rip off drug dealers put themselves in danger when they steal from the wrong person.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Unlike Breaking Bad, the Emmy-nominated, acclaimed Apple TV+ original series Dope Thief, from producer Ridley Scott, starts out with the anti-heroic protagonists already involved in the criminal lifestyle when story, but similar to Walter White’s story, it sees them get in over their heads when they ruffle feathers with something bigger than they are.

How to watch Dope Thief

• Stream Dope Thief on Apple TV+

Banshee (2013-2016)

Starring: Antony Starr, Ivana Milicevic

What it’s about: A recently released convict assumes the identity of a recently appointed sheriff to a small Pennsylvania community, allowing him to continue indulging in his criminal lifestyle in plain sight.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Also boasting some intense action sequences that make a great show for Reacher fans, Banshee relates to Breaking Bad as a story of crime and corruption in a quaint community, led by a protagonist leading a double life.

How to watch Banshee

• Stream Banshee on HBO Max
• Buy Banshee on Amazon

Top Boy (2011-2023)

Starring: Ashley Walters, Michael Ward

What it’s about: An inside look at London’s criminal underworld, as seen mostly from the point of view of the young people working in it.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Creator Ronan Bennett’s British Netflix original series Top Boy (starring Adolescence actor and 2025 Emmy nominee Ashley Walters) is another story of a person lured into the criminal lifestyle to support their family.

How to watch Top Boy

• Stream Top Boy on Netflix

Barry (2018-2023)

Starring: Bill Hader, Sarah Goldberg

What it's about: A contract killer from the Midwest on an assignment in Los Angeles decides to switch career aspirations after randomly walking into an acting class.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Breaking Bad is not without its humorous moments, especially in the earlier seasons before growing darker over time, much like Barry (also created by Hader with Alec Berg), a story about a man’s struggle to escape his criminal lifestyle, which is at its absolute bleakest during the final season.

How to watch Barry

• Stream Barry on HBO Max
• Buy Barry on Amazon

Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)

Starring: Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald

What it's about: The story of a New Jersey politician and his criminal exploits in the age of Prohibition.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: From creator Terence Winter and executive producer Martin Scorsese, the Emmy-winning Boardwalk Empire is yet another stunning crime drama about crime, corruption, and double lives.

How to watch Boardwalk Empire

• Stream Boardwalk Empire on HBO Max
• Buy Boardwalk Empire on Amazon
• Buy Boardwalk Empire Blu-ray on Amazon

The Dexter Franchise (2006-Present)

Starring: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter

What it's about: A man with homicidal urges acts as judge, jury, and executioner on Miami’s most awful criminals while working as a police forensics expert.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Dexter is a classic example of an absorbing, twisted crime drama that tricks you into rooting for a criminal and, also like Breaking Bad, would spawn a franchise with a limited series revival called Dexter: New Blood in 2021, a prequel called Dexter: Original Sin premiering in 2025, and another revival called Dexter: Resurrection that premiered in 2025.

How to watch the Dexter franchise

Fargo (2014-Present) 

Starring: Various

What it's about: Every season of this series, loosely inspired by one of the best Coen Brothers movies, tells a different story, such as one about a contract killer who makes a damning impact on a small town, another about a wife and mother whose dark past comes back to haunt her, and more.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Creator Noah Hawley’s Fargo is a great anthology TV show filled with characters like Walter White: seemingly average folk hiding dangerous secrets.

How to watch Fargo

• Stream Fargo on Hulu
• Buy Fargo on Amazon

Ozark (2017-2022)

Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney

What it's about: A Chicago family abruptly relocates to rural Missouri when the husband and father, a financial advisor, makes a deal with a deadly drug lord to become his money launderer.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: While Walter White and Marty Byrde are very different characters, both in the way they interact with their respective families and their approaches to their business, the additional comparisons between Ozark and Breaking Bad are undeniable.

How to watch Ozark

• Stream Ozark on Netflix

Snowfall (2017-2023)

Starring: Damson Idris, Carter Hudson

What it's about: The rise of a young man who comes to play a pivotal role in the Los Angeles crack epidemic of the 1980s.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Another series that earned comparisons to Breaking Bad early on for its earnest and visceral depiction of drug trafficking is FX’s Snowfall, from creators John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron.

How to watch Snowfall

• Stream Snowfall on Hulu
• Stream Snowfall on Disney+
• Buy Snowfall on Amazon

Sons Of Anarchy (2008-2014)

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Ron Perlman

What it's about: The daily struggles of an outlaw motorcycle club in California’s Central Valley.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: The fraught relationship between Hunnam’s Jax Teller and his father, Clay Morrow (Perlman), has a lot in common with the relationship between Walt and his young partner-in-crime, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), which is just one of many similarities between Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy.

How to watch Sons of Anarchy

• Stream Sons Of Anarchy on Hulu
• Stream Sons of Anarchy on Disney+
• Buy Sons Of Anarchy on Amazon
• Buy Sons of Anarchy on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Starring: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco

What it's about: A New Jersey mob boss struggles to balance his criminal lifestyle with being a family man.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Breaking Bad, and modern television’s obsession with anti-hero stories, may never have existed without the influence of The Sopranos, which may have ended on a polarizing note, but is still widely remembered as one of the best dramas of its time, if not ever.

How to watch The Sopranos

• Stream The Sopranos on HBO Max
• Buy The Sopranos on Amazon
• Buy The Sopranos on Blu-ray on Amazon

Weeds (2005-2012)

Starring: Mary-Louise Parker, Justin Kirk

What it's about: A teacher turns to dealing drugs to support her family.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Even though Weeds follows a recently widowed mother selling marijuana instead of an ailing husband and father peddling meth, it is easy to see why Vince Gilligan was accused of ripping off Jenji Kohan’s Emmy-winning dramedy when he pitched Breaking Bad, as he recalled at the Paley Center for Media.

How to watch Weeds

• Stream Weeds on The Roku Channel
• Stream Weeds on Plex
• Stream Weeds on Philo
• Buy Weeds on Amazon
• Buy Weeds on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Wire (2002-2008)

Starring: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams

What it's about: An inside look at the world of drug trafficking, as told from the perspective of both law enforcement and outlaws of Baltimore.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: One of Breaking Bad’s fiercest rivals for the title of “all-time greatest TV show” is, creator David Simon’s The Wire, which also tells an alluring story about those in the illicit drug business with many twisted surprises along the way.

How to watch The Wire

• Stream The Wire on HBO Max
• Buy The Wire on Amazon
• Buy The Wire on Blu-ray on Amazon

Your Honor (2020-2023)

Starring: Bryan Cranston, Hope Davis, Hunter Doohan

What it's about: A judge from New Orleans defies his typical moral principles to help his young son when he becomes a target of the mob after a hit-and-run accident.

Why it is worth watching if you like Breaking Bad: Cranston would eventually return to television with a role similar to Walter White, in that he takes desperate measures to help a loved one, in developer Peter Moffat’s Your Honor.

How to watch Your Honor

• Stream Your Honor on Netflix
• Stream Your Honor on Showtime through Paramount+
• Buy Your Honor on Amazon
• Buy Your Honor on DVD on Amazon

If you still have yet to see any of these acclaimed shows similar to Breaking Bad, I think your best course of action would not be to tread lightly, but to binge them all as soon as possible!

Regarding movie and TV characters that have withstood the test of time, I can think of no better characters than the sarcastic ones. These people we remember the most years later for their hilarious jokes, awesome one-liners, and deliveries that just can't be beaten. Today, we'll review the most sarcastic TV characters and the ones from movies. 

Chandler Bing (Friends)

Out of the entirety of the Friends cast, I don't think there's been another character that stands out just as much as Chandler Bing. From his first moments on the series to his last, Chandler was hands down the most sarcastic of the leading group, and some of his lines have lived on for years long after the series ended. Friends was undoubtedly one of Matthew Perry's best TV shows.

Deadpool (The Deadpool Franchise)

Deadpool from the Deadpool franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is sarcastic by nature. No matter what fight he's dealing with, there's always a joke that comes flying out not that long after, whether it be a lighter joke or a very much Rated-R quip, Ryan Reynolds' character always has a quick remark.

Roman Roy (Succession)

The Succession cast is always serious about what is happening in the show – as they should be. It's a lot of money they are dealing with. 

But Roman Roy? He is the most unserious character ever and will break any tension with a sarcastic quip that will undoubtedly sit in viewers' minds for hours long after the TV show ends. Kieran Culkin was a beast at his delivery. 

Tony Stark (The MCU)

Out of the original Avengers, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr. in one of his best roles) is hands down the most sarcastic. I'm pretty sure half the time, it was just Downey Jr. acting like himself on screen because he's Tony Stark in real life. I'll never get over how he called one of Thanos' henchmen, Squidward, literally. 

Sherlock Holmes (Elementary & Sherlock) 

It's hard to pick just one Sherlock – so why not both? Benedict Cumberbatch from Sherlock and Jonny Lee Miller from Elementary both perfectly capture what it's like to play Sherlock Holmes – as well as his sassy and sarcastic nature when solving the case. They are some of the best portrayals of Sherlock out there – I'll give Robert Downey Jr. an honorable mention, too, for his role as Sherlock in the Sherlock movies.

Max Black (2 Broke Girls)

Kat Dennings has probably some of the best one-liners in all of 2 Broke Girls as Max Black. Coming from a broken home, the character came swinging right out the gate with hilarious one-liners and wits that made me laugh for hours on end – even if deep down, we all know she uses sarcasm as her emotional shield.  

Comic Book Guy (The Simpsons)

Few characters on this list have been around for decades, but Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons was primed for that. Appearing in the second season of The Simpsons, the character has remained a mainstay in the series for his sarcastic nature and love of all things comic books, making snide comments to anyone who challenges his mastery of the medium.

Juno (Juno)

Juno from Juno is probably the most relatable teenage character in movies (besides, maybe, the whole teen pregnancy part). She's witty and sarcastic and uses it in situations where you probably shouldn't use humor, but it's what brings you comfort. Admittedly, Juno was my favorite movie character for a long time. 

Gregory House (House)

There are many medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy, New Amsterdam, and so many others, but nothing can beat House and its namesake doctor, Gregory House. A man who is incredibly smart but has a drug problem, he uses sarcasm in his everyday job, which not only makes him hilarious but also causes him to run into some interesting patient situations. 

Hades (Hercules)

I will stand by the fact that Hades is hands down the best Disney villain overall. Not only is he so sarcastic and makes jokes about death and Greek mythology all the time, but he's able to use that hilarity and turn it sinister, turning into a pretty scary villain when he needs to be. But you can't hate him because he's just so funny. 

Roger Sterling (Mad Men)

When I first watched Mad Men and attempted to find someone I liked from the cast, the first person that came to mind was Roger Sterling. Portrayed by John Slattery, Sterling had some of the best storylines on the series – and brought that sarcasm despite all his heavy problems. 

Tyrion (Game Of Thrones)

There are some great Tyrion quotes out there that I could reference for hours about how sarcastic this man is, but they wouldn't do it justice. Honestly, rewatch Game of Thrones for Tyrion's sarcastic nature – I assure you, you will laugh just as much the first time you watched this series thanks to Peter Dinklage's excellent performance. 

Seinfeld (Seinfeld)

I mean, come on. Of course, we must put Jerry Seinfeld from Seinfeld on this list. The man was born to be a sarcastic comedian, and in every episode of this series, something will come out of his mouth to make you laugh. 

Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy)

The Grey's Anatomy cast has ebbed and flowed so often throughout its long run that it's sometimes hard to remember everyone there. But Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, has been in the show for years, and honestly, she's one of the few that I see the reason why. Not only is she hilarious in her sarcastic nature, but her facial expressions are to die for. 

Lucifer (Lucifer)

When you're the ruler of Hell, you tend to have a sense of humor from all the darkness going around, and of course, Lucifer from Lucifer is very much like that. And he has a sense of humor that is unlike anyone else. I'm pretty sure Lucifer can charm anyone with his sarcastic nature and pretty smile – and yes, he would most likely delight me, too, with his sarcasm.

Alex Russo (Wizards Of Waverly Place)

As someone who grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, Alex Russo is why I am the person I am today. Funny, quippy, and sarcastic, this girl always knew how to make anyone laugh, regardless of the situation. And it's certainly a show to watch if you love Selena Gomez, as she plays Russo. 

Fallon Carrington (Dynasty)

If you want a character that genuinely lives for drama, then Fallon Carrington (played by Elizabeth Gillies) from Dynasty is the one for you. She grew up with money and power, but because everyone was always fighting each other within her family, she learned how to stand up for herself quickly – which manifested into some of the most sarcastic moments of the show. 

Stiles (Teen Wolf)

I'm 99% sure Stiles from the Teen Wolf cast can use his sarcasm as a weapon. Before he was affected by any supernatural forces, he was genuinely just a funny kid who used sarcasm in every way possible, and yes, I am still missing Dylan O'Brien in this role, because he was just the best. 

David (Schitt's Creek)

In modern-day television, no one is as sarcastic as David from the Schitt's Creek cast. Played by Dan Levy, this character had so many moments of sass that they are printed on t-shirts all over the place now. I still laugh just as hard when he says, "You look like the downfall of society," years later. 

Charlie (Two And A Half Men)

Fun fact – I binge-watched Two And A Half-Men for the first time in 2023, and yes, I am now aware of how funny Charlie Sheen was in this show as Charlie. He is probably the most sarcastic TV character I've ever gotten the chance to watch – and no matter how many times I view the episodes, I still laugh just as hard. 

Seth (Superbad)

The Superbad elevated many people among its cast up to fame, and one of those just happened to be Jonah Hill, who played Seth in the film. From there, we see how hilarious and sarcastic Hill could be when he played Seth and somehow made me laugh despite his strange nature – and his weird obsessions. 

April Ludgate (Parks And Recreation)

Aubrey Plaza's best TV shows certainly includes her role in the Parks and Recreation cast, where she played April Ludgate. Her deadpan-style comedy and the way she responded to any joke is what made her such a great addition to this cast, and in any rewatch, she's always the standout star. 

Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Arguably, you could place anyone from the Big Bang Theory cast on this list, but Sheldon stands out. He's sarcastic, intelligent, and pretty much the face of the franchise – I mean, he got his series afterward, so it's not surprising he's on this list. 

Betty Rizzo (Grease)

Betty Rizzo is an exciting pick on this list because while she is undoubtedly sarcastic and a mean girl, we all know she's going through some serious personal stuff. Regardless, she channels her emotions into her sarcasm and truly comes up with some funny one-liners that have lived on – and of course, we can't forget the sarcasm queen's song, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

Miranda (Sex & The City)

Miranda Hobbes from the Sex and the City cast was the sarcastic and funny friend I'm sure we all want in our thirties. Portrayed by Cynthia Nixon, Miranda is a career-minded woman who has probably one of the most cynical takes on relationships and men in general, and she makes it known plenty through her sarcastic quips.  

Daria (Daria)

Daria's sarcasm from the show Daria is what made her famous. The adult animated sitcom -- a spinoff from Beavis and Butt-Head -- was released in the late 1990s and featured the story of Daria, a cynical high school student who was hilarious in every way. Let's be honest; we all wanted to be her. 

Sterling Archer (Archer)

Archer is all about Sterling Archer – who makes this animated series so much more fun with his sarcasm. As a secret agent who is as narcissistic as he is sarcastic, he makes this show as hilarious as some of the best TV shows.

Loki (The MCU)

I must include the supervillain (or hero, depending on how you look at him), Loki. From his first appearance in the MCU to his TV show on Disney+, Tom Hiddleston has made Loki one of the most sarcastic supervillains in the MCU. It's no wonder he keeps coming back again and again. 

Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)

"Florals? In the spring? How original." You can't get better than Miranda Priestly. Meryl Streep portrayed the character in The Devil Wears Prada cast, and this character used her sarcasm as a weapon to anyone who dared go against what she wanted. Truly, no one did it as well as Priestly. 

Severus Snape (The Harry Potter Franchise)

While Severus Snape was a man of few words in most of his appearances in the Harry Potter franchise, he was full of sass and sarcasm. Played by Alan Rickman, Severus Snape was a powerful wizard, and in some of his best moments, he used his sass and sarcasm against everyone, especially his students. 

Saul (Better Call Saul)

I mean, it's Saul Goodman. He's the king of sarcasm. There's a reason why Bob Odenkirk received an entire spinoff dedicated to the character after starring in Breaking Bad – he's an okay-ish lawyer with no shortage of sarcasm to offer. He can somehow always get someone out of trouble.

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

What do you do when all your friends and family have bending abilities but you don't? You use sarcasm as a weapon, of course, and that's what Sokka did in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Hands down, Sokka was the funniest of the leading group of characters in the popular Nickelodeon show.

Richard Hayden (Tommy Boy)

David Spade is another iconic actor known for his sarcastic characters, and one of his best is Richard Hayden from Tommy Boy. His scenes with Chris Farley made him all the funnier and stands out as one of his best movies. 

Billy (Billy Madison)

Adam Sandler is known for being sarcastic in many of his movie roles, and one of his most iconic was Billy in Billy Madison. A spoiled man, Billy was hilarious in every way and used his sarcasm and dimwitted nature to get whatever he wanted – which, later on, hilariously backfires. 

There are plenty of great sarcastic characters out there to love and enjoy, but these guys certainly stand out as some of the best. Now if you don't mind me, I'm going to look up a compilation of Chandler Bing's funniest moments and laugh my butt off again and again. 

While Better Call Saul actor Bob Odenkirk has never exactly been a workaholic, the man is reflecting on his busy nature more prudently in recent times. Part of that approach is because of the heart attack Odenkirk suffered in 2021 on the set of his AMC show; which saw the Mr. Show comedy vet eventually make a steady recovery. And while he's fully back to work now, he also still thinks about this health scare "every day." 

It may have only been a couple years back, but Bob hasn’t let that moment slip from his mind. Speaking with Yahoo for its series on parenting, So Mini Ways, Bob Odenkirk opened up about that health crisis and the effect it had on him after the fact. And as it turns out, the Emmy winner doesn’t let much moss grow on the memory of what was potentially his greatest health scare; which he revealed thusly: 

It shouldn’t be that surprising to learn that the Breaking Bad actor is still carrying the memory of that day with him. That is particularly true when Odenkirk revealed changes due to said heart attack earlier this year. 

What also hasn’t changed is Bob Odenkirk’s thankfulness for his family, friends, and fans. In Bob’s previous reflections on the health scare, that mindful nature has always shone through, thanks to the outpouring of love he’s received in the past. But that feedback wasn’t just limited to the good things in life, as he had some problems with his memory after his collapse on the Better Call Saul set. A scenario that, as he continued to explain in this interview, had both its upsides and downsides: 

Two years after this life changing event, Bob Odenkirk is still very much at work. At the same time, he’s acknowledged that he won’t be chasing as many projects as he used to, with a renewed intent to balance work and life. While no one would wish something like a heart attack on anyone, Bob’s clarity after the fact is something that all of us could stand to learn from; no matter where we are in our lives. 

For those of you who want to enjoy the works of Bob Odenkirk, you can binge right up to Better Call Saul’s ending, thanks to the series’ current streaming home. All you need is a Netflix subscription to dive into the darkly comic world of the legal system, with the morally dubious Saul Goodman as your guide. And don’t forget that Odenkirk’s new series Lucky Hank is also available to stream, through AMC+.

Is it the end of the line for Breaking Bad? It’s been over a year since Vince Gilligan put the franchise to rest for the second time with the ending of Better Call Saul. As the TV show creator is currently getting ready to start production on an original sci-fi series for Apple TV+ that is void of methamphetamine and crime, he shared his thoughts on whether he thinks he would return to the world he started with Walter White. His answer has me hoping it doesn’t happen. 

While reflecting with Variety on the 10th anniversary of the Breaking Bad finale, Vince Gilligan was asked whether he believes he has said goodbye to the franchise “forever.” Here’s how he answered: 

It sounds like if Gilligan could have his way completely, he would never look back on the Breaking Bad franchise because he’s said what he wanted to say through both series. However, he shared one caveat. If his next couple projects completely flop and he finds a way back into Walter White’s world, he’s willing to open the door again. 

Gilligan sounds caught between loving the universe he created with Breaking Bad, and not wanting to overstay its welcome on TV screens even knowing how popular and powerful it is. The TV creator has been entrenched in telling the Breaking Bad story since 2007, bringing five seasons of the initial show starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul before lightning struck a second time with the success of prequel series Better Call Saul, which bowed out after six seasons. Gilligan also had this to say: 

It’s a fair answer, because who knows? Perhaps Vince Gilligan will figure out a really great new storyline from Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul and blow our minds years from now. However, I’m inclined to be content with the two incredible TV shows we’ve been given and hope Gilligan doesn’t simply go back to it out of boredom or peer pressure. I'd love to see him put his talents into his new original ideas and for them to pay off. 

Both series are so well made and I’d hate for more to come from the franchise and downgrade the quality Vince Gilligan has set up for what we’ve seen before. For the time being, Gilligan is placing his focus on a mysterious Apple TV+ sci-fi show, which has already received a two-season order. Gilligan shared he is planning to get started with production on the show this winter in New Mexico. 

In the meantime, you can watch both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul with a Netflix subscription. If you’re looking to rewatch it, check out the different orders you can watch both shows and if you've had your fill, here are some shows like Breaking Bad to try next.

It’s been just over a year since Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul ended after six seasons. The series starred Bob Odenkirk as lawyer Jimmy McGill, who later becomes criminal defense attorney Saul Goodman. While filming for the final season was a bit complicated after Odenkirk suffered a heart attack on set, it didn’t stop him from completing the series. Even though the story wrapped up, that also isn’t stopping him from coming up with ideas for Saul’s next chapter that I'd be down for.

Via Variety's Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, which included the audio from a Better Call Saul panel that happened back in March, comedy genius Odenkirk put in his two cents for a possible sequel series that would be very meta. It would involve not only Saul Goodman but himself as well, and even though it’s just a joke, I desperately need it now:

It may just be for jokes, but a Better Call Saul sequel that involves Bob Odenkirk and Saul Goodman would be pretty hilarious. The two together (somehow) would be a riot, but would they be friends or enemies? Since Odenkirk would be taking Saul’s money, they would be leaning more towards enemies. On the other hand, the money would be going towards ice cream and hotdogs, which you can’t really blame him for. Maybe they can end up being partners, and Saul can be a business owner on the side. A Saul Goodman procedural show would definitely be different from all of the other procedurals, especially if no one goes to jail.

Odenkirk sounds more than ready to get back to playing Saul Goodman. There’s always the possibility that the Breaking Bad franchise could come back with another series or maybe even another Breaking Bad movie, so you never know what could happen. Of course, even if that's a possibility for the foreseeable future, productions across the entertainment industry are at a halt due to the WGA writers’ strike and SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike, both of which hopefully will end soon.

One thing that is for sure is that the show is still on Bob Odenkirk’s mind, even a year after the Better Call Saul series finale. The AMC series had the best conclusion one could have hoped for, with Jimmy answering for his crimes and getting jail time as he took the honest approach. Meanwhile, everyone else had a fulfilling ending as well, with Kim getting on good terms with Jimmy and Mike being somewhat happy for a change, if only for a little bit.

Even though Bob Odenkirk’s Better Call Saul idea may not actually happen, a video could always be done so fans can at least see Odenkirk’s “dream” become a reality for a little bit while not giving people a full-on project. For now, fans will just have to rewatch the series with a Netflix subscription and hope that this isn’t the end of Jimmy McGill or Saul Goodman.

Mark Margolis is one of those people who you can likely recognize anywhere, in any part. His work in movies like Scarface and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective gave him a chance to be a part of projects that made pretty huge dents in the pop culture landscape. However, perhaps the greatest of such opportunities was in the role of Breaking Bad’s vicious antagonist Hector Salamanca; a role he reprised in the prequel series Better Call Saul. Today, his legacy is remembered in a bittersweet light, as Mark Margolis has died at 83. 

THR reported that the iconic actor passed after “a short illness,” according to his son, Morgan Margolis. Also known as one of the many actors you may have forgotten were on HBO's Oz, and for his roles in the filmography of director Darren Aronofsky, Mark Margolis is also survived by his wife, Jacqueline.

Born in 1939, Margolis was a man whose amazing talent racked up an impressive variety of credits over his career. One of his first notable roles was that of Alberto the Shadow, a bombmaker whom Al Pacino’s Tony Montana kills during a tense stand-off in Scarface. He also made guest appearances in shows such as the original run of Quantum Leap and Law & Order, as well as played the recurring role of Jimmy on CBS’s original run of The Equalizer.

Of course, one of the most memorable moments from his career comes from one of Breaking Bad's most disturbing scenes. In the Season 4 finale “Face Off,” it’s Hector Salamanca that pulls off the surprising defeat of Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito), after it looks like Gus is going to take out his nemesis with ease.

Showcasing Mark Margolis’ acting range in this mostly silent role, that scene still packs a punch years later. You can see the iconic scene for yourself below, but before you hit that thumbnail, know that things are going to get a bit gory: 

Coincidentally, Mark Margolis was reunited with Breaking Bad co-star Bryan Cranston in his final role. Returning to organized crime yet again in the Showtime original series Your Honor, Margolis occupied the role of Carmine Conti, a character with a tragic connection to Cranston’s protagonist, Michael Desiato. 

While he wasn’t merely limited to imposing or villainous figures of authority, Mark Margolis certainly had a way of playing those opportunities to a tee. With a legacy that spans decades, genres, and mediums of all sorts, his resume truly had it all. There was a reason that Mr. Margolis became a well-renowned character actor, and that's because no matter the size of the opportunity, he knew how to really make it count.

We here at CinemaBlend would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mark Margolis. May his memory comfort them through this time of grief and remembrance.

Over the course of 14 years, audiences witnessed the unfolding of one of the greatest crime sagas in the history of television. Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and the streaming movie El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie are together a stunning achievement chronicling the rise and fall of drug empire based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, with all three parts of the franchise delivering tremendous writing and brilliant performances from all of the stars. As a whole, it’s a remarkable viewing experience – and what only makes it more special is the fact that there are multiple ways to watch.

Fans who watched the shows and the movie as they premiered have already experienced the canon in release order, but now audiences can also watch the continuity unfold in chronological order, which involves watching most of Better Call Saul first, switching to Breaking Bad, and then checking out El Camino before returning to Better Call Saul’s final four episodes. I recently did my own rewatch of the franchise in this latter fashion, and there are seven takeaways I have from the experience.

Better Call Saul Enhances Tuco’s Scariness In Breaking Bad

When watching the second season of Breaking Bad independently, there is a part of my brain that doesn’t give full credit to the stakes of the situation when Walt and Jesse are kidnapped by Tuco Salamanca and brought out to his Uncle Hector’s remote house. In the show, Walt and Jesse are panicked because they think that the psychopathic criminal has murdered Gonzo after accidentally killing No-Doze, and they fear he is cleaning house – but the tension is somewhat undercut when we learn that Gonzo is dead because of a simple, stupid accident. Tuco is clearly unhinged, but circumstances aren’t as tense on rewatch because we know that things aren’t quite as they seem.

This feeling is eliminated when you watch Better Call Saul first in a chronological watch. The original series does a good job demonstrating that Tuco is a dangerous individual (for example, when he robs and assaults Jesse in their first meeting), but the prequel show adds the touch more that the character needs. His “negotiations” with Jimmy and his conflict with both Mike and Nacho effectively further illustrate the terror that the man represents, and it’s enough to bolster the fear in Breaking Bad Season 2 that the misunderstanding at the heart of everything doesn’t actually matter.

I Wish There Was A Shared History Moment With Walt, Jessie, And Saul Regarding Tuco

As a prequel show, Better Call Saul does a magnificent job managing to both tell its own story and casually tie things back to the events that play out in Breaking Bad. The reveal of Tuco in the very first episode is very much part of the latter, and, as noted above, the character’s presence on the show ends up benefiting his “later” role in the continuity. That being said, one thing I wish we could have seen is a moment where Walt, Jessie and Saul all realize that they have history with the meth-addicted member of the Salamanca clan and bond over the terror that he temporarily brought to their lives.

This, ultimately, is the result of the issue that comes with making prequels. Had Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould known that they were going to eventually make Better Call Saul while working on Breaking Bad, one could imagine them writing a scene like the one above, but that wasn’t how things played out. As such, the audience knows that both Jimmy and Walt and Jesse have their own histories with Tuco, but the characters seemingly never learn about that special, horrible link that exists between them.

The Scene With Jesse And Walt Taking Saul Out To The Desert Doesn’t 100% Work

To the credit of the writers, a real effort is made in Better Call Saul to have the show fully match up with the events of Breaking Bad, and that very much includes Saul’s pleas to Walt and Jesse when they bring him out to a hole in the desert in the character’s very first episode. “It wasn't me it was Ignacio! He’s the one!” Saul declares – thinking that the masked men have been sent by “Lalo.” Of course, we eventually learn in Better Call Saul that “Ignacio” is Ignacio “Nacho” Varga, and “Lalo” is Lalo Salamanca… but still, Saul’s scared ramblings don’t totally make sense when one watches the hit AMC shows in chronological order.

The disconnect here regards Saul’s knowledge about Lalo’s fate. While it’s true that Mike doesn’t explicitly tell Saul and Kim that Lalo is dead in the episode “Point And Shoot,” he does firmly explain that he is “not coming back,” and Saul and Kim are certainly smart enough people to know what that means. I suppose that one could make the argument that Saul doesn’t totally believe Mike, as he was told that Lalo was dead prior to the man breaking into his house and killing Howard Hamlin, but the audience having to make that assumption is evidence of the Breaking Bad scene in the desert not 100% working.

Mike Gets Revenge On The Cousins For Threatening His Granddaughter

Mike Ehrmantraut lives by firm codes of conduct during his life out in New Mexico, and more often than not he follows rules and orders – but there are certain things that set him off. The big one, of course, is any perceived threat against his granddaughter, Kaylee Ehrmantraut, which we get to see in action in Better Call Saul when Mike discovers that Marco and Leonel Salamanca a.k.a. The Cousins are watching him following his incident with Tuco. The former cop’s anger at the twins notably doesn’t get resolved over the course of the prequel series, but when one watches Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad in chronological order, one realizes that Mike gets satisfaction.

Fans will remember that Marco Salamanca is killed when Hank Schrader shoots him in the head in Breaking Bad Season 3’s “One Minute,” but it’s in the subsequent episode, “I See You,” that we witness Mike get his revenge against Leonel – sneaking into the man’s hospital room and delivering some kind of fatal injection. That execution technically is a result of orders from Gus, who doesn’t want Leonel to survive and tell Juan Bolsa that he gave permission to try and kill Hank, but there’s some extra satisfaction that comes in the scene when you recognize that the murder settles a vendetta for Mike.

I Don’t Actually Need A Kim Wexler Show

While watching Season 6 of Better Call Saul play out week-to-week when it was airing, I, like many other fans, got excited about the potential to see even more from the universe – specifically with yet another spinoff that would feature Kim Wexler as its main protagonist. It worked for Saul Goodman, so why not Kim. I imagined a series that would examine her life after her relationship with Jimmy/Saul and dig more into her mysterious past… but after watching Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad in chronological order, it occurs to me that’s not a story that needs to happen.

While it’s true that there are still a lot of things about Kim that we don’t know, and she is more than fascinating enough to be a compelling lead protagonist, the reality is that Better Call Saul offers audiences all of the closure we need, and fans should be satisfied. By the end of the show, she has seen Jimmy/Saul get the punishment he deserved, cleared her conscience regarding the fate of Howard Hamlin, and gotten back into an area of the law where she can do some real good for people. It’s an earned peaceful conclusion for the character, and as good as a follow-up show might be, the satisfaction that it delivers would be upset by it.

I Still Wouldn’t Say No To A Gus Fring Origins Series

Watching Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad chronologically may have satiated my desire for the continued story of Kim Wexler, but it has inflamed by hunger to see more of Gus Fring. There is no doubt that we get to learn a lot about the efficient, genius businessman over the course of the two shows, but there is still a great deal about him that remains a mystery, and I selfishly want that story to be told.

It’s true that Gus’ mysterious past adds to the character’s aura, but I would make the argument that his personality, intelligence and morals are so independently fascinating in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad that they don’t necessarily need to be propped up by mystique. If done well, a series that reveals more about his hidden, notorious past in Chile and his relationship with Max Arciniega could serve to enhance everything that is compelling about the character and make us look at him in a completely new light. Obviously one problem that arises with this idea is that Giancarlo Esposito couldn’t be the show’s star, but he could at least be a part of it in flash-forward scenes.

The Better Call Saul Finale Is A Terrific Ending For Both Breaking Bad And Better Call Saul

When you watch Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad and El Camino in chronological order, the amount of pressure that was put on “Saul Gone” is truly apparent. The Better Call Saul finale not only has the responsibility of bringing one show to an end, but (for now) an entire franchise – tying up any and all loose ends in the continuity. In this immense respect, it’s a phenomenal success. While I may still have a hunger for a Gus Fring origin series, it’s satisfying in every other important way.

There’s one last dose of the Saul Goodman razzle dazzle, the surprise appearance of Marie Schrader, proper punishment for Jimmy, closure with Kim, and, most spectacularly of all, a collection of powerful and meaningful flashbacks with key characters having discussions of regret in an episode that naturally inspires reflection on the past. The finale is a summation of everything that is brilliant about Vince Gilligan’s creations, and a special pop culture achievement.

If you now want to do your own chronological rewatch, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie are all available to stream with a Netflix subscription. Physical media collectors can also pick up the Breaking Bad complete series box set, the Better Call Saul complete series box set, and El Camino on Blu-ray.

One of most iconic, trusted, and universally beloved voices in comedy and in the history of the performing arts in general, Carol Burnett, recently turned 90 years old — a milestone celebrated with a televised tribute that aired on NBC on Wednesday, April 27, 2023. Well, we thought it would only be appropriate for use to pay our own tribute to the talented legend by discussing some of our favorite performances of hers throughout the years of her storied career. The following is a collection of our choices for the most essential highlights in our favorite Carol Burnett movies and TV shows — starting with her most esteemed, eponymous hit.

The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)

After years of building up a reputation for her incomparable skills as a performer, Carol Burnett went on to headline her own variety show, featuring laugh-out-loud sketch comedy, stunning musical performances, and a stellar rotation of guest appearances by Hollywood’s biggest names at the time. There are far too many classic, gut-bustlingly hilarious moments from The Carol Burnett Show’s 279 episodes to choose from — from wearing a dress held up by a curtain rod in an iconic Gone with the Wind spoof, to her many appearances as the boisterous Eunice — so we’ll just say that we’re so glad we had this time together, all the way through.

The Four Seasons (1981)

While Burnett is best known as a TV legend — with six Emmy awards to show for it — her career on the big screen has not and should not go unnoticed. One of her best cinematic comedies is The Four Seasons, which follows three adult couples (Burnett, writer and director Alan Alda, Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis, Rita Moreno, and Jack Weston) struggling to put up with each other as they vacation together four times out of the year. Burnett and Alda lead the cast as one of the married couples, who, in one key scene, engage in an argument that is as painfully realistic as it is cleverly witty.

Once Upon A Mattress (1964, 1972, 2005)

More underrated than her career on the big screen and on the small screen is Burnett’s time on the stage, having made her Broadway debut and earned her first Tony nomination for the original 1959 production of Once Upon a Mattress — a comedic, musical retelling of the classic fairytale story, “The Princess and the Pea.” 

She would reprise the lead role of Winnifred — which is quite the balancing act, both in terms of her remarkable physical comedy chops and her character’s struggle to sleep atop a stack of 20 mattresses — in two made-for-TV adaptations in 1964 and 1972. However, for ABC’s 2005 adaptation, she brought out her dark side to play the ruthless Queen Aggravain, who tries to prevent Winnifred (then played by Tracey Ullman) from marrying her son with the sleeping challenge.

Annie (1982)

If there is one cinematic performance of Burnett’s that, undeniably, should be considered iconic, it is her role as Miss Hannigan — the abusive caretaker to a group of orphaned, young girls in New York City — in the 1982 feature adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Annie, which also stars Tim Curry as her con artist brother, Rooster. 

She plays wildly against type here — not just in the way she delivers dialogue with a coldhearted, unforgiving griminess — but also in the way she sings during certain numbers, playing up Hannigan’s boozy demeanor particularly strong in her performance of “Little Girls.” It is not the last of her antagonistic roles, and perhaps not even the most fearsome, but certainly one of the most brilliantly wacky. 

Noises Off (1992)

Burnett’s brilliance and signature wackiness was also key to pulling off what technically counts as a dual performance in yet another film based on an acclaimed stage production — the late Peter Bogdanovich’s adaptation of Michael Faryn’s hilarious farce, Noises Off. 

She plays TV star Dotty Ottley, whose top-billed performance as chattery, Cockney-accented housekeeper Mrs. Clackett in the play-within-the film, Nothing On, is under constant scrutiny by the troubled production’s uptight director, Lloyd Fellowes (Michael Caine). Burnett elevates the already hysterical material with her signature wit and dedication to its slapstick elements, really selling the chaotic nature of the production as it all goes horribly wrong.

Mad About You (1996-2019)

Later in her career, Burnett’s iconic status leant to some very special guest spots and among the most acclaimed was her Emmy-winning performance as Theresa Stemple — the mother of Jamie (Helen Hunt) — on Mad About You. 

Out of the 11 times she appeared on the hit sitcom (the more recent of which was on the 2019 revival season), her best work in the role, arguably, comes in her first episode from Season 5. She and her husband, Gus (fellow TV legend Carol O’Connor, known best for Norman Lear’s sitcom, All in the Family), visit the Buchmans in a cramped winnebago, which makes their family meal an increasingly frustrating affair that makes Theresa uproariously frantic.

The Trumpet Of The Swan (2001)

Burnett gets animated in either sense of the word in The Trumpet of the Swan, which is based on the E.B. White novel about a swan named Louie who, despite a lack of a voice, is an exceptionally talented musician. Burnett voices elementary school teacher Mrs. Hammerbotham, who Sam (Sam Gifaldi) asks to help teach Louie to read and write. She takes her voice to a somewhat familiar high-pitched squeak that never reaches an irritating decibel, and only adds to the genuinely delightful appeal of her performance.

Horton Hears A Who! (2008)

The only particularly delightful thing about Burnett’s performance in Horton Hears a Who! is her invaluable dedication to bringing one of her, otherwise, most ruthlessly villainous characters to life. Kangaroo is blindly and vigorously against the titular elephant (Jim Carrey) and his attempts to preserve a small speck she refuses to believe is inhabited by a community of microscopic people, led by Steve Carell. However, it is still, easily, one of her best voice acting performances and one of the key reasons why it is considered to be one of the best movies based on a Dr. Seuss book.

Glee (2010, 2015)

While there are many examples to choose from, I think that Carol Burnett did some of her all-time best singing for a duet of “Ohio” with Jane Lynch in her first appearance on Glee in the hit musical dramedy series’ second season. She brings out a darker comedic edge to play Doris -- Sue Sylvester’s estranged mother, who shows up in Lima for her daughter’s “bizarre” marriage… to herself.

Better Call Saul (2022)

Burnett’s most recent acting role also became one of the more acclaimed of her entire career, but, surprisingly, it is nothing particularly comedic. While she does manage to invoke a unique shade of her signature wit as the elderly Marion for the final season of hit Breaking Bad spin-off, Better Call Saul, she also delivers some of her best dramatic work — especially in an intense, confrontational scene with Bob Odenkirk’s “Gene” that we will not give away if you have not seen the last batch of episodes yet.

Carol Burnett’s performance as Marion would soon inspire a campaign to get the TV legend to host Saturday Night Live for what would be the first time. I must say, it is very surprising that this queen of sketch comedy has never hosted one of said category’s most essential series. If it were to happen, I am sure we would find a reason to add it to this list.

Better Call Saul – the acclaimed spinoff of AMC’s Breaking Bad – featured some truly surprising and heartbreaking moments over the course of its six-season run. Very few, however, were able to match the level of shock that was evoked by the death of Howard Hamlin during the final season. Fans like myself were certainly horrified when Patrick Fabian’s not-so-villanious lawyer was murdered in cold blood. Of course, you have to wonder how Fabian himself feels about that development, specifically the role that Bob Odenkirk’s Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman played in it. Well, the actor addressed that and revealed how he feels about Walter White’s former attorney finding “redemption” in the series finale. 

Howard Hamlin was killed by Lalo Salamanca (played by Tony Dalton) in the closing moments of Season 6’s midseason finale, “Plan and Execution.” Patrick Fabian’s character was mercilessly executed after he confronted Jimmy and Kim Wexler in their apartment about the ways in which they’d been undermining him professionally and personally. Fabian recently spoke with CinemaBlend in anticipation of Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, in which he voices Harvey Dent but, during the chat, he didn’t mind talking about Better Call Saul either. When asked for his take on Jimmy facing justice for his crimes, including his inadvertent role in Howard’s death, the actor shared some mixed thoughts: 

While many love both Jimmy and Kim, it’s hard to disagree with the 58-year-old actor’s assessment that they were wrong. I mean, let’s be honest, they made Howard’s life hell for months. Ultimately, his death served as a chilling reminder to both of them that their actions have serious consequences – and in some cases, deadly ones. Kim couldn’t even bear the guilt and ultimately opted to divorce Jimmy, who wasn’t quite as remorseful at the time.

But as Patrick Fabian also pointed out, Jimmy McGill did indeed find redemption by the conclusion of Better Call Saul. It was honestly very moving to watch Jimmy – now disowning the Saul Goodman alter ego – take responsibility for his escapades with Walter White, his role in his brother Chuck’s death and more. This “redemption” (which involves an 86-year prison sentence) is something that not even White could achieve before taking his last breaths in the Breaking Bad finale. And honestly, Jimmy’s come-to-Jesus moment arguably makes the conclusion of his story somewhat more satisfying than that of Bryan Cranston’s character. 

Of course, redemption or not, the image of Howard Hamlin being shot by Lalo Salamanca will still be forever ingrained in my memory. The same is also true of the sight of the tied-up Jimmy falling and lying next to Howard’s corpse. I’d say that the only death in this franchise that’s felt so visceral to me is that of Dean Norris’ Hank Schrader in the crime drama’s parent series. 

You have to wonder if Patrick Fabian’s view of Howard’s murder and Jimmy’s ultimate fate will change over time. I honestly doubt it, given how strong and thoughtful his sentiments on the matter are at this point. But if Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad have taught us anything, it’s that people can evolve – for better and for worse.

If you’re looking to get more from Patrick Fabian, check out Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, which releases on Digital HD, Blu ray and 4K Ultra HD on March 28. You can also stream the first five seasons of Better Call Saul now using a Netflix subscription.

To a lot of people, Patrick Fabian is most well known these days for playing Howard Hamlin in the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul, which concluded with its sixth and final season last year. However, 2022 also saw Fabian receiving attention for a much different reason. The actor shot a Cameo video that referenced the anime One Piece, and now the actor has shared with CinemaBlend what he thought about the video going viral online.

For those who want the entire history of The One Piece is Real meme, I’ll direct you to Know Your Meme for the full breakdown. Basically, what you need to know is that this was already a popular meme revolving around a character from the One Piece anime named Edward Newgate, a.k.a. Whitebeard. Before dying, Whitebeard exclaimed to the world that the title location where Gold Roger’s treasure resides along the Grand Line, which protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and so many pirates in that world have spent years searching for, did, in fact, exist. Cut to last August, a Reddit user named DeanDealsMang shared a Cameo video he had made for someone called “Kid named Finger” where he got Patrick Fabian to say “The One Piece is real!” in his own unique way. Check it out:

Not only did the original Reddit post get a lot of upvotes, but it in turn led to people taking Patrick Fabian’s audio and mashing it with the original The One Piece is Real meme, and there were even some fans who even combined the meme with Better Call Saul material. So while speaking with Fabian about his performance as Harvey Dent in the animated DC movie Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, I asked the actor how he felt about his One Piece video going viral, and he responded:

Patrick Fabian gained a lot of fans for his time as Howard Hamlin on Better Call Saul, and he’s even been recognized for starring in Saved by the Bell: The College Years (albeit as the wrong character), but now there’s a section of the internet that chiefly knows him as The One Piece is Real guy. After I brought up how I wasn’t aware of the meme until I saw the footage from his Cameo video, which exemplified how popular it was, Fabian said: 

Although Patrick Fabian does have other projects coming up besides Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, including The Other Zoey, The Way We Speak and The Hereafter, with Better Call Saul over, The One Piece is Real meme could indeed be the main way online chatter about him is generated for the foreseeable future. Looking to the One Piece anime, if you’re interested in streaming seasons of the long-running show, you can do so with a Hulu subscription or Netflix subscription, as well as on the Crunchyroll and Funimation platforms. Netflix is also home to the upcoming live-action One Piece series adaptation, which boasts a sprawling cast. 

As for Patrick Fabian, you can hear him voicing a 1920s version of Harvey Dent when Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham is released on Digital, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray on March 28. HBO Max subscribers can also view Fabian’s previous animated DC outings as Hank Henshaw/Cyborg Superman in the movies The Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen, which were part of the DC Animated Movie Universe timeline.

It’s been seven months since Better Call Saul ended, and Bob Odenkirk said goodbye to his beloved character, Saul Goodman, after portraying him since 2008. While filming a show like that can definitely be fun and interesting, it had its fair share of challenges, both personal and professional. Things got really scary during the final season when its star Bob Odenkirk suffered a heart attack while filming the final season of the crime drama, and now he’s revealing what’s changed since that scary moment.

While filming an episode of Better Call Saul’s final season in July 2021, Bob Odenkirk had a serious heart attack. Fans and celebrities alike were quick to send their well wishes and support to the actor, and a couple of months later, he went back to work after taking some much-needed time off to recover. Coming up on two years this summer since the heart attack, the Lucky Hank star told People what that time was like, as well as how his life has changed, and it was super touching:

Having any type of medical emergency is a scary thing to go through, and when it’s a heart attack while on set, that’s as scary as it can get. Thanks to a great support system, recovery can be easier, especially when said support system is is so big. Despite it happening almost two years ago, that scary moment hasn’t left Bob Odenkirk at all and has, in fact, given him a lot to think about when it comes to changes in his life:

I can’t imagine what it was like going through something like that, but it seems to have really opened up Odenkirk’s eyes. He’s previously spoken about his heart attack and the wild day on set when it happened. He also noted that the cast and crew of Better Call Saul and, of course, later, medical professionals are the reason he’s still alive. While it was definitely a traumatizing experience for all involved, Odenkirk seems to be doing a lot better lately, and he is as grateful as ever. 

Odenkirk made sure to keep fans updated on his condition following the heart attack, showing almost as much love to his fans as they’ve shown him. And while Better Call Saul has ended, he hasn’t slowed down when it comes to work. He’s set to star in The Room remake and the new series Lucky Hank, both due sometime this year. Though after what he went through in 2021, he likely knows to not overdo it and not race towards the finish line. 

On the first anniversary of his heart attack, Bob Odenkirk reflected on that terrifying day, and he looked toward the future. It’s clear that that day will never leave him and has forever changed him, and he’s not taking his second chance at life for granted. While he doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon, Odenkirk’s not taking advantage of anything, and I don’t blame him.

The end of the year is always the time to reflect back on the highs, lows, and heartbreaks of the past twelve months of TV, and 2022 packed a whole lot of tragedy into the small screen. While some deaths were a long time coming and fans could count on seeing them, others came from so far out of the blue that they needed a rewind to be believed. Shows across genres and platforms said some painful and surprising goodbyes to characters. So, as the 2023 TV premiere season quickly approaches, let’s look back at the most shocking TV deaths of 2022!

Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS are ahead for the 2022 TV season. If you want to avoid learning about some of the most unforgettable endings of the past year, check out some less deadly article options! 

Vaemond Velaryon - House Of The Dragon

House of the Dragon debuted in 2022 with enough blood, battles, and incest to live up to the Game of Thrones legacy. Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson) made the very poor decision to call Princess Rhaenyra a whore and her children bastards in front of her father and her uncle/husband. (Remember what I said about the incest?) While King Viserys was ready to remove Vaemond’s tongue, Daemon decapitated him in open court to remove a rival claimant to Driftmark and send a strong message to Rhaenyra’s enemies, in the very same episode as a kind gesture to his brother! Ah, the Targaryens.

You can stream House of the Dragon on HBO Max.

Jess LaCroix - FBI: Most Wanted

FBI: Most Wanted fans knew they were losing Jess LaCroix due to actor Julian McMahon’s decision to leave, but the CBS drama seemed to be building up to say goodbye to the top-billed star in a bittersweet way with Jess alive but walking away. In an emotional twist, Most Wanted instead went hard on the “bitter” by killing Jess off just when the team was on the verge of closing a case. Showrunner David Hudgins explained why the show killed Jess off as the way to write out McMahon, which was shocking to fans but true to the premise.

You can streaming FBI: Most Wanted on Paramount+.

Zeke Landon - Manifest

Manifest fans had a lot to celebrate with the Netflix debut after the NBC cancellation, even with the foreboding BTS photo of a funeral and warning from creator Jeff Rake to “Brace yourselves.” The first ten episodes of Season 4 proved that was good advice, when the return of Cal’s cancer led to Zeke’s death. Zeke realized that he survived his death date all those years ago for a second chance, then decided to absorb Cal’s cancer with his empath abilities, saving Cal’s life at the cost of his own. All after it seemed like Matt Long could be back for the long run!

You can stream Manifest on Netflix.

Rosita Espinosa - The Walking Dead

It seemed like The Walking Dead couldn’t end its eleven-season run (and high body count) without one last emotional death, but Rosita (Christian Serratos) being the one to go was rough. She evolved and adapted so much from her Season 4 debut to her death due to zombie bite in the series finale, and made it so far for so long… only to die at the very end and leave her daughter without a mother. Sure, she wasn’t guaranteed to survive since she wasn’t one of the TWD characters with a spinoff, but it was almost surreal to lose her. 

You can stream The Walking Dead on AMC+.

Hemmer - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds features some characters who are safe from being killed off due to their future destinies in the franchise, but sadly, Bruce Horak’s Hemmer was not one of them. After realizing that he was becoming a host to Gorn hatchlings, Hemmer chose to end his own life by exiting the ship and sparing the others. It was a devastating twist that few could have seen coming, and Bruce Horak nailed the character’s final speech. The chief engineer saying “Do not weep for me” is exactly the moment that I teared up, and the crew certainly felt his loss.

You can stream Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+.

Tanya McQuoid - The White Lotus

The White Lotus fans knew there would a death toll by the end of Season 2, and fan-favorite Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) ultimately met her doom. After a season of fan theorizing about if Quentin truly had murderous designs on Tanya, the truth came out. Before Quentin could kill her, Tanya took a gun and killed him and some others. The kicker came when she tried to jump from the yacht to a much smaller boat, ultimately hitting her head and dying. There are still questions about what happened in Season 2, including that plan to kill her. 

You can stream The White Lotus on HBO Max.

Black Noir - The Boys

Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell) was a member of The Seven, and deeply shrouded in mystery compared to Homelander and The Deep. It wasn’t until the third season that The Boys really dug into his backstory, but it was sadly also his final season alive. Noir had known that Soldier Boy was Homelander’s biological father; when Homelander found out that Noir had known without telling him, he snapped, and it was gruesome even by Homelander standards. He punched Black Noir through the stomach, killing him and ending the show’s most mysterious Supe when there could have been so much more story. 

You can stream The Boys on Amazon Prime Video.

Judy - Dead To Me

Netflix’s Dead to Me dropped a bombshell early in Season 3 with the reveal that Judy (Linda Cardellini) was suffering from Stage 4 cervical cancer, and she was diagnosed as terminal after treatment failed. So, it wasn’t surprising that she died by the end, as Dead to Me isn’t the kind of show to expect a miraculous finale save like what Judy would have needed to survive. What was surprising was that not only did the character die off screen, but the show never actually revealed what exactly happened. She did seem to find peace in Mexico with Jen, however. 

You can stream Dead to Me on Netflix.

Eddie Munson - Stranger Things

Stranger Things returned to Netflix for Season 4 after nearly two full years of hiatus, and it didn’t take long for Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) to become a fan-favorite. Sadly, the Hellfire Club leader and musician (who was wrongfully accused of murder) was killed in the Season 4 finale, after staying behind in the Upside Down to try and save Dustin. Eddie dying wasn’t a huge surprise, but being gruesomely killed after shredding Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” on electric guitar in the Upside Down, so soon after it seemed like he’d escape? The shock of how it happened hurt.

You can stream Stranger Things on Netflix.

Howard Hamlin - Better Call Saul

Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian) was a character on Better Call Saul from the very first season, but like all the others who didn’t appear in Breaking Bad, his fate was very much uncertain… until the midseason finale of Season 6, which ended on the gasp-worthy cliffhanger of Lalo shooting Howard point-black in the head. He didn’t even make it to the second half of the final season, and it set up Jimmy and Kim to possibly cross even more lines. It was arguably a death that had to happen for their arcs, and definitely unforgettable. 

You can find Better Call Saul streaming on Netflix.

Clay Spenser - SEAL Team

Clay’s future on SEAL Team was looking grim ever since February 2022 when news broke that actor Max Thieriot had landed a new role as star of CBS’ Fire Country, which has proceeded to become a huge hit to keep him busy away from Bravo. Ultimately, Clay didn’t die in battle or in the middle of a mission, but due to a misunderstanding after he talked a man down from shooting himself. A security guard saw Clay with the gun and responded with lethal force. While the showrunner hasn’t ruled out bringing Thieriot back, Clay died in a very unexpected way in Season 6. 

You can find SEAL Team streaming on Paramount+.

Tala Durith - Obi-Wan Kenobi

In a show full of characters who couldn’t die at this point in the Star Wars timeline (which caused no small amount of confusion early on with the Grand Inquisitor), Obi-Wan Kenobi still gave a shocking and powerful death to Tala (Indira Varma). Even though she was expendable compared to the likes of Obi-Wan and Darth Vader, who could have foreseen the former Imperial officer taking a blaster wound, watching her beloved droid die protecting her, and sacrificing herself via thermal detonator to take stormtroopers down before Obi-Wan could get himself killed trying to save her? R.I.P. Tala!

You can find Obi-Wan Kenobi streaming on Disney+.

Lex Luthor - Titans

Lex Luthor is undeniably one of the most well-known villains of DC Comics history, so the casting of Titus Welliver in the role for Titans Season 4 suggested that viewers would see a lot of Lex. The showrunner had nothing but praise for the actor’s portrayal…which didn’t last long. Lex debuted and was then killed off within the span of the Season 4 premiere, with Mother Mayhem responsible. He may not be gone forever since Titans is a show where characters are rarely 100% dead for good, but any fans who expected a lot of Lex were quickly proved wrong!

You can find Titans streaming on HBO Max.

Jackie Taylor - Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets premiered back in November as the story of a group of teens involved in a plane crash as well as adult versions of the characters years later. Showtime already renewed it for Season 3 before Season 2 even airs in 2023, but Season 2 will sadly debut without Ella Purnell as Jackie Taylor. The character stepped up as leader after the crash, but made the fateful (and fatal) decision to sleep outside after a fight with the other survivors. She froze to death in her sleep, which was a game-changer for the group then and raises more questions. 

You can find Yellowjackets streaming on Showtime.

Chief Evan Hawkins - Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire has killed off plenty of characters over the years, but big deaths are usually reserved for premieres and finales. That wasn’t the case for paramedic chief Evan Hawkins, however, who died in the third episode of Season 11. The course of true love was finally running smooth for him and Violet after the Emma fiasco in Season 10, but trying to save a man’s life went sideways and Hawkins himself was crushed by debris and killed, with Violet looking on. I can’t emphasize enough how unexpected it was to lose a key character in Episode 3, and Violet continues to struggle with the loss.

You can find Chicago Fire streaming with Peacock Premium.

Elsa Dutton - 1883

The death of Elsa Dutton (played by Isabel May) was both a shocker and a payoff that was a long time coming. Viewers first saw her shot with an arrow in the very first episode, but it wasn’t until the penultimate episode that it really seemed like Elsa could die despite serving as narrator. She did ultimately die of infection in the finale, with the reveal that the location for the ranch that is still in the hands of the Dutton family in Yellowstone was chosen because it was the site of Elsa’s grave. 

You can find 1883 streaming on Paramount+.

Lucerys Velaryon - House Of The Dragon

The death of Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) in House of the Dragon managed to surprise viewers and Fire & Blood readers alike with how it happened. With civil war between the Targaryens brewing, Aemond on the back of his massive dragon Vhagar chased his nephew on the much, much, much smaller Arrax in the stormy skies above Storm’s End. When both lost control of their mounts, Vhagar chomped Arrax, killing Lucerys. Aemond accidentally drew first blood, and has almost certainly started civil war in a way that made the Greens look less despicable than how it happened in the book.

You can find House of the Dragon streaming on HBO Max.

Max Mayfield - Stranger Things

For all that Stranger Things spent Season 4 making the point over and over again that Vecna needed Max to die, Max actually dying in the finale was a shocker, made worse for the fact that it was avoidable if her Walkman hadn’t been smashed. Eleven using her powers to bring her body back to life doesn’t negate the fact that Max died, and her death allowed Vecna to open the gates to the Upside Down. Between the performances of Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, and Millie Bobby Brown, I’m pretty sure I’d cry all over again if I rewatched. 

You can find Stranger Things streaming on Netflix.

While television was full of tragedy in 2022, the small screen can start over with a fresh slate in 2023. That’s not to say that more characters aren’t going to die in the new year, but we can all look forward to some of our favorite shows returning to continue the stories. 

TV fans will forever owe a debt of gratitude to Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, as they are the principal filmmakers who brought us what is not just one of the greatest small screen crime franchises, but two series that are unquestionably among the greatest shows of all time: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Bryan Cranston’s Walter White, Aaron Paul’s Jesse Pinkman and Bob Odenkirk’s Jimmy McGill are just three of the best Breaking Bad characters in the complex, scary, and intense world of crime in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the storytelling is brilliant. One can highlight the best episodes of Breaking Bad and the best episodes of Better Call Saul, but it’s really the full breadth of the canon that is truly special – especially when you also bring the fantastic feature-length film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie into the mix.

Following the end of Better Call Saul in 2022, one could start looking for other shows like Breaking Bad… but why not instead try and enjoy the full scope of the incredible crime drama with a new perspective that you may not have previously experienced? With three separate titles and some timeline jumping in the stories, there are multiple ways to enjoy the Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul/El Camino continuity, and we’ve put together this feature in aid of helping you learn about how to do just that. 

If You’ve Never Seen Breaking Bad And Better Call Saul Before

Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul/El Camino spent years earning hype and acclaim from professional critics and casual TV watchers alike… but are you only now finally getting around to watching them? If the answer to that question is “yes,” then your focus should be on watching the series and the film in the same order in which they were originally released. There’s no need to get fancy just yet – simply watch the series and film in release order.

If You’ve Seen Breaking Bad And Better Call Saul Before

If you’ve already seen Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul/El Camino, then you know that the timeline is a bit more complicated than your average TV crime franchise. While El Camino is a kind of spin-off sequel movie, Better Call Saul is a spin-off prequel and sequel that fills in some gaps both before and after the story in Breaking Bad. The good news is that it’s never complicated enough to screw up clarity, and it means that fans can try and get a new angle on the canon by doing a chronological viewing. You might be surprised, but there’s a lot to get out of it.  

Breaking Bad And Better Call Saul In Order: By Release Date

Watching the Breaking Bad franchise in order is pretty straightforward… but there is one hitch that necessitates explanation. As noted earlier, Breaking Bad launched the canon in 2008, and it was followed by the prequel series Better Call Saul in 2015… but you shouldn’t jump right from one to the other. While El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie wasn’t released until October 2019 (between Better Call Saul’s fourth and fifth seasons), you shouldn’t hold off on watching the film until you are deep into the second show. Instead, it should be what you watch after the Breaking Bad finale, making this the proper watch order:

• Breaking Bad (Seasons 1-5) – Aired January 20, 2008 – September 29, 2013
• El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie – Premiered October 11, 2019
• Better Call Saul (Seasons 1-6) – Aired February 8, 2015 – August 15, 2022

Breaking Bad And Better Call Saul In Order: Chronologically

Sadly, Breaking Bad franchise fans will never get the opportunity to experience the canon with perfectly fresh eyes ever again – with memories of the most shocking and incredible twists and turns being impossible to forget – but at the very least one can change things up with a chronological rewatch. As noted earlier, non-linear events in various episodes don’t allow this viewing experience to be perfect, but it’s a fun way to mix things up.

Better Call Saul (Season 1, Episode 1 to Season 6, Episode 9)

Witness the brilliant rise of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk): an ever-hustling hustler who tries to go straight by becoming a defense attorney serving the good people of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He gets love and support from some, including brilliant colleague Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), but he is also repeatedly scorned trying to earn the respect of his professional, albeit mentally ill, older brother (Michael McKean). 

He takes a shot at an honest life, but Jimmy is also never one to ignore a semi-legal opportunity and/or shortcut, and his journey becomes the story of a man’s moral downfall as he transforms into criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. This arc is mapped through the first episode of the first season (“Uno”) through the ninth episode of the sixth season (“Fun And Games”).

Breaking Bad (Season 1, Episode 1 to Season 5, Episode 16)

Picking up about three years after where the action ends in Better Call Saul’s “Fun And Games,” the Breaking Bad pilot introduces audiences to Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who learns that he has only months to live after a lung cancer diagnosis. Claiming to not want to leave his family with the financial burden that would come as a result of his treatment, Walter decides to team up with a former student and drug dealer named Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) to cook and sell the highest quality methamphetamine that the world has ever seen. Within two years they are able to build an empire – but not without remarkable cost.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Jesse Pinkman’s fate is left mostly ambiguous in the Breaking Bad series finale, “Felina,” but the confusion is cleared up in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. The story is set in the immediate aftermath of the hit show, and it chronicles what happens to the (literally) tortured protagonist after he manages to survive his partnership with Walter White. The Netflix film provides a satisfying conclusion to the character’s tale as he attempts to escape Albuquerque and forge a new life for himself with a new identity.

Better Call Saul (Season 6, Episode 10 to Season 6, Episode 13)

Speaking of new identities, the final four episodes making up the Better Call Saul ending center on Jimmy McGill in his post-Saul Goodman life, living in Omaha, Nebraska under the alias, Gene Takavic. Taking place a couple months after the events El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, the final arc of the show sees the former lawyer taking one last crack at setting up a criminal enterprise and ultimately facing the consequences for his life of misdeeds.

As they have been for years, Breaking Bad, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, and Better Call Saul are all available to stream with a Netflix subscription and the entire canon is also available for purchase on Blu-ray or from digital retailers. Once you finish watching/rewatching, you can check in on the latest work of Breaking Bad’s principal stars.

Better Call Saul. Breaking Bad. What do these two shows have in common? 

Easy, they’re both awesome. 

Speaking on a real note, both of them were created by Vince Gilligan (with Peter Gould stepping in as co-creator for Better Call Saul), and both critics and audiences would largely agree that the two shows are certainly some of the best TV series of the 21st century so far. But with them both taking place in the same universe and both completely done now, the question remains: which show is the better one?

Today, I’m going to go over both shows and analyze which is the better out of the two, from its setting to its characters to everything else.

As you might expect, this article contains major spoilers from both series. 

The Main Stories 

Breaking Bad’s Plot

A chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer takes it upon himself to start up a meth business with a former student in order to save up money for his family after his inevitable death. However, things start to turn upside down as his operation expands. 

Better Call Saul’s Plot

Jimmy McGill (played by Bob Odenkirk) is trying to practice law in a world where everything and everyone is against him, even his own family. So in order to do so, he does everything in his power to somehow make it, even turning to the corrupt side of the law. 

Which Show’s Plot Is Better?

This is a tough one. Both shows have great stories to tell in regards to their main characters and both make a heavy case as to who should win this. But I have to give this point to Breaking Bad. There is just something about Walt’s story that does it for me. He was so normal in Season 1. All he wanted to do was provide for his family and his teacher’s salary surely wasn’t going to cut it. 

Watching this man change from the simple family guy he was to a brutal meth lord who would literally attempt to harm children in order to get what he wants is a story that is hard to beat. And while the corruption of Jimmy’s (Saul) morals over six seasons is interesting, nothing can quite beat Breaking Bad in plot. 

Winner: Breaking Bad. 

Use Of Settings

Breaking Bad’s Setting

For the most part, Breaking Bad takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Walter White and his family live. 

Better Call Saul’s Settings

Again, for the most part, the main location for Better Call Saul is Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is where Jimmy (eventually Saul) gets his start as an attorney). 

Which Show’s Setting Is Better? 

I know, I know, the setting probably shouldn’t even be included in this because both shows mainly take place in not only the same state, but the same city. And many of the places that we see in Breaking Bad show up in Better Call Saul. But for this one, I’m giving a win to Breaking Bad for one reason only. 

It’s literally because we saw these amazing places in Breaking Bad that we ended up seeing them again in Better Call Saul. Fans were curious how a meth lab was located under a washing facility, and Better Call Saul answered that and more. Fans wanted to see more of Los Pollos Hermanos and we got a heck ton more with Gus (played by Giancarlo Esposito). It’s because we were already established with these settings from Breaking Bad that we got to see them more in the prequel, which is why I’m giving that point to BB. 

Winner: Breaking Bad. 

The Characters 

Breaking Bad’s Characters: 

A chemistry teacher turned meth maker named Walt and his former-student-turned-partner, Jesse. Walt’s wife, Skyler and his son, Walt Jr. His brother in law, Hank, and his sister in law, Marie. Saul Goodman, Walt’s crooked lawyer, and several villains. 

Better Call Saul’s Characters: 

The return of Saul Goodman, known previously as Jimmy McGill. His close friend turned lover, Kim Wexler (played by Rhea Seahorn). His brother, Chuck, and Chuck’s co-worker, Howard Hamlin. Mike Ehrmantraut comes back, as well as Gus. 

Which Show’s Characters Are Better? 

I don’t even need to think about this: Better Call Saul wins by a longshot. 

While we do get some overlap with characters who were featured in Breaking Bad, like Walt and Jesse showing up in the final season as guests or Mike becoming a main character, the new characters in Better Call Saul truly shine.  

While I do like the characters of Breaking Bad, the main character focus is on Walt and Jesse. Like for example, while they're an important part of the show, I wasn't the biggest fan of Walt Jr. or Skyler. Even a part of me wasn’t that big on Hank either, and it’s because we don’t really get to see into their personal stories play out nearly as much as we do with the characters in BCS. 

In the prequel series, we get to know more of the characters and understand their reasoning and who they are, why they do the things that they do, which makes certain deaths that much more impactful. Also, getting the chance to look into the lives of Mike and Gus prior to BB was something that anyone could enjoy. 

Winner: Better Call Saul.

Usage Of Themes 

The Themes of Breaking Bad:

Pride and anger can take someone down and destroy them from the inside out. Walt’s need to provide for his family translates into something powerful and dangerous, and something that ultimately kills him in the end. 

The Themes of Better Call Saul:

People can change, but sometimes, it’s never enough and slipping back into familiar habits is easier. Jimmy believes he can be a good lawyer, but after finding out how much money he can make as a criminal lawyer, and the potential it might have if he bends the law, he decides to skew deeper down that rabbit hole. 

Which Show Had The Better Themes?

Better Call Saul also wins this one. I do love the exploration of anger and pride and how Walt’s change really affected him and truly turned him into a vile man. I also appreciate the way Jesse gets his freedom at the end, while Walt gets his demise. But Better Call Saul expresses its themes in such a way where I connect with them on a personal level. 

Jimmy did want to do good at the beginning of the series but no one ever really gave him a chance at first. But when he is given a chance, no one wants to do things his way so he starts moving in the criminal direction. Even Kim wasn’t enough to stabilize him because she ended up going along with his schemes, which showed the power of corruption. It was her decision to leave in the Better Call Saul ending, which makes her theme of restarting and moving on that much more powerful, while Saul gets his appropriate ending. 

Winner: Better Call Saul

Effectiveness Of Character Deaths 

Some of the character deaths of Breaking Bad:

Hank, Gus Fring, Tuco and Hector Salamanca, Jane, Mike, Walt...

Some of the character deaths of Better Call Saul:

Howard Hamlin, Chuck McGill, Nacho, Lalo Salamanca...

Which had the better, more impactful deaths?

This was hard. Both shows have such impactful deaths that change characters and the story completely, but I have to say, I need to give the edge out to Breaking Bad just a little bit. 

While Better Call Saul certainly had some shocking deaths that changed characters, like Howard Hamlin’s death and the way it affected Kim, or Chuck’s death and the way it affected Jimmy, I don’t think the deaths in Breaking Bad can be compared. They had such huge butterfly effects attached to them that it not only impacted characters, but the whole plot. 

I mean, think about Jane’s death. Her father literally couldn’t focus on his job as an air traffic controller and caused two planes to crash into each other in the air, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Mike’s death made Walt even worse of a human in Season 5 of the show and soured his character even more. 

Also, Gus and Hector’s shared death was just epic in all ways imaginable, and a poetic conclusion to their feud that was better explained in BCS. 

Winner: Breaking Bad 

Which Is The Better Series?

With a 3-2 win, I have to confidently give it to Breaking Bad.

Both shows are truly fantastic. The Breaking Bad cast is wonderful, as is the Better Call Saul cast. The stories are masterful lessons in the art of television. The cinematography is stunning. But Breaking Bad set the standard for how good a television show can be and while Better Call Saul certainly lived up to those standards, nothing can quite beat the original. 

Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to go and re-watch the show for the millionth time now. 

When you think of the best shows to binge on Netflix, I’m sure plenty come to mind. With new and upcoming original shows from the 2026 TV schedule, as well as a massive catalog of go-to favorites, there’s no shortage of series to check out as you lose hours (and possibly days) to an intense marathon.

With a Netflix subscription, you can check out originals like Stranger Things, Black Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, and Bridgerton, but you also have access to classics like Sex and the City, Home Improvement, and Breaking Bad. Here are a couple dozen of the best shows to binge on Netflix.

Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen (2026)

Netflix has been home to some great horror shows over the years, and the streamer kept that tradition alive in March 2026 with the debut of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. The eight-episode miniseries created by Haley Z. Boston (and produced by the Duffer Brothers) stars Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco as a couple getting ready to tie the knot and all the madness that comes with it. However, it’s not just pre-wedding jitters and emotions they’re forced to deal with, as some deep-seated trauma, curses, and a sadistic killer are making things all the more complicated.

• Stream Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen on Netflix.

Sex And The City (1998 - 2004)

One of the most decorated HBO originals, and a show that changed the face of TV in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Sex and the City is a fun, thrilling, and racy exploration of love, lust, personalities, and the sex lives of New Yorkers. With unforgettable characters like Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbes, and Charlotte York (not to mention all the random stars who appeared on the show), and a certain punchiness and attitude, this one still holds up nearly 30 years later.

• Stream Sex and the City on Netflix.

Home Improvement (1991 - 999)

One of the best ‘90s sitcoms, Home Improvement, is one of those shows you can just watch and watch and watch without getting bored. From Tim Allen’s “Tool Man” Taylor coming up with some over-the-top scheme to get the most out of his power tools to Wilson giving sage advice without showing his face to Al being the best friend and co-host in TV history, there’s just so much to love here. With the entire series streaming on Netflix, you can watch all 660+ grunts from this iconic series.

• Stream Home Improvement on Netflix.

Love On The Spectrum (2022 - Present)

Often considered the anthithesis of reality dating, Love on the Spectrum has spent the past few years following people on the autism spectrum as they look for love and meaningful relationships. While it does have some of the standard traits of the genre, this thoughtful and eye-opening dating show takes a much different and more heartfelt approach to the world of dating.

• Stream Love on the Spectrum on Netflix.

St. Denis Medical (2024 - Present)

There has been no shortage of great medical shows over the years, including comedies like St. Denis Medical. The hit NBC sitcom, which was renewed for a third season earlier this year, follows the doctors and nurses at the St. Denis Regional Medical Center as they try to keep their patients alive and their own mental states intact. Yet another example of NBC finding success with the mockumentary style.

• Stream St. Denis Medical on Netflix.

The TikTok Killer (2026)

When it comes to streamers with great true crime offerings, Netflix is one of the best. Earlier this year, the platform dropped The TikTok Killer, a two-part docuseries about the disappearance of Esther Estepa and her mother’s quest to get to the bottom of the mystery. This one takes some twists and turns along the way, especially as you learn more about José Jurado Montilla, a “friend” of the missing woman.

• Stream The TikTok Killer on Netflix.

Booba (2014 - Present)

When my kids were young, we used to watch so much Booba, an animated show about a little furry creature getting in all kinds of mischief in a variety of different places. What makes this so great, besides Booba trying to make sense of the world around him, is the fact that it’s presented entirely with no dialogue. It’s just pure physical comedy that viewers of all ages can understand.

• Stream Booba on Netflix.

The Night Agent (2023 - Present)

Based on Matthew Quick’s novel of the same name, The Night Agent follows FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) as he attempts to root out a mole deep in the United States government. With all kinds of twists and turns, intense action, and some powerful drama along the way, this increasingly popular Netflix original does a little bit of everything.

• Stream The Night Agent on Netflix.

Formula 1: Drive To Survive (2019 - Present)

With Brad Pitt’s F1 movie getting a Best Picture nomination and Formula 1 races coming to IMAX this year, it’s safe to say the sport is more popular than ever before. If you’ve been wanting to get into the action but don’t know the major players, rules, or ins and outs of the competitive league, Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a great place to start. Now in its eighth season, this docuseries is like a crash course on everything you need to know.

• Stream Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix.

The West Wing (1999 - 2006)

Though not every episode is a certified banger (it’s kind of hard to pull that off with 20+ episodes each season), The West Wing is, by and large, one of the best political dramas to ever grace the small screen. Full of Aaron Sorkin’s signature walk-and-talks, outstanding performances from the likes of Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, and Rob Lowe, and so many great stories, this long-running series about the inner workings of the White House is superb.

• Stream The West Wing on Netflix.

Master Of None (2015 - 2021)

A decade before going off and making his directorial debut with last year’s Good Fortune, Aziz Ansari gave the world Master of None, a funny and surprisingly poignant dramedy series about love, friendship, and finding yourself. Primarily following a struggling actor in New York (though the third season made a massive shift), the series highlights the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationships, aspirations, and food.

• Stream Master of None on Netflix.

American Manhunt (2023 - 2025)

The American Manhunt collection of docuseries, released by Netflix over the past few years, takes some of the biggest moments in modern history and dissects them so you get practically every aspect of the story. From the Boston Marathon Bombing to the O.J. Simpson trial to the mission to find and kill Osama Bin Laden, this intense and engaging series is riveting to say the least.

• Stream American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bomber on Netflix.
• Stream American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson on Netflix.
• Stream American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden on Netflix.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model (2026)

Featuring a chilling Tyra Banks, several hours of intense storytelling, and a breakdown of some of the biggest moments of early 2000s reality TV, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model exposes everything that made the show a cultural phenomenon more than 20 years ago. Split into three episodes, this one leaves no stone unturned.

• Stream Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model on Netflix.

Black-ish (2014 - 2022)

Often considered one of the best sitcoms of all time, black-ish was one of those shows that found the perfect combination of comedy and social awareness, and created an all-timer in the process. Following an upper-middle-class Black family as they navigate modern life in a well-off neighborhood, black-ish wasn’t afraid to be bold or conversational with its exploration of race, class, and humanity in the modern world.

• Stream black-ish on Netflix.

WWE: Unreal (2025 - Present)

WWE has countless documentaries that go behind the scenes of the company’s weekly shows, monthly premium live events, and biggest moments. So, why do you need another? Well, WWE: Unreal goes places and tells stories that those other documentaries would only dream of going. Old-school wrestling fans may decry this for exposing the business, but honestly, it feels like WWE has started a new form of kayfabe here.

• Stream WWE: Unreal on Netflix.

Mr. McMahon (2024)

Few wrestling documentaries come close to the scope and scale of Mr. McMahon, Netflix’s multi-episode exploration of the life, legacy, and various scandals that former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has endured over the years. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or not, this is something you won’t want to miss.

• Stream Mr. McMahon on Netflix.

Just A Dash (2019 - Present)

Though his character from The Bear wouldn’t be the best person to work with, Matty Matheson is one hell of a chef. He shows that in his hilarious and appetizing cooking show, Just a Dash. If you’ve never watched the tatted-up, foul-mouthed, and outrageously entertaining chef and restaurateur talk about food, then you should check out Just a Dash.

• Stream Just a Dash on Netflix.

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials (2026)

There are so many great mystery shows available on Netflix, and I guess we should add Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials to that list. Released in early 2026, this engaging and enticing limited series about a prank gone wrong will leave you guessing at every turn (and immediately pressing play when each episode ends).

• Stream Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials on Netflix.

The Tiny Chef Show (2022)

Though The Tiny Chef Show is technically kid-centric programming, this delightful, charming, and entertaining animated series has something for the whole family. One of the most unique cooking shows, this Nickelodeon program is just so great with its adorable main character, that wild voice, and an attention to detail that goes unmatched. Just try watching this without a smile.

• Stream The Tiny Chef Show on Netflix.

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman (2018 - Present)

A few years after leaving CBS and The Late Show, David Letterman kicked off what would later become an extensive series of interviews on Netflix. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman has seen the former late-night host catch up with everyone from Tina Fey to Kanye West and Robert Downey Jr. to Ryan Reynolds and quite a few others. These in-depth, insightful, and hilarious interviews make the time just fly by.

• Stream My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman on Netflix.

Death By Lightning (2025)

If you’re all about big “what ifs” in American history, then Netflix’s historical limited series, Death by Lightning, is the show you’ve been waiting for. Starring Michael Shannon as James A. Garfield, the series follows the 20th President of the United States from his election in 1880 until his death less than a year later.

• Stream Death By Lightning on Netflix.

Arrested Development (2003 - 2006, 2013 - 2019)

In the mood for a show about one of the craziest sitcom families? How about one known for celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves? Oh, what about characters we love to hate? Well, if you answered one of those questions with a “Yes,” then you’re in for a real treat because Arrested Development is still streaming on Netflix.

Stream Arrested Development on Netflix.

I Think You Should Leave (2019 - Present)

An extended I Think You Should Leave marathon probably isn’t the best thing for anyone’s mental health, but everyone who loves this show enough to watch an entire season in one go knows the risk. Tim Robinson’s off-the-wall, uncomfortable, and utterly hilarious comedy series is honestly one of the best sketch shows you can watch anywhere right now.

• Stream I Think You Should Leave on Netflix.

Trailer Park Boys (2001 - Present)

It’s not a wholesome show, it’s not meant for kids, and it’s what some would consider low-brow, but Trailer Park Boys is one of the funniest series streaming on Netflix right now. With 12 seasons, multiple movies, and quite a few specials available on Netflix, you can get lost spending hours in Sunnyvale Trailer Park with Ricky, Julian, Bubbles, and everyone’s favorite trailer park supervisor, Mr. Lahey!

• Stream Trailer Park Boys on Netflix.

The UnXplained (2019 - Present)

Though every season of this addictive documentary series isn’t streaming on Netflix, you can spend a good amount of time diving into all kinds of mysteries with William Shatner on The UnXplained. With two seasons available to stream, you can learn about subterranean civilizations, strange technology, unbreakable codes, mysterious monsters, and more.

• Stream The UnXplained on Netflix.

Seinfeld (1989 - 1998)

Long described as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld remains one of the best sitcoms of all time more than 25 years after its final episode ran on NBC. This show has come and gone from Netflix multiple times over the years, so now’s the perfect time to watch all nine seasons for the first time in a while or the first time entirely. And with each episode being 20 minutes long, you’ll blow through the best Seinfeld jokes in no time.

• Stream Seinfeld on Netflix.

The Great British Baking Show (2010 - Present)

There are so many great cooking shows on Netflix right now, but The Great British Baking Show is in a league of its own. There are culinary disasters, triumphs, and so many unforgettable moments involving contestants, judges, and hosts alike. If you’re looking for a low-key and wholesome way to spend a few hours, this is the way to go.

• Stream The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.

One Piece (2023 - Present)

Are you ready to be King of the Pirates? One Piece is the long-awaited adaptation of the legendary manga of the same name. The show follows Monkey D. Luffy as he assembles a crew in order to sail the sea and find the legendary One Piece, a treasure unlike anything else left by one of the greatest pirates of all time. In doing so, he would become King of the Pirates.

• Stream One Piece on Netflix.

Stranger Things (2016 - 2025)

Stranger Things, or the Duffer brothers' love letter to all things ‘80s, has all the makings of a show you can lose yourself in if you’re not careful. With five seasons filled with sci-fi horror, a large ensemble cast featuring some of the best actors, and a gripping story about a group of friends trying to avert disaster in their small Indiana town, there’s a lot to enjoy here. Now that the entire series has come to an end, it’s a good time to go back and see how it all started.

• Stream Stranger Things on Netflix.

Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013)

There are few shows that changed the trajectory of a lead actor’s career more so than what Breaking Bad did for series lead, Bryan Cranston. Over the course of the show’s five seasons, Cranston’s Walter White transforms himself from an unassuming high school chemistry teacher to a notorious drug lord known simply as “Heisenberg.” Also, if you love Breaking Bad, you should check out Better Call Saul, a prequel that tells the rise – and fall – of Saul Goodman, who is Walter White’s lawyer in the show.

• Stream Breaking Bad on Netflix.
• Also try: Better Call Saul

Ozark (2017 - 2022)

If you’re looking for a series that will truly blow your mind from the first episode, check out Ozark. This series tells the tale of a financial advisor who has to move from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks when he gets caught up in the drug business and is forced to launder money so his family doesn’t get hurt.

• Stream Ozark on Netflix.

Wednesday (2022 - Present)

Wednesday has become one of the biggest shows on Netflix, even surpassing the records that Stranger Things once had for the most hours streamed in one week. And honestly, it's for good reason. Jenna Ortega is fantastic in the lead role, and the rest of the Wednesday cast is full of stars.

• Stream Wednesday on Netflix.

Nobody Wants This (2024 – Present)

Starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This is the romantic comedy series that you can easily binge in one afternoon. The series is the hilarious tale of two opposites: a woman who is agnostic, as well as a sex and dating podcaster, and a rabbi who somehow captures her heart. With a third season coming to Netflix at some point in 2026, you’ll probably want to start watching this sooner rather than later.

• Stream Nobody Wants This on Netflix.

Beef (2023 - Present)

A24 rarely ever misses, and Beef is just the perfect example of one of the best A24 TV shows. This Netflix original series starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun is a comedy-drama that tells the story of two strangers who cross paths thanks to their mutual road rage at each other. But one thing leads to another, and this random meeting leads to a feud that changes both of their lives forever, and not in the best way.

The show itself won several Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024, including the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, as well as Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

• Stream Beef on Netflix.

You (2018 - 2025)

Ever wonder what it’s like if someone is obsessively in love with you? That’s just part of what You is about. This popular series follows the life of Joe Goldberg, a seemingly normal man with a hankering for love… and the willingness to kill those who get in his way.

• Stream You on Netflix.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – 2021)

I truly consider Brooklyn Nine-Nine one of the last best workplace sitcoms because it’s just so good. The series follows a group of police officers, detectives, and more at a fictional police precinct in New York City, and tells the story of all their personal and professional lives. The series is led by Andy Samberg, and the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast is just as hilarious as its star.

• Stream Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix.

Bridgerton (2020 - Present)

With four seasons to watch, the Netflix original series Bridgerton has all the makings of a binge-worthy show. With an outstanding and diverse cast, an engaging story about families in England’s Regency era seeking love, fortune, and power, and a clever way of incorporating modern music and culture into a long-ago period, the show is a fascinating addition to the Netflix library. Now we’re just waiting to see what’s in store with Season 5.

• Stream Bridgerton on Netflix.

Adolescence (2025)

Hailing from Britain, Adolescence is the kind of psychological drama that only comes once every few years and takes the world by storm. The series mainly follows a 13-year-old schoolboy who is arrested after a girl in his school is killed. This series has won major awards (Emmys, Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, The Actors, etc.), so why not join in on the craze and see what all the fuss is about?

• Stream Adolescence on Netflix.

The Crown (2016 - 2023)

With so many characters coming in and out of Buckingham Palace (and 10 Downing Street) over the course of each of The Crown’s six seasons, there’s a lot to keep track of, but it pays off handsomely. From the final days of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II taking over the throne up to the late 1980s, Peter Morgan’s tireless efforts to unfold the drama of the royal family make for one of the most engaging and enchanting shows of the modern era.

• Stream The Crown on Netflix.

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

Few limited series grabbed hold of the Netflix subscriber base more than The Queen’s Gambit in late 2020. Seriously, the story of a young chess prodigy with all sorts of personal demons and struggles to overcome, told over seven episodes, is a masterpiece in television drama. From the early days of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) learning to play chess in an orphanage’s basement to the show’s fulfilling ending, The Queen’s Gambit is perfect from start to finish.

• Stream The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix.

Black Mirror (2011 - Present)

There are few shows as fun or terrifying as the sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror. Over the course of the seven available seasons on Netflix, you can watch characters face a reality in which the advancement of technology and the ease it brings to their lives can also be their downfall. And Netflix has announced that Black Mirror Season 8 is on the way, though we’re still left in the dark when it comes to the release date.

• Stream Black Mirror on Netflix.

Peaky Blinders (2013 - 2022) 

If you’re looking for a gangster epic that will surely hold your attention, Peaky Blinders is the way to go. This popular British series takes place not that long after World War I, and focuses on the Peaky Blinders gang (hence the title), and all the trials and tribulations of their criminal organization and the enemies they’ve made along the way. After you finish the series, make sure to watch Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the new movie that continues the drama…

• Stream Peaky Blinders on Netflix.

Mike Flanagan’s Horror TV Shows 

If, for some reason, you haven’t seen any of Mike Flanagan’s horror miniseries on Netflix, you need to check them out now. The Haunting of Hill House, released in 2018, follows a family returning to their childhood home after a traumatic experience. The Haunting of Bly Manor is about a young woman working as a nanny and discovering strange happenings in their home. Midnight Mass focuses on a remote island and its peculiar priest, who seems to be bringing horror to its residents.

• Stream The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix.
• Stream The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix.
• Stream Midnight Mass on Netflix.
• Stream The Midnight Club on Netflix.
• Stream The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix.

Squid Game (2021 - 2025)

You’d have to have lived under a rock not to have heard about Squid Game when it first came out. It became the most popular Netflix series ever, and tells the story of contestants in South Korea who are low on luck and need money, and decide to join a game show in the middle of nowhere for the chance to win cash so their debts can be repaid.

• Stream Squid Game on Netflix.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Winner of several awards, including the 2025 Golden Globe Award for Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Motion Picture, Baby Reindeer is the thrilling dark comedy that you’ll be unable to stop watching from the very beginning. Based on the life of the creator, Richard Gadd, the series follows the story of an amateur comedian and how his life is changed forever when a stalker begins to harass him.

• Stream Baby Reindeer on Netflix.

With new shows premiering and classics being added all the time, make sure to keep checking back as this binge-worthy list continues to grow throughout the year.

Carol Burnett is a national treasure, and one of the most prominent women in the history of American comedy. She is so beloved that the Golden Globes named their lifetime achievement award in television The Carol Burnett Award. She recently made headlines when she made an unforgettable appearance on the Emmy-nominated AMC drama Better Call Saul. This invigorated fans’ sense of gratitude for the contributions Burnett has made to television, which is why it’s baffling she still hasn’t hosted Saturday Night Live.

SNL famously is a place for performers to demonstrate their comedy sensibilities in the format of a sketch show. Burnett practically revolutionized the sketch show format herself when she created The Carol Burnett Show back in 1967, setting the framework for a show like SNL to thrive. For her to have never been a part of what has become an American comedy institution is very strange. Fans clearly want to make this happen, and championed a now-viral tweet begging NBC to have Burnett host.

This tweet set off a firestorm, with others chiming in to support a Burnett SNL appearance as well. 

Even fellow comedian Patton Oswalt participated in this wholesome online campaign.

Better Call Saul definitely gave Burnett a new audience rallying behind her. The show was a unique turn for the comedy icon, who portrayed Marion, the elderly mother to a cab driver named Jeff. The two caused trouble for Saul when Jeff recognized him after the con man changed his name to Gene and hid out in Omaha. Even at 89, Carol Burnett still has it. If she can keep up with Saul, she can definitely keep up with the practically brand new SNL cast, especially as a veteran of sketch comedy herself. 

But Could It Happen?

It certainly could happen, if Lorne Michaels is listening and monitoring what fans are clamoring for on the show. According to The Blast, an insider reveals that Michaels will do everything he can to get Burnett on the show. A source allegedly claims:

If Carol Burnett does come back to host the network mainstay, she will be the oldest person ever to do so. Currently, that record is held by Betty White. White was 88 years old when she hosted back in 2010, and was a good friend of Burnett’s before her passing in 2021. Like Betty White, Burnett always seems up for a challenge. I'm sure she would be a wonderful host. 

I hope we find out more SNL news soon, as the new season will air this fall on NBC. In the meantime, you can check out the first five seasons of Better Call Saul now for Netflix subscribers, although Burnett's episode is not yet available on the streamer. You can also check out previous episodes of SNL currently streaming for fans with a Peacock subscription. 

Warning: This story contains massive spoilers for the series finale of Better Call Saul, “Saul Gone,” so read at your own risk. 

Fans had plenty of questions going into the final season of AMC’s Better Call Saul. What would become of Nacho Varga? How would the war between Gus Fring and Lalo Salamanca get resolved? And would Gene Takavic find some kind of redemption in the post-Breaking Bad timeline? But seemingly above all else, fans were particularly eager to learn the fate of Kim Wexler. Thankfully, the lawyer-turned-sprinkler company employee survived, and series co-creator Vince Gilligan has provided an A+ update on her post-finale future that should soothe any fan concerns. 

On the show’s penultimate episode, “Waterworks,” Kim – portrayed by the skillful Rhea Seehorn – was revealed to be living in Florida in the post-Breaking Bad era. Having long forsaken her aspirations as a lawyer, Wexler worked a desk job at Palm Coast Sprinkler and lived a quiet life in the suburbs. Her new life also included a boyfriend, Glenn, who offered her his take on mayonnaise vs. Miracle Whip (along with seemingly lackluster sex). All in all, our favorite lawyer and public defender was living a pretty dull existence – which was only further emphasized by the black-and-white palette BCS used for the “Gene timeline.”

But things started looking up for her near the end of the series, and those changes will apparently have a massive impact on the character following the events of the series. In an interview, Vince Gilligan explained that Kim Wexler is well on her way to building a new life. And there may not be room for a certain someone as she goes down that path: 

The comments that the producer shared with The New Yorker are sure to be music to fans’ ears. Personally, I have absolutely no problem with Kim dropping Glenn as she slowly steps back into the legal profession. I’m not sure the well-meaning “chap” would really fit into Kim’s world if she does ever become a full-fledged attorney again. And let’s be honest, does Kim really deserve a guy who simply says “Yep, yep, yep, yep,” while making love?

Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould gave Kim Wexler one of the most complex arcs on the entire show, and she’s easily one of the best characters from either Better Call Saul or Breaking Bad. I’m just glad Kim didn’t have to die for Rhea Seehorn to get some Emmy love. The actress is currently one of the many 2022 Emmy nominees, having scored a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. And she could land another nomination next year, thanks to the second batch of Season 6 episodes. 

Like so many of us, Rhea Seehorn, had been nervous about Kim’s fate, so she was likely relieved to learn of her fate in the series finale. After hearing Vince Gilligan’s update, I’d love to see Seehorn reprise the role and lead her own show. Gilligan has no plans for spinoffs at the moment so, for now, I’ll (gladly) settle for the relatively happy ending he gave Kim here.

Better Call Saul’s first five seasons are now available to stream with a Netflix subscription. Those who are in need of a new show to watch now that it’s finished its run can check out CinemaBlend’s 2022 TV schedule for some options.

Spoilers for the series finale of Better Call Saul, “Saul Gone,” lie ahead, so read at your own risk.

This week marked the end of an era, as Better Call Saul signed off after six seasons, effectively closing the book on the Breaking Bad universe in the process. In short, the Saul series finale gave all the feels and served as a worthy conclusion to AMC’s acclaimed franchise. The final few episodes took place mostly during the post-BB timeline, where Saul Goodman was going by the alias Gene Takavic. The installments were notably presented in black and white though, interestingly, there were a handful of colorized moments. Now, series co-creator Peter Gould has shed some light on the meaning of those sweet, artistic flourishes. 

The scenes involving Gene have been depicted in black and white since the show’s 2015 pilot. But as Peter Gould recently recalled, that episode’s prologue dished out a small bit of color via the Saul commercials that Gene solemnly watched in his living room. In the more recent episodes, there were a few other instances in which color popped in. One was the moment that Gene’s past life was discovered by Carol Burnett’s Marion (who the Internet is loving). The other occurs during one of the show’s final moments, during which Saul – now going by Jimmy McGill again – shares one more cigarette with former wife Kim Wexler, who visits him in prison.

As with everything on the beautifully crafted show, there’s a reason for these quick dashes of color. Peter Gould explained to Variety that the moments connect to two major aspects of the lead character’s life – his past fondness for the Saul Goodman persona and his love for Kim Wexler:

Both were definitely powerful shots, especially the one featuring Jimmy and Kim. Not only was the color well placed within the scene, but the meeting between the two former flames (no pun intended) served as a callback to the very first episode. In my humble opinion, it’s one of the greatest moments shared between any characters from Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul. 

Such thoughtful visual cues and storytelling is why so many people (like myself) are eager to see more from the fictional universe. The maestro himself, Vince Gilligan, has discussed the possibility of additional spinoffs and, while he likes the idea, he’s not actually planning to dive back into the world of seedy lawyers and dangerous drug dealers. Hey, but never say never, right?

While a follow-up may never happen, it’s satisfying knowing that Better Call Saul closed things out on a high note, thanks to the efforts of Peter Gould and co. I think most would agree that the show and its predecessor were bright spots in many people’s lives. And that’s a poetic thought when considering the flashes of color that inhabited Gene Takavic’s black-and-white-shaded existence.

Though Better Call Saul is over, you can stream the first five seasons with a Netflix subscription, and the sixth and final season will likely join them at some point down the road.  Also, those looking for another small-screen obsession to fill the void can check out CinemaBlend’s 2022 TV schedule.