Rated 4.4/5: Among the Best TV Series Ever, Even Surpassing Breaking Bad!

Eleven years ago, it was hard to imagine that a spin-off from a hit like Breaking Bad could stand on its own. Yet, that’s exactly what Better Call Saul did, now often cited among the greatest TV series of all time. Here’s a look back at a project that initially divided opinion.

When the spin-off was first announced, the idea was already surprising: how could they extend the Breaking Bad universe without upsetting its balance? Released in France on February 9, 2015, through Netflix after a U.S. launch on AMC, many still doubted its legitimacy, given the original series’ profound impact.

But the surprise was immediate.

Saul Goodman, an Unexpected Central Character

It all started with a secondary character from Breaking Bad: Saul Goodman, a quirky and opportunistic lawyer introduced in season 2. Played by Bob Odenkirk, an actor known more for his comedic roles, he was originally meant to be a minor character.

His introduction even sparked doubts internally, as his tone contrasted sharply with the dark realism of the series.

A Rise Narrated Before Breaking Bad

Better Call Saul took an original approach by going back in time. We follow Jimmy McGill, the future Saul Goodman, long before the events of Breaking Bad. At that time, he is still a small-time hustler trying to make it and “go straight” in the legal system.

His goal: to become a public defender and carve out a real place in the legal world, even if moral compromises soon start to pile up.

Over the seasons, the character gradually shifts towards the one fans already know, eventually becoming the dubious intermediary known for “knowing a guy who knows a guy.”

A Record Start and Critical Acclaim

At its U.S. premiere, the series was a surprise hit: the first episode attracted about 6.9 million viewers on AMC, setting a record for a cable series at the time, even surpassing the pilot of Deadwood.

Critics quickly praised the project, noting its precise writing and direction that remained true to the original universe while establishing its own identity.

In France, its airing on Netflix also contributed to its success, during a time when the platform was a major player in streaming.

A Series That Rivals Its Predecessor

Airing over six seasons from 2015 to 2022, Better Call Saul gradually established itself as a major work. The series achieved an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on AlloCiné, closely rivaling Breaking Bad, often considered the gold standard with an average of 4.7 out of 5. This is particularly remarkable considering the project initially divided fans and sparked some skepticism.

With hindsight, the series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould has proven to be much more than just a simple spin-off. It manages to enrich the Breaking Bad universe while developing its own narrative identity, slower, more introspective, but equally powerful.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, Better Call Saul is still available in its entirety on Netflix.

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