American TV Shows Like Breaking Bad Top Recommendations

If you're a fan of Breaking Bad's gripping storyline, complex characters, and masterful storytelling, you're likely on the hunt for your next binge-worthy TV obsession. The landscape of American television is rich with shows that offer similar levels of suspense, drama, and moral ambiguity. Let's explore some of the best American TV shows that capture the essence of Breaking Bad, diving into what makes them stand out and why they might just become your new favorite.

1. Better Call Saul: The Prequel That Stands on Its Own

Better Call Saul is perhaps the most obvious recommendation for fans of Breaking Bad, and for good reason. It serves as a prequel, delving into the backstory of Saul Goodman, the morally flexible lawyer who becomes Walter White's accomplice. However, Better Call Saul is far more than just a companion piece; it's a masterfully crafted series in its own right. The show intricately explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a well-meaning but flawed lawyer, into the Saul Goodman we know from Breaking Bad. This transformation is not a sudden event but a gradual descent, shaped by a series of moral compromises and external pressures. The writing is sharp, the performances are stellar, and the pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to become deeply invested in the characters and their journeys. What makes Better Call Saul particularly compelling is its ability to create tension and suspense even when viewers know the eventual fate of some characters. The show masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, each with its own compelling arc, and it expands the world of Breaking Bad in meaningful ways. The legal drama aspects are realistic and engaging, and the show doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of the criminal justice system. Moreover, Better Call Saul excels at character development, offering nuanced portrayals of individuals grappling with difficult choices and their consequences. The cinematography and direction are top-notch, contributing to the show's overall atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. If you appreciated the slow-burn storytelling and character-driven narratives of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is an absolute must-watch.

2. Ozark: Dark Family Drama with Criminal Undertones

Ozark is a dark and thrilling crime drama that shares several thematic elements with Breaking Bad. The series centers around Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who relocates his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. Like Walter White, Marty is an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, forced to make increasingly difficult choices to protect his family. Ozark excels at creating a sense of mounting tension and danger, as the Byrde family becomes entangled in a web of criminal activity. The show explores the corrosive effects of money and power, as well as the moral compromises people make when their backs are against the wall. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney delivering particularly compelling portrayals of Marty and Wendy Byrde. The Ozarks setting provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop for the story, and the cinematography is stunning. Ozark is a character-driven drama at its core, and the complex relationships between the family members add depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. The show also delves into the dynamics of the drug cartel, introducing a cast of memorable and often ruthless characters. If you enjoy the suspenseful storytelling, complex characters, and moral ambiguities of Breaking Bad, Ozark is sure to captivate you. The show's exploration of family dynamics under extreme pressure adds another layer of depth to the narrative.

3. The Sopranos: A Groundbreaking Look at the Anti-Hero

Considered by many to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time, The Sopranos broke new ground in its portrayal of an anti-hero protagonist. The series follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who struggles to balance his criminal life with his family responsibilities and his own mental health. The Sopranos is a complex and multi-layered drama that explores themes of family, identity, and the American Dream. Like Breaking Bad, the show delves into the dark side of human nature, examining the moral compromises people make in pursuit of power and wealth. James Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano is iconic, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The show's writing is sharp and insightful, and its use of black humor adds a unique flavor to the narrative. The Sopranos is not just a gangster drama; it's also a character study, a family drama, and a social commentary. The show's exploration of Tony's therapy sessions provides a fascinating glimpse into his psyche and the roots of his behavior. The Sopranos has had a lasting impact on television, paving the way for the complex and morally ambiguous characters that have become a hallmark of prestige dramas. If you appreciate the psychological depth and character-driven storytelling of Breaking Bad, The Sopranos is a must-watch. The show's exploration of the Italian-American mob culture adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

4. Fargo: An Anthology Series with a Darkly Comic Edge

Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the Coen brothers' classic film of the same name. Each season features a new story, new characters, and a new setting, but the show maintains the film's darkly comic tone and its focus on ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Fargo shares with Breaking Bad a penchant for unexpected plot twists, memorable characters, and a blend of dark humor and violence. The show's writing is sharp and witty, and its performances are consistently excellent. Fargo excels at creating a sense of unease and tension, as its characters navigate a world filled with danger and moral ambiguity. The anthology format allows the show to explore a wide range of themes and styles, while maintaining a consistent tone and quality. Each season of Fargo is a self-contained story, making it easy to jump in and start watching at any point. The show's exploration of Midwestern culture and its quirky characters adds a unique flavor to the narrative. If you enjoy the unpredictable storytelling and darkly comic tone of Breaking Bad, Fargo is sure to delight you. The show's anthology format provides a fresh and engaging experience with each season.

5. Mr. Robot: A Cyberpunk Thriller with a Social Conscience

Mr. Robot is a cyberpunk thriller that follows Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who becomes involved in a mysterious hacktivist group. The series explores themes of social alienation, corporate greed, and the dangers of technology. Mr. Robot is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating show that shares with Breaking Bad a willingness to take risks and challenge viewers. The show's protagonist, Elliot, is a complex and unreliable narrator, and his mental health struggles add another layer of depth to the narrative. Mr. Robot is not afraid to tackle complex issues, such as income inequality, government surveillance, and the power of corporations. The show's hacking scenes are realistic and engaging, and its use of visual metaphors and symbolism adds to its artistic flair. Mr. Robot is a show that stays with you long after you've finished watching it, prompting you to think about the world around you in new ways. If you appreciate the complex characters, suspenseful storytelling, and social commentary of Breaking Bad, Mr. Robot is a must-watch. The show's exploration of technology and its impact on society adds a unique and timely dimension to the narrative.

6. Succession: A Darkly Comedic Look at Wealth and Power

Succession is a darkly comedic drama that follows the Roy family, the dysfunctional owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate. The series explores themes of wealth, power, and family dynamics, as the Roy children vie for control of their father's empire. Succession shares with Breaking Bad a sharp wit, complex characters, and a willingness to portray the darker aspects of human nature. The show's writing is biting and insightful, and its performances are uniformly excellent. Succession excels at creating a sense of unease and tension, as the Roy family members constantly betray and manipulate each other. The show's exploration of the ultra-rich and their world is both fascinating and disturbing. Succession is a character-driven drama at its core, and the complex relationships between the family members add depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. If you enjoy the morally ambiguous characters, sharp writing, and suspenseful storytelling of Breaking Bad, Succession is sure to captivate you. The show's exploration of wealth and power dynamics adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

7. Mad Men: A Stylish Dive into the 1960s Advertising World

While set in a different era and industry than Breaking Bad, Mad Men shares a similar focus on character development and moral complexities. The series follows Don Draper, a charismatic advertising executive in the 1960s, as he navigates his career, personal life, and the changing social landscape. Mad Men is a stylish and atmospheric show that explores themes of identity, ambition, and the American Dream. Like Breaking Bad, the show delves into the darker aspects of human nature, examining the secrets and lies that people keep hidden beneath the surface. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the show's attention to detail in recreating the 1960s is remarkable. Mad Men is a character-driven drama at its core, and the complex relationships between the characters add depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. The show's exploration of the advertising industry provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural landscape of the 1960s. If you appreciate the complex characters, subtle storytelling, and thematic depth of Breaking Bad, Mad Men is a must-watch. The show's exploration of identity and the American Dream adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

These are just a few of the many great American TV shows that share similarities with Breaking Bad. Each of these shows offers its own unique blend of suspense, drama, and character-driven storytelling, making them well worth checking out for fans of the acclaimed series. So, grab your remote, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by these compelling television dramas.