Summary
Breaking Badis widely regarded as one ofthe best TV dramas of the 21st century. Across five seasons and 62 episodes, it tells a story of compelling criminals, quick-witted lawyers, and family conflict. It had some amazing, three-dimensional characters and consistently developed them throughout the show’s run. Viewers can clearly see Vince Gilligan evolving as a director with each season, with Season 5 being a display of everything this genius has learned, letting fans enjoy one of the finest seasons of television ever made.
Viewers who likedBreaking Badwere saddened when it finally came to an end. However, they can rest assured that there are plenty of other greatshows likeBreaking Badthat can help to fill the void it left behind. While some of these may not reach the great heights that Vince Gilligan’s masterpiece attained, these recommendations can still make for some riveting television regardless. In fact, some people may argue that there are a few candidates that are arguably better than Walter White’s story, which is hefty praise indeed.
Updated on Jun 30, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:Breaking Bad set new standards for crime dramas following its depiction of ruthless drug dealers and antiheroes amidst a gripping story, but there are several shows that bring that same feeling to viewers in their own way. Along with renowned classics like The Sopranos, Vince Gilligan’s TV show helped usher in an era rife with intense, compelling crime dramas and thrillers.Both before and (especially) years after the release of Breaking Bad, there have been some incredible crime-oriented series — some of which superbly explore the dynamic of cartels and the drug trade, but many of which bring their own interesting twist to the genre.
2017-2019
Available On
(HBO) Max
This thriller from Cinemax doesn’t refer to the female spirit of Irish folklore, but rather, a fictional small town of Pennsylvania. It’s under 40 episodes long, though there are loads of action, twists, and other edge-of-the-seat moments crammed into this unique, unpredictable romp.
As one might expect from a show with ex-cons (like star antihero Lucas, who pretends to be a murdered town sheriff), drug lords, outlaws, and Neo-Nazis — several wild shootouts, car chases, and other skirmishes occur. Between the warring factions, corruption, anarchy, and firefights — one would think this is afun spin-off ofBorderlandsrather than a TV crime thriller.
Yet beneath its brawls, heists, and other campy action bouts,Bansheedoeshave more refined, dynamic moments of the crime drama style thatBreaking Badfans should appreciate. And while the writing and plot-points are a bit more surface-level, the show has some surprisingly deep, conflicted characters.
Netflix
Happy!is an unapologetically zany action-crime romp and dark comedy based on a four-partgraphic novel by writer Grant Morrison. The premise and vibe feels more like a bizarre comic book versus almost anyshowthat comes to mind — though, parallels of antiheros Nick Sax and Walter Whitedoexist, being troubled former “good guys” gone bad.
Happy!doesalso feature a mobster don that looks so much like the bald version of Walt that it seems deliberate. But the real star of this wild experience is the imaginary blue horse friend of Nick’s daughter. The whimsical horse is fittingly named ‘Happy’, who’s voiced in comedic, yet dynamic and convincing fashion by Patton Oswalt (if such a rolecouldbe convincing, that is).
His mission? Coax ex-cop Sax (the only one who can see or hear him) into helping him save his daughter, who’s been kidnapped by an evil man dressed as Santa. Yes — those who watch all 18 action-packed episodes will find that things only getmorebizarre and chaotic from there.
2013-2022
Peaky Blindersis a crime drama and period show loosely based on a Birmingham, England gang by the same name. The group of (mostly) young men were known for their working-class garb featuring newsboy hats with razor blades hidden inside.
These blades are meant to be used when things “go south”, and theyoftendo so here. Building their criminal empire within an unstable, evolving English landscape post-WWI and during prohibition and political unrest, the gang is able to exploit the anarchy to their advantage. There are ample political maneuverings, street skirmishes, bootlegging, and other conflicts in this six-season epic.
Yet,Peaky Blindersalso slows things down with deep and emotional character moments, inner conflicts, romance, betrayals, and heartfelt moments — even conveying a (relative) softer side to the hardened gangsters and ex-soldiers. Rounding things out are impressive, authentic wardrobes and set design, as well as superb acting and writing.
2014-2020
It’s hard to believe that an animated show about anthropomorphic animals has more to say about the human condition than the majority of live-action shows out there, but that’s precisely what makesBoJack Horsemanso special.The first eight episodes were a bit divisive,and can be a bit of a pain to get through, with the dialogue being pretty threadbare and the comedic moments falling flat more often than not.
However, it’s whenBoJack Horsemanstarts leaning into its strengths following the introduction of Herb that things really take a turn for the better. Each and every season of this show provides thought-provoking narratives and memorable characters who will stick with viewers long after they’ve finished watching the show. The fact that some even manage to sympathize with a despicable personality like BoJack shows just how complex the narrative really is.
2018-2023
Max
The idea of a wealthy businessman choosing one of his children to take over the business is a simple premise that requires something special to stand out, andSuccessionhas this in spades. The dialogue is easily some of the very best in any TV show, with the constant jabs, insults, and comebacks being a joy to witness.
Succession’s run was memorable without overstaying its welcome, something that fans ofBreaking Badwill appreciate. The series has captured many hearts and blew up with its final season, a pattern that is oddly similar toBreaking Bad.
1999-2006
Those who want to check out a good, realistic political drama will have a great time watchingThe West Wing. It may seem daunting to get into this series, but a few episodes are all it takes for fans to understand why people absolutely love this series to bits.
The documentation of legal processes in the White House makes for a riveting time, with a combination of well-developed characters, interesting plotlines, and snappy dialogue making each episode a blast to get through. 154 episodes does seem like a lot, but this number will breeze by once fans get into the drama presented inThe West Wing.
1990-1991, 2017
Paramount+
One of the most eccentric TV shows players can check out,Twin Peakswas such a major cult classic that it was brought back for another run because of fan demand alone. The supernatural influences in this detective drama are executed beautifully and make this show a treat to witness. TwinPeaksis something that fans must witness firsthand to see what makes it so special to watch.
The fact that this series came back and blew viewers' minds once again is a testament to how brilliant the disorienting nature of this series is, with viewers left questioning themselves after witnessing the many offbeat moments present in each and every episode.
2010-2017
Hulu, Brit Box
It’s impossible to talk aboutSherlockwithout remembering the way the series completely fell off in the latter half. The modern interpretation of Sherlock was broken, neurotic, and oh-so-captivating to witness on-screen whenever he channeled his eccentric side. However, after Moriarty’s demise, the show went down a steep cliff in terms of quality and ended on a downer so bad that there’s no hope of saving the series now.
However, people can still enjoy what the show did right in the first two seasons.Sherlockwas a captivating affair during that time, with the writing and mysteries being absolutely splendid to behold and showing to everyone why Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are two of the best castings ever for Sherlock Holmes and John Watson respectively.
2004-2006
Not a lot of people talk aboutDeadwoodnowadays, which is a shame. The series deserves to be remembered for its incredible performances and riveting shows. There aren’t many Western shows for viewers to enjoy anyway, which is what makesDeadwoodso special. Watching this settlement evolve to become a proper town makes for a great watch, with viewers being totally hooked throughout this entire journey.
The ties to American history really serve to makeDeadwood’s events feel as authentic as possible. Those seeking out a riveting drama to watch will get a kick out of Deadwood and its scintillating direction.
2006-2013
Netflix, Fubo
Dexter Morgan will quickly become a character everyone hates to love in the show, withhis serial killing vigilantismbeing oddly riveting in its own way. The initial seasons are simply extraordinary, with the writing and direction ofDexterbeing incredibly fun to watch. The many colorful characters he encounters during his murderous adventures make each season quite exciting.
However, even a show as celebrated as Dexter couldn’t avoid the curse that plagues most long-running narratives. Over time, the writing of the series became pretty weak, with many fans not really huge fans ofDexter’s later seasons. However, the first few chapters ofDexter’s tale are certainly quite engaging, in no small part because of the great writing and unique scenarios that the show’s characters find themselves in.
