The Quest for Another Phenomenon: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul

Introduction: The Unique Appeal of Breaking Bad

If there is one show that has become a cult favorite and hailed as the ultimate television phenomenon, it is undoubtedly Breaking Bad. Despite its massive impact on popular culture, the original series was not immune to criticism. Breaking Bad drew a Nielsen rating of less than 3.0 for most of its episodes, indicating a niche audience rather than a broader reach.

In contrast, its predecessor Dallas was a true phenomenon. Dallas held a consistent Nielsen rating of 18.6 or above for eight consecutive years and was either the number 1 or 2 most watched show on TV for five consecutive years. This unparalleled success makes it extremely difficult to replicate another phenomenon on the scale of Dallas in the current television landscape.

The Resurgence of Better Call Saul

However, the legacy of Breaking Bad lives on in the form of its spin-off, Better Call Saul. Though not as massive as its predecessors in terms of viewership, Better Call Saul is rapidly rising in popularity, particularly in its recent seasons. The show has become increasingly violent, dark, and sensationalistic, drawing parallels to Breaking Bad. This trend has led to a significant increase in its ratings, nearly tripling from the beginning of its last season.

Considering the current landscape, it is unlikely that Better Call Saul will achieve the same level of success as Breaking Bad. The release of high-quality content through streaming platforms like Netflix has altered the television industry's dynamics. Cinematic TV dramas are now the norm, and the freshness that Breaking Bad brought to the screen is no longer a novelty.

The Future of Television Innovation

With the rise of streaming services, it is challenging to discover new talent like Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston. These actors' breakthrough roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are now a thing of the past, as shows can hire A-list Hollywood actors for shorter-lived projects and miniseries. This shift in the industry has made it harder to produce another groundbreaking series in the same vein as The Sopranos or Breaking Bad.

Nonetheless, Better Call Saul stands as a testament to the enduring power and unique qualities of good storytelling. It is not only the absolute best show on TV right now but also one of the last of its kind. Whether it achieves the level of success as Breaking Bad remains to be seen, but its continued relevance makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Future Spec Screenplays and Opportunities

An avid creator and writer, I have been developing spec screenplays for television shows within the same universe as Better Call Saul. Currently, I am working on two new series:

Tortuga Ninja – A third television show featuring Danny Trejo in the lead role. Muebles Tampico – A series with Christopher Cousins and Max Arciniega as the lead actors.

If you are an interested producer and would like to partially finance these pilot projects, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can bring these unique and exciting stories to life.

With the power of streaming platforms and the enduring legacy of Better Call Saul, there is still a place for innovative storytelling in television. Let's continue to support and nurture talent in this exciting but ever-changing industry.