Breaking Bad is one of television’s most significant achievements which aired from 2008 to 2013. The show ran for five seasons with 62 episodes in total.
The series follows Walter White, a high school chemistry professor who turns to preparing methamphetamine after a cancer diagnosis. His goal is to secure his family’s financial lineage. The show won numerous awards, such as 16 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
Breaking Bad won a Peabody Award for its powerful storytelling and gained increasing critical acclaim over time. Often regarded as one of the best TV shows ever made, it left an everlasting impact on television and built a loyal fan base that continues to grow. Even years after its finale, the show remains culturally influential, with many hidden details that viewers often miss
10 facts about Breaking Bad that you probably did not know
Below are some fun facts about breaking bad that you probably did not know.
Jesse Pinkman Was Almost Killed Off
Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, was originally supposed to be written out of the show by the ninth episode. However, the 2007 writers’ strike caused a hiatus, giving creator Vince Gilligan time to reconsider. Impressed by Paul’s portrayal and how well-liked he was, Gilligan decided to keep Jesse and gave another character his intended fate in the season one finale .
Anthony Hopkins Wrote a Fan Letter to Bryan Cranston
Sir Anthony Hopkins, known for his iconic roles in film, binge-watched the entire series in just two weeks. He was so moved by the show that he wrote a glowing fan letter to Bryan Cranston. Hopkins praised the incredible acting of Cranston and the entire cast, comparing the series to a “great Shakespearian or Greek tragedy” .
RJ Mitte Has Real-Life Cerebral Palsy
RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr., has cerebral palsy in real life. His condition is much milder than his character’s, so he had to learn to walk with crutches and slow down his speech to portray Walt Jr. accurately .
The Show Was Set to End After Five Seasons
Vince Gilligan made a conscious decision to end Breaking Bad after its fifth season. He wanted to avoid the common mistake of successful shows running too long and decreasing in quality. This decision helped maintain the show’s high standards and legacy .
The Series Rejected Big-Name Stars
Despite its success, Breaking Bad initially featured stars who weren’t very famous. Vince Gilligan mentioned that this was a deliberate choice. As the show progressed, he continued to reject big-name stars in favor of lesser-known actors to maintain the show’s authentic feel .
The First Season Was Shortened Due to a Writers’ Strike
The first season of Breaking Bad was originally planned to have nine episodes. However, the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike reduced it to seven episodes. This change impacted initial story plans but also allowed for creative shifts, like keeping Jesse Pinkman on the show .
Walter White’s House Became a Tourist Attraction
The real-life house used as Walter White’s home in Albuquerque became a major tourist attraction. Fans often visited, sometimes throwing pizzas on the roof to recreate an iconic scene from the show. The owners eventually put the house up for sale for $4 million, hoping new owners would turn it into a museum or bed-and-breakfast .
The Famous Pizza Toss Was Done in One Take
In a memorable scene from season two, Walter White tosses a pizza onto the roof. Bryan Cranston performed this in a single take, despite the production team allocating hours for it. The unsliced pizza sparked fan curiosity, leading the writers to add a scene where Badger and Skinny Pete explain that the pizza place doesn’t slice pizzas to “pass the savings on to you” .
The Show Consulted Real DEA Agents and Chemists
To ensure accuracy, the show consulted with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DEA chemists taught Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul how to make crystal meth safely for the show. Cranston also shadowed a chemistry professor to get the scientific details right, and adjustments were made based on expert feedback .
The Bathtub Scene Was Scientifically Inaccurate
One of the most memorable scenes in season one involves dissolving a body in hydrofluoric acid in a bathtub. However, the show Mythbusters tested this and found that while the acid breaks down tissue, it doesn’t liquefy it as thoroughly as depicted. Additionally, the acid did not damage the bathtub and drywall as severely in real life .
Bryan Cranston Was Not the First Choice for Walter White
Before Bryan Cranston was cast, the role of Walter White was offered to Matthew Broderick and John Cusack. Both declined, and executives were initially hesitant about Cranston due to his comedic background. However, Vince Gilligan pushed for him after being impressed by Cranston’s dramatic range in an episode of The X-Files .
Also Read: Breaking Bad: 11 Behind The Scenes Facts That Will Surprise Every Fan
Credits: IMDb, Business Insider, Wikipedia
