Vince Gilligan’s 2008 “Breaking Bad” series starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul as the infamous Walter White and Jesse Pinkman is arguably the best television anyone can consume. The show reflects some of the best acting in history, and a plot unlike any other. 

   The series follows the life of a middle aged dad, who receives the news that he has lung cancer. When Walter White realizes that his life will soon come to an end, he does the unthinkable; he becomes the king of the drug trade, straight from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

   Walter White seeks information about the drug trade through his brother-in-law Hank Schrader, played by Dean Norris, who’s character is a DEA agent. White stumbles across an old student of his, Jesse Pinkman, who he blackmails into partnering up with him to cook crystal meth. The two find themselves in a pickle, entangled with the most notorious and intimidating drug lords across the south and into Mexico. As the show spirals into violence, there is no shortage of tear-jerking and laughter evoking scenes. While the show is so heavy, the comedic breeze is appreciated by many, and the relationships between each character are so intricate.

   “Better Call Saul,” the 2015 made prequel, was possibly an even bigger hit, with the spin-off following one of the main characters Saul Goodman, an attorney portrayed by Bob Odenkirk. We follow the life and backstory of Goodman and his involvement in the drug trade, and his unpopular moral take on the law. Goodman eventually crosses paths with some of the most dangerous drug lords, including White. “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad” were both enjoyed by a large pool of the population, and rightfully so. 

   Both shows are still relevant today, as people still talk about it, watch it, and write about it. However, Bryan Cranston confirms that he believes the story has reached its end even after the “El Camino” 2019 movie sequel release. “It’s okay to have a beginning, middle, and end, and then let it go. I’m proud of what we did,” says Cranston. A lot of the viewers (including me) are still very emotional about both shows’ endings and impacts, and hope that it’s legacy as a show, and as a whole continues and inspires current writers, actors, and those who enjoy a good watch.