Why is Breaking Bad Not on Netflix? Where to Watch Breaking Bad?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 26, 2023
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is an American crime drama television series created and produced by Vince Gilligan for AMC, has left an indelible mark on the world of television. Set and filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the show follows the riveting journey of Walter White, portrayed brilliantly by Bryan Cranston. Walter is a high-school chemistry teacher, living a mundane life, struggling with financial hardships and a devastating diagnosis of stage-three lung cancer.
Faced with his mortality and determined to secure his family's future, Walter makes a drastic decision to turn to a life of crime. He partners with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, portrayed by the talented Aaron Paul, to produce and distribute methamphetamine. As they venture deeper into the criminal underworld, they encounter perilous challenges that test their moral boundaries and loyalty to one another.
The stellar cast includes Anna Gunn as Walter's wife, Skyler, and RJ Mitte as their son, Walter Jr. Betsy Brandt and Dean Norris portray Skyler's sister Marie Schrader and her husband Hank, a DEA agent. Bob Odenkirk shines as Saul Goodman, the cunning lawyer representing Walter and Jesse. Jonathan Banks takes on the role of Mike Ehrmantraut, a private investigator and fixer, while Giancarlo Esposito portrays the imposing drug kingpin, Gus Fring.
Breaking Bad's first season garnered positive reviews, but it was the subsequent seasons that garnered unanimous critical acclaim. The show was lauded for its outstanding performances, gripping direction, mesmerizing cinematography, compelling screenplay, intricate storytelling, and profound character development.
As the series progressed, its viewership grew substantially, particularly when it became available on Netflix just before the fourth season premiere. Breaking Bad became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences and earning numerous prestigious awards, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards.
The show's legacy extends beyond its conclusion, as it birthed the larger Breaking Bad franchise. Better Call Saul, a prequel series focusing on the life of Saul Goodman, and featuring some beloved characters from Breaking Bad, received its own acclaim. Moreover, the franchise expanded with the release of a sequel film, "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie," centered around Jesse Pinkman's life after the events of the original series.
Breaking Bad's impact on television cannot be overstated, as it continues to be regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Its gripping narrative, morally complex characters, and extraordinary performances have earned it a place in television history, with fans and critics alike celebrating its unparalleled brilliance.
Why is Breaking Bad Not on Netflix?
Breaking Bad is not on Netflix because its licensing deal with the streaming service is set to expire on February 10, 2025. Similarly, other popular network TV shows like New Girl, 30 Rock, Community, NCIS, and How to Get Away With Murder are also at risk of being taken off Netflix as their licensing agreements are set to expire before the end of 2024.
The reason behind this is that the studios that originally produced these shows now have their own streaming services. As a result, they have the opportunity to stream their own shows and are likely to do so, rather than renewing their licensing agreements with Netflix. This trend of studios creating their own streaming platforms has been on the rise, which has led to increased competition in the streaming market.
Netflix played a significant role in the popularity of many of these shows, including Breaking Bad. When Breaking Bad started streaming on Netflix during the early 2010s, its viewership and popularity soared, thanks to the wide reach of the streaming platform. However, with the rise of competing services and the profitability of streaming platforms, studios are now seeking to capitalize on their own content through their respective streaming services.
While it's unfortunate for Netflix to lose shows that gained immense popularity on its platform, the streaming service will likely continue to focus on producing its own original content to replace these outgoing shows. Shows like Ozark, Bojack Horseman, and Stranger Things have been well-received, and Netflix will likely aim to maintain a strong lineup of original content to keep its subscribers engaged.
The main reason Breaking Bad is not on Netflix is due to the expiration of its licensing deal, and the same situation applies to other popular network TV shows. As the streaming landscape evolves, Netflix will face challenges in retaining licensed content but will continue to invest in its original programming to stay competitive in the market.
Where to Watch Breaking Bad?
Breaking Bad, a critically acclaimed crime drama series featuring stellar performances by Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn, is readily available for streaming on multiple platforms and services. If you're eager to dive into the captivating world of this show, you have several options to choose from:
Netflix
Breaking Bad's deal with Netflix is set to expire on February 10, 2025, so until this day you can watch it on Netflix. The popular streaming giant offers Breaking Bad among its vast library of content, allowing you to binge-watch the entire series at your convenience. With easy access to all seasons, viewers can immerse themselves in the thrilling journey of Walter White, experiencing the show's intense plot twists and character development at their own pace.
Vudu
Another platform where you can enjoy Breaking Bad's gripping narrative and superb acting. Vudu provides a great opportunity to indulge in this compelling TV show. For an exceptional streaming experience, Vudu presents Breaking Bad, allowing fans to indulge in the masterful storytelling and outstanding performances. With Vudu's on-demand service, viewers can relish every moment of this acclaimed series.
Redbox
For those who prefer a different streaming experience, Redbox also offers Breaking Bad, giving viewers a chance to delve into the dark and thrilling story of Walter White. Catering to those who enjoy a traditional approach to entertainment, Redbox provides access to Breaking Bad. With its physical rental kiosks, Redbox gives viewers the opportunity to experience the captivating transformation of Walter White, from a mild-mannered teacher to a formidable drug lord.
Apple TV
If you're an Apple TV user, you can access Breaking Bad and immerse yourself in the intense and dramatic journey of its main characters. Apple TV users can also join in on the excitement of Breaking Bad. With a seamless and user-friendly streaming experience, Apple TV allows viewers to navigate through the show's intricacies and complexities effortlessly.
Prime Video on your Roku device:
Amazon Prime Video offers Breaking Bad as part of its content catalog, and with a Roku device, you can easily access and watch the series from the comfort of your home. Amazon Prime Video offers Breaking Bad as part of its extensive content catalog, accessible on Roku devices. This convenient option enables viewers to watch the series on their preferred streaming device, making it a perfect choice for Roku users.
With multiple platforms to choose from, you have the freedom to pick the one that best suits your preferences or is available in your region. So, whether you're new to the series or looking to revisit this masterpiece, you can relish the outstanding performances and captivating storyline of Breaking Bad on your preferred streaming platform. Enjoy the thrilling ride!
Breaking Bad Plot
Breaking Bad is a gripping crime drama series that unfolds in the backdrop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, spanning the years between 2008 and 2010. The show revolves around Walter White, an underpaid and frustrated high school chemistry teacher who finds himself at a crossroads when he receives a devastating diagnosis of inoperable lung cancer.
Determined to secure his family's financial future before he succumbs to his illness, Walter makes a drastic decision to venture into the dangerous world of methamphetamine production. He teams up with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, to produce and distribute meth in a rolling meth lab, initially creating small batches.
However, as their operation gains traction, Walter and Jesse's ambitions soar, leading them to produce a distinctive and exceptionally pure blue meth that quickly becomes highly coveted in the drug market. To conceal his identity and maintain an aura of fear and respect, Walter adopts the alias "Heisenberg."
As Walter delves deeper into the drug trade, he becomes entangled in a web of dangerous alliances and enemies. This leads him to confront numerous adversaries, including his own family, as his drug-related activities draw the attention of the DEA, particularly through his brother-in-law, Hank Schrader, who is a DEA agent.
As the stakes escalate, Walter faces confrontations with local gangs and powerful Mexican drug cartels and their distributors, putting not only his life but also the lives of his family members in grave danger. The once mild-mannered chemistry teacher evolves into a ruthless and cunning kingpin, willing to take extreme measures to protect his empire and his loved ones.
Breaking Bad's intense and morally complex plot explores the transformation of Walter White from a desperate man trying to secure his family's future to a feared and influential figure in the drug trade. Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a thrilling and emotional journey, witnessing Walter's descent into darkness and the profound consequences of his actions on those around him.
As the story unfolds, Breaking Bad captivates audiences with its compelling characters, intense storytelling, and intricate exploration of the human psyche when faced with dire circumstances. The show's suspenseful plot and outstanding performances have earned it widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its position as one of the most influential and revered television series of all time.
Breaking Bad Cast
Here is a main cast and character of Breaking Bad:-
Actor
Character
Bryan Cranston
Walter White
Anna Gunn
Skyler White
Aaron Paul
Jesse Pinkman
Dean Norris
Hank Schrader
Betsy Brandt
Marie Schrader
RJ Mitte
Walter White Jr.
Giancarlo Esposito
Gustavo "Gus" Fring
Bob Odenkirk
Saul Goodman
Jonathan Banks
Mike Ehrmantraut
Laura Fraser
Lydia Rodarte-Quayle
Jesse Plemons
Todd Alquist
Why is Breaking Bad Not on Netflix - FAQs
Breaking Bad is not on Netflix due to its licensing agreements with the content creators and studios that produced the show. As licensing deals expire, content may be removed from Netflix, and in the case of Breaking Bad, the streaming rights might have been acquired by other platforms.
Yes, Breaking Bad is available on various streaming platforms. You can watch it on services like Vudu, Redbox, Apple TV, Prime Video on your Roku device, and other platforms that have acquired the streaming rights to the show.
Yes, Breaking Bad is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. If you have a Prime Video subscription, you can access the series and watch it at your convenience.
Yes, Breaking Bad can be purchased or rented on digital platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Microsoft Store. This allows you to own or temporarily access the show on your preferred device.
The availability of Breaking Bad on Netflix in the future depends on the platform's ability to negotiate new licensing deals with the content owners. As streaming rights change hands, there is a possibility that the show might return to Netflix in the future, but there are no guarantees. In the meantime, fans can watch it on other streaming services or purchase it digitally to enjoy the gripping story of Walter White's transformation.