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15 Shows Like ‘Breaking Bad’ That Will Have You Rooting for the Antihero

  • March 24, 2025
  • 21 minute read
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Breaking Bad

turned Walter White into a household name, making a high school teacher into one of television’s most infamous antiheroes. With his iconic line, “Say my name,”

it is clear that this show pushed the boundaries of what to expect from a protagonist. Shows like Breaking Bad

take you deeper into the psyche of antiheroes, questioning morals, loyalty, and decisions that blur the lines between good and evil. But Walter White is not the only anti-hero we have out there.

From the gritty streets of Narcos

with Pablo Escobar’s chilling rise

, to the cutthroat world of Peaky Blinder

s

, where Cillian Murphy

‘s Tommy Shelby runs a ruthless empire

, these shows keep the stakes high, the thrills nonstop and rooting for characters you hate with love and love to hate?

15 shows like Breaking Bad and where to binge them right now!

15. Griselda

Cast:

Sofia Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Vanessa Ferlito  

Release Date:

January 25, 2024  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb rating:

7.2

Where to watch:

Netflix  

Griselda Blanco, aka The Godmother, may have a name synonymous with fear, but Griselda

makes the criminal lord kingpin more human. Sofia Vergara plays Blanco with a fiery intensity that will have you hooked from the start.

Just like in Breaking Bad

, Griselda

explores the gritty rise of a criminal mastermind, detailing how she became what she is in the cutthroat world of substance trafficking. 

Blanco’s calculated rise mirrors Walter White’s journey, but Sofia Vergara’s role in Griselda

brings a different flavor, centering on power, family, and legacy. If you are into shows like Breaking Bad

, Griselda

is your next binge-worthy pick that dives into the world of crime, ambition, and its wild consequences.  

Read More: Netflix Is Bringing a Gripping German Thriller About Vengeance, Crimes, and Community This March, You Cannot Miss

14. We—

Cast:

Mary-Louise Parker, Hunter Parrish. Alexander Gould

Release Date:

2005  

Genre:

Comedy, Drama  

IMDb rating: 

7.9  

Where to watch:

Amazon Video, Apple TV

In We—

, Nancy Botwin is a typical suburban mom who starts selling substances to make ends meet.

It is a mix of dark comedy and high drama, much like Breaking Bad,

but with a comedic twist. Mary-Louise Parker plays Nancy so convincingly, juggling family drama with her growing criminal empire, making it a must-watch at least once!

Both shows center around a normal, seemingly innocent person diving headfirst into the dangerous world of crime. Nancy’s world might have a lighter tone, but the stakes get as high as any Breaking Bad

plotline. 

13. P—– Break

Cast:

Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies  

Release Date:

2005  

Genre:

Crime, Drama, Thriller  

IMDb rating:

8.3  

Where to watch:

Hulu, Amazon Prime Video  

P—– Break

 is this disturbing crime drama

that starts off with quite a twisted premise, Michael Scofield intentionally gets himself locked up to break his innocent brother from behind bars. The tension and cunning twists draw parallels to Breaking Bad

, especially when it comes to the lengths the characters go to for family. Wentworth Miller’s portrayal of Michael

keeps you on edge constantly, exactly like Breaking Bad

‘s Walter White. 

While P—– Break

might lean more into the action-thriller category, its psychological and high-stakes drama resemble the tension-filled scenes in Breaking Bad.

If you enjoy shows similar to Breaking Bad

, 

this one will keep you glued to your seat, guessing what is coming next.

12. Barry

Cast:

Bill Hader, Henry Winkler, Stephen Root  

Release Date:

2018  

Genre:

Comedy, Crime, Drama  

IMDb rating:

8.3  

Where to watch:

HBO Max  

In Barry

, hitman-turned-actor Barry Berkman is looking for a fresh start

. But escaping his life of crime is easier said than done. Bill Hader

brings a perfect blend of humor and darkness to the role, making Barry’s internal conflict even more intense. Fans of Breaking Bad

will recognize Barry’s struggle with morality, as he tries to balance his dark side with his desire for a normal life.

While Barry

may be comedic at its core, the dark elements echo Breaking Bad

’s tone. Like Walter White, Barry constantly fights against his criminal instincts, but his struggle is laced with more humor. Barry will feed your obsession with crime thrillers

, pulling you into its chaotic world with a refreshing spin, perfect for fans of series like Breaking Bad

who want a fresh take on the antihero journey.

11. Ozark

Cast:

Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner  

Release Date:

2017  

Genre:

Crime, Drama, Thriller  

IMDb rating:

8.5  

Where to watch:

Netflix  

Marty Byrde moves his family to the Ozarks after a money-masking scheme goes wrong, and he soon finds himself entangled with some dangerous cartels. Jason Bateman excels as the brooding patriarch

, grappling with the consequences of his actions, much like Walter White. Ozark

does not hold back, diving deep into family relationships and criminal worlds, keeping viewers hooked with every twist.

The show explores the psychological distress of resorting to crime as a solution to a problem, a theme repeated in Breaking Bad

. With suspenseful scenes, surprise alliances, and tension at every turn, Ozark

is one of the best TV shows like Breaking Bad

to add to your watchlist.

10. Boardwalk Empire

Cast:

Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon  

Release Date:

2010  

Genre:

Crime, Drama, History  

IMDb rating:

8.6  

Where to watch:

HBO Max  

Set during the Prohibition era, Boardwalk Empire

follows the rise of Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi,

as he walks through the corrupt world of bootlegging. Like Breaking Bad

, it documents the transformation of a man who grows more ruthless over time, balancing family, power, and crime. 

Much like Breaking Bad

, Boardwalk Empire

survives on its character development and the gray area between right and wrong. Nucky’s journey mirrors Walter White’s rise to power—both are willing to sacrifice everything to build their empires. 

9. The Shield

Cast:

Michael Chiklis, Michael Jace, Jay Karnes  

Release Date:

March 12, 2002  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb Rating:

8.7 

Where to Watch:

Hulu

The Shield

 puts you right in the middle of dirty cop business, following Detective Vic Mackey’s morally questionable decisions

. It is a lot like Breaking Bad

, a rollercoaster of suspense, betrayal, and shocking twists that will have you playing the detective

, guessing what is next as each episode flies by!

Full of action and heart-pounding suspense, The Shield

 will remind you of Breaking Bad

’s chaotic, erractic ride. Watch as Mackey tries to balance doing the wrong thing for the right reasons!

8. Sons of Anarchy

Cast:

Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman  

Release Date:

2008  

Genre:

Crime, Drama, Thriller  

IMDb rating:

8.5 

Where to watch:

Hulu, Amazon Prime Video  

Sons of Anarchy

follows Jax Teller, a member of an outlawed motorcycle club, as he balances his position in a criminal gang while trying to stay true to his moral code. Much like Breaking Bad

, Jax’s journey is filled with ethical dilemmas

 as he struggles with his choices. 

Sons of Anarchy

is one of the shows like Breaking Bad

that centers on the complexities of loyalty, crime, and family. Just as Walter White’s transformation is the core of Breaking Bad

, Jax’s fall into crime and violence is central in Sons of Anarchy

keeping viewers just as addicted to its narration!

7. Justified

Cast:

Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter 

Release Date:

2010  

Genre:

Crime, Drama, Thriller  

IMDb rating:

8.6  

Where to watch:

Hulu  

Raylan Givens, the US Marshal with a cowboy mentality, is not your typical hero. He faces off against criminals in his hometown, dealing with his own moral compass while trying to keep the peace. Timothy Olyphant brings his best as Givens

, making him a strong antihero in the mold of Breaking Bad

‘s Walter White. 

Justified 

is an exhilarating cat-and-mouse chase between Raylan and the criminals he faces. It is a fresh take on series like Breaking Bad

, as Raylan’s justice clashes with the criminals’ desire for power. 

6. Narcos

Cast:

Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Boyd Holbrook  

Release Date:

August 28, 2015  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb Rating:

8.7 

Where to Watch:

Netflix

Narcos

will throw you into the world of Pablo Escobar

, where crime and power collide in the most dramatic ways. Like Breaking Bad

, it follows every dangerous consequence of a life driven by ambition. Escobar’s rise is intense and will have you gripping to your seats!

It is a high-stakes, action-packed series filled with gripping twists. If you were addicted to the constant cat-and-mouse chase and suspense of Breaking Bad

, Narcos

 is the perfect follow-up, exploring the volatile world of criminal lords and justice.

5. Fargo

Cast:

Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman

Release Date:

April 15, 2014  

Genre:

Crime, Drama, Thriller  

IMDb Rating:

8.8

Where to Watch:

Hulu

Fargo

offers you offbeat crimes and unpredictable twists. Billy Bob Thornton’s chilling role as a hitman

will keep you on edge, just like Breaking Bad

‘s crazy scenes. Every season renews itself, introducing you to new, interesting characters and thrilling stories. 

With its biting humor and storytelling, Fargo

 mixes suspense with absurdity. It is like a crime drama with a twist, delivering those same nail-biting moments you loved in Breaking Bad

. Do not miss this one—it is a wild ride you will want to keep binging!

4. Better Call Saul

Cast:

Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks  

Release Date:

February 8, 2015  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb Rating:

9

Where to Watch:

Netflix

Before becoming Saul Goodman of Breaking Bad

, Jimmy McGill was a morally gray attorney

. Better Call Saul

 goes deep into his transformation, drawing you in with its very clever character work and high stakes. 

The slow burn of Jimmy’s descent parallels Walter White’s journey. Bob Odenkirk

nails the role, adding layers of wit and sensitivity, making you hate and love him at the same time!

3. The Sopranos

Cast:

James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco  

Release Date:

January 10, 1999  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb Rating:

9.2

Where to Watch:

HBO Max

Tony Soprano’s life is a dangerous balancing act between running a mob family and his own personal chaos

. Like Breaking Bad

, The Sopranos

 mixes family drama with criminal life, surprising, suspenseful moments that will keep you riveted.

This iconic series explores morality in a way that will speak to fans of Breaking Bad.

Tony’s nuance and the richness of the show’s storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat. If antiheroes and dramatic tension are your thing, then this show is not to be missed!

2. The Wire

Cast:

Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams  

Release Date:

June 2, 2002  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb Rating:

9.3 

Where to Watch:

HBO Max

The Wire

takes you deep into the streets of Baltimore, where corruption and crime rule

. Like Breaking Bad

, it is not just about the action—it is about the characters and the tough choices they must make. It is gritty, raw, and perfect for fans of intense, morally complex stories.

With a focus on the lives of both justice enforcements and substance dealers, The Wire

 gives an unflinching look at crime. It is gritty, raw, and perfect for fans of intense, morally complex stories.

1. Peaky Blinders

Cast:

Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Sophie Rundle 

Release Date:

September 12, 2013  

Genre:

Crime, Drama  

IMDb Rating:

8.7 

Where to Watch:

Netflix

In post-World War I Birmingham, the Shelby family takes over the criminal underworld with ambition and grit. If Breaking Bad

had you hooked with its fierce antiheroes, Peaky Blinders

 offers an equally intense ride. Tommy Shelby’s ruthless decisions

will keep you coming back for more.

The show’s visual style and thrilling action will make it your next binge. Tommy Shelby’s cold, calculated moves echo the rise of Breaking Bad

’s Walter White

. So, if you are in the mood for some tense, high-stakes drama and suspense, this show is for you!

If Breaking Bad

left you addicted to its antiheroes and morally gray characters, these 15 shows will keep that adrenaline rush alive. Whether you are in it for the suspense, character growth, or thrilling twists, you will find your next favorite binge here. So, it is time to add some of these shows to your watchlist and see how far you would go for a chance at greatness. 

Read More: Despite a 53% Rating, This Crime Thriller Is America’s Top Netflix Pick for February 2025

What is your top pick for a show like Breaking Bad

? Let us know in the comments below!

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