“Breaking Bad” is a crime drama series that aired on the AMC channel from 2008 to 2013. Hailed by critics as one of the greatest works of fiction that landed the small screens, “Breaking Bad” follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who resorts to New Mexico’s illicit drug trade to earn enough money for his family after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Throughout its five-season run, “Breaking Bad” consistently dominated television with its riveting storylines, intricate characterizations, groundbreaking performances, and engrossing exploration of morality. Although the series wrapped up 11 years ago, the “Breaking Bad” franchise remains a worldwide sensation that continues to captivate fans globally. This enduring popularity is evident in its continuously expanding world, marked by the release of equally compelling spin-offs, such as “Better Call Saul” and “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.”
Viewers in Canada can stream all seasons and episodes of “Breaking Bad” on subscription-based streaming services like Netflix.
You can also buy digital copies of the “Breaking Bad” series on video-on-demand (VOD) services in Canada like Apple TV and the Microsoft Store.
The complete “Breaking Bad” series is also available for purchase on physical home media formats like DVD and Blu-ray box sets.
Before you join Jessie Pinkman and Walter White in navigating New Mexico’s deadly drug trade, we will give you a detailed look at all the available streaming options where you can watch “Breaking Bad” in Canada, from subscription-based platforms and video-on-demand (VOD) services down to physical media.
Table of Contents
1. Netflix
Netflix is a popular on-demand streaming service launched in 2007. The platform boasts one of the largest streaming libraries of movies, documentaries, TV shows, and more.
Netflix is compatible with almost every type of device, like smartphones, smart TVs, computers, tablets, laptops, media players, and even gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
All five seasons and 62 episodes of “Breaking Bad” are available to stream on Netflix. On Netflix, the series streams in HD, with inclusive features like Audio Descriptions (AD) and Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), designed for viewers with vision impairment and hearing disabilities.
To watch the “Breaking Bad” series on Netflix, sign up for an account and choose any of the following monthly plans:
Plan | Price | Number of simultaneous screens | Streaming quality |
Basic with ads | CAD$5.99 | 1 device | HD |
Standard | CAD$16.49 | 2 devices | HD |
Premium | CAD$20.99 | 4 devices | Ultra HD |
2. Apple TV
Apple TV is a video-on-demand platform owned by Apple Inc. where users can buy or rent digital copies of movies and TV shows. The entire “Breaking Bad” series is available for purchase on Apple TV for CAD$99.99. The show streams in HD with a Closed Captions (CC) feature. The series is not available for rent.
3. Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is an online marketplace that sells various digital products, including films and TV shows. At the Microsoft Store, you can buy complete seasons of “Breaking Bad” in HD for CAD$19.99 to CAD$24.99. You can also opt to buy individual episodes, which costs CAD$3.49 each.
What Is the Best Streaming Option to Watch Breaking Bad in Canada?
The best streaming option to watch “Breaking Bad” in Canada is through subscription-based platforms like Netflix. Opting for a subscription-based service can give you a more convenient, cost-effective, and smoother streaming experience. Purchasing TV shows or films digitally offers little variety and can be more expensive than a monthly Netflix subscription, which can be a letdown especially if you like binge-watching. Buying the series digitally can consume a lot of space on your storage, unlike the subscription model which does not demand permanent space on your device. With subscription-based services like Netflix, all you will need is a stable Internet connection to access and enjoy their content.
What Is Breaking Bad About?
“Breaking Bad” is a neo-Western crime drama that centers on criminal exploits and the budding drug empire of Walter White and his partner Jesse Pinkman. White, a former high school chemistry teacher, turns to crime after realizing that he is terminally ill. The two must navigate the dangerous and enigmatic world of the illicit drug trade, all while evading law enforcement and deadly competition.
Who Are the Creators of Breaking Bad?
The creator of the “Breaking Bad” series is the award-winning American writer, producer, and director Vince Gilligan. He also served as the writer and producer for the hit series “The X-Files.” The show is produced under studios like High Bridge Entertainment, Gran Via Productions, and Sony Pictures Television.
Who Are in the Cast of Breaking Bad?
Fronting the cast of “Breaking Bad” are Bryan Cranston (“Malcolm in the Middle,” “Little Miss Sunshine”) and Aaron Paul (“Westworld,” “Black Mirror”). They are joined by an equally talented supporting cast such as Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Giancarlo Esposito, Jesse Plemons, and Bob Odenkirk. Here are the cast of “Breaking Bad”:
- Bryan Cranston – Walter White
- Aaron Paul – Jesse Pinkman
- Anna Gunn – Skyler White
- Dean Norris – Hank Schrader
- Betsy Brandt – Marie Schrader
- RJ Mitte – Walter White Jr.
- Bob Odenkirk – Saul Goodman
- Jonathan Banks – Mike Ehrmantraut
- Giancarlo Esposito – Gustavo “Gus” Fring
- Jesse Plemons – Todd Alquist
Who Are the Main Characters of Breaking Bad?
The main characters of “Breaking Bad” are:
- Walter White – A high school chemistry teacher who decided to be a meth manufacturer to provide for his family after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Jesse Pinkman – Walter’s former junkie student and small-time drug dealer, entrapped in the dangerous world of drug trade and addiction.
- Skylar White – Walter’s wife who grapples with the dangers and risks of her husband’s business.
- Hank Schrader – A DEA agent and Walt’s brother-in-law, hell-bent on catching everyone involved in New Mexico’s drug trade.
- Saul Goodman – A morally challenged lawyer with unconventional legal practices.
- Mike Ehrmantraut – A seasoned hitman.
- Walter White Jr. – Walter and Skylar’s son who suffers from cerebral palsy and grapples with his father’s transformation as a notorious drug kingpin.
Why Is Breaking Bad So Popular?
“Breaking Bad” gained immense popularity and universal critical acclaim from viewers for its exceptional storytelling, complex character studies, and exploration of moral ambiguity. “Breaking Bad” challenged television’s usual expectations of narratives, as it presents a gray world with flawed characters, forcing viewers to question the traditional notions of good and evil. Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston’s unforgettable performances were also pivotal to the show’s success. The pair’s nuanced and dramatic portrayals of Jesse and Walter were nothing short of extraordinary, breathing depth and authenticity to their characters that strongly resonated with millions of viewers.
What Do Critics Say About Breaking Bad?
“Breaking Bad” received widespread critical acclaim for its tight and deeply engrossing writing and the layered and complex characterizations of Cranston’s’ Walter White and Paul’s Jesse Pinkman. Critics praised its themes and riveting story, with a palpable slow-burn and cathartic conclusion. “Breaking Bad” ended its television run with 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and 2 Peabody Awards.
“Breaking Bad” holds an average approval rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. See why critics have high regard for the show:
- “Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul give wonderful performances throughout a riveting season, and Giancarlo Esposito is simply one of the most insidious and nasty “quiet guy” villains ever on a TV show.” – Daily Telegraph (UK)
- “One of television’s greatest dramas goes unflinchingly into the continued transformation of its lead character from likable to something beyond despicable. It’s one of the most fearless and selfless gambits ever hatched in the name of enduring art.” – Hollywood Reporter
How Many Seasons of Breaking Bad Are Available?
“Breaking Bad” had a five-season run on the AMC channel. Here’s a quick recap of what went down each season:
Season 1 (2008)
Walter White, a chemistry teacher, partners with his former student to produce and sell methamphetamine to earn money after a cancer diagnosis.
Episodes:
- Pilot”
- “Cat’s in the Bag…”
- “…And the Bag’s in the River”
- “Cancer Man”
- “Gray Matter”
- “Crazy Handful of Nothin'”
- “A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal”
Season 2 (2009)
A tragic death causes a strain on Jesse and Walter’s business while Jesse relapses and Walter struggles to hide the nature of his business from his wife.
Episodes:
- Seven Thirty-Seven”
- “Grilled”
- “Bit by a Dead Bee”
- “Down”
- “Breakage”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Negro Y Azul”
- “Better Call Saul”
- “4 Days Out”
- “Over”
- “Mandala”
- “Phoenix”
- “ABQ”
Season 3 (2010)
Jesse and Walter encounter the formidable drug lord Gustavo Fring, leading to a high-stakes and dangerous power struggle.
Episodes:
- No Mas”
- “Caballo Sin Nombre”
- “I.F.T.”
- “Green Light”
- “Mas”
- “Sunset”
- “One Minute”
- “I See You”
- “Kafkaesque”
- “Fly”
- “Abiquiú”
- “Half Measures”
- “Full Measure”
Season 4 (2011)
Walter White succeeds in securing Gustavo Fring’s control of Albuquerque’s drug trade, leaving Jesse emotionally and mentally damaged.
Episodes:
- Box Cutter”
- “Thirty-Eight Snub”
- “Open House”
- “Bullet Points”
- “Shotgun”
- “Cornered”
- “Problem Dog”
- “Hermanos”
- “Bug”
- “Salud”
- “Crawl Space”
- “End Times”
- “Face Off”
Season 5 Part 1 (2012)
Hank finally discovers Walt’s drug empire, leading to a tense confrontation.
Episodes:
- Live Free or Die”
- “Madrigal”
- “Hazard Pay”
- “Fifty-One”
- “Dead Freight”
- “Buyout”
- “Say My Name”
- “Gliding Over All”
- “Blood Money
Season 5 Part 2 (2013)
Walt ascends further into criminality as law enforcement closes in on him, while Jesse is held captive by a gang. Walter orchestrates one final act to secure his family’s wealth, leading to a cathartic conclusion.
Episodes:
- Buried”
- “Confessions”
- “Rabid Dog”
- “To’hajiilee”
- “Ozymandias”
- “Granite State”
- “Felina”
Breaking Bad Fans and Community
If you want to revisit Walter and Jesse’s tumultuous journey in New Mexico, you can still immerse yourself in the world of “Breaking Bad” with official fan items such as toy figures, clothing, and accessories. All these can be purchased on the Breaking Bad online store and on the AMC store.
There are also fan-made and cheaper alternative finds on Amazon.
Is There A Breaking Bad Spin-Off?
Yes, there are currently two “Breaking Bad” spin-offs, including:
- “Better Call Saul” (2015 – 2022) – “Better Call Saul” is a legal drama that serves as a prequel to the “Breaking Bad” series. It chronicles the early days of Saul Goodman as Jimmy McGill before he became the notorious, morally challenged lawyer in “Breaking Bad.”
- “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie ” (2019) – “El Camino” follows Jesse Pinkman after “Breaking Bad” concludes, as he escapes captivity from a neo-Nazi gang and attempts to start a new life.