13 Years After Its Final Episode, Fan-Favorite Crime Thriller Still Tops Netflix
Rachel Schneider
Tue, October 13, 2026 at 2:57 AM UTC
3 min read
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
More than 13 years after its series finale, the critically acclaimed crime drama Breaking Bad remains a top show on Netflix. RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter White Jr. on the show, passed away at 34, bringing renewed attention to the series.
The Vince Gilligan-created series boasts a 96% critics' score and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It's also featured in Rotten Tomatoes' guide to the best TV shows on Netflix.
Mitte, who portrayed Walter White Jr., the teenage son of Walter (Bryan Cranston) and Skyler White (Anna Gunn), brought depth to the story of a seemingly ordinary chemistry teacher's transformation into a notorious criminal. His character, who has cerebral palsy, mirrored Mitte's real-life condition, adding a poignant layer to the family drama.
As Walter's criminal activities escalated, the consequences spilled over into his personal life, threatening his marriage, his relationship with his children, and his hoped-for future. Walter Jr.'s innocence regarding his father's drug operation became a significant source of tension within the family.
Breaking Bad currently maintains impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores, reflecting its enduring appeal. Cranston's powerful portrayal of Walter White anchors the series, alongside Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, Walter's former student turned drug partner. The ensemble cast also includes Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, Bob Odenkirk, and Giancarlo Esposito.
The series' five seasons explore Walter's descent into the drug trade, as his quest for money, control, and recognition grows increasingly destructive. Unlike many crime dramas focused on solving mysteries, Breaking Bad delves into the psychological transformation of a person who justifies ever-more extreme actions in pursuit of power.