Breaking Bad Spin-Off Featuring Saul Apparently Moving Full Speed Ahead

Posted by on July 8th, 2013   Filed under: Rumours, TV
Source: The Wrap

breakingbadsaul

With the final stretch of Breaking Bad set to premiere on August 11th, AMC is obviously looking for ways to retain some of its massive fan base once the series comes to an end. Aside from trying to get viewers hooked on their new crime drama Low Winter Sun, there is also the possibility of launching a Breaking Bad spin-off, believe it or not. The new series would focus on fast-talking lawyer Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk), a memorable character who has consistently provided comic relief on the show since being introduced in season 2. We first heard rumours about this back in April (although series creator Vince Gilligan had dropped some hints even earlier than that), and now it sounds like it is even closer to becoming a reality. Here is Gilligan’s latest update on the project:


“All my writers are wonderful writers. And they’re all ready to run their own shows. In this particular case, since Peter [Gould] created the character, it felt more than right to be working with him on this, and we are plugging away coming up with a pitch and a take on it for the network and studio and hopefully everyone will agree that there’s a really fun show to be had here. And hopefully we’ll get it up and running, and then Peter will run it. I’d love to see that happen. It’s not a done deal yet, but it’s definitely something we’re full speed ahead on trying to get going.”

In other words, it is still something that they will have to pitch to both Sony Pictures Television (the production company behind Breaking Bad) and AMC, but it’s hard to believe that either one would turn it down. It is also the only post-Breaking Bad project that Gilligan is working on right now, which is a good sign. However, they still have not yet decided if it will be a half-hour show or a full hour, and whether or not it will be a prequel. Are you looking forward to the Breaking Bad finale? Do you think a Better Call Saul spin-off would be an adequate replacement for the show once it ends?



  • Napalm

    The fact that the creators seem confident with the project keeps me interested. I say bring it!

    BTW Sean, I donno how big of a Breaking Bad fan you or Frank/Jay are… but are you guys planning a Breaking Bad pre and post-finale podcast? Something similar to what you guys did with LOST.

  • Sven

    I’d second that. Would love to hear your thoughts once its all done. I know Jay said talking about TV on the podcast should be kept to a minimum, but Breaking Bad is so popular that I think a lot of listeners would be interested.

  • Sean

    I’d be up for it but I don’t think the other guys will be watching it as it airs.

  • patrik

    Better call Saul! He’s a fun character so I’d watch it. I’d third that Breaking Bad podcast special..

  • Bandit Manatee

    Reminds me of how they tried to do a spin off of the X-files focusing on the lone gunmen who were the comic relief characters on that show. Interestingly enough Vince Gilligan was a writer on X-files too so maybe that lends even more credence to the idea that this could actually happen.

    I think AMC is pretty desperate for another hit. Breaking Bad and Mad Men will be over soon, and the money train that is the Walking Dead is going to run out of steam sooner or later.

  • ProCynic

    Here in the UK, not one of our network or satellite networks will touch Breaking Bad, thank F&%k for the net, this is both mine and my partners favourite series, equal to the brilliant Sopranos. Saul has just come into Season Two (Which we are currently watching) and think the spin off could be great, fingers crossed it is.

  • rusinchicago

    Im sorry but this whole thing reads as money grab/throw sh*t against the wall, see what sticks. No script or details for a series based on a side character with NO redeeming qualities….an attorney no less. I agree this is a desperate attempt to get some Breaking Bad spinoff as the last season is here.

  • James

    Saul is a brilliant character in the context of Breaking Bad – he’s a great foil for the more serious characters and provides just the right amount of comic relief. Can’t say I’ve got much interest in seeing his own show though. Once BB is done I’d rather leave that whole world behind as nothing else will be that good.