The Unsettling Truth: Why Better Call Saul Surpasses Breaking Bad In Every Aspect

The success of Breaking Bad paved the way for its spin-off, Better Call Saul, generating a ongoing debate about which series is superior. However, a closer examination of one key comparison reveals that the debate is not as contentious as one might expect. Breaking Bad premiered in 2008 and quickly became one of the most popular shows on television. During this time, television experienced a transformation, reaching new levels in terms of cinematography and storytelling, previously reserved for the movie industry.

In this new era, Breaking Bad emerged as a groundbreaking series, leading to the creation of Better Call Saul, the spin-off that aired just two years after Breaking Bad concluded. With both shows now concluded, the debate continues regarding which one is the better series. Supporters of Breaking Bad often point out its exceptional episodes, whereas Better Call Saul receives praise for maintaining a consistent and compelling narrative throughout its entire run. Both series boast incredible performances, captivating characters, and engrossing storylines, making it difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, when taking into account another important factor, the debate becomes more complex.

Better Call Saul & Breaking Bad's Awards Records Reveal A Clear Winner

While both series garnered high praise from viewers and critics alike, Breaking Bad emerges as the definitive winner when considering the number of Emmy Awards earned by each show. The Emmy Awards, the most prestigious ceremony for American television recognition, have honored Breaking Bad with an impressive 16 wins out of 58 nominations throughout its five seasons, including two Outstanding Drama Series awards. In contrast, Better Call Saul received 46 nominations but failed to secure a win in any category. By analyzing Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad through this specific metric, it becomes evident that Breaking Bad is the superior of the two.

Why Better Call Saul Was Snubbed So Often By The Emmys

One potential reason why Better Call Saul fell short of Breaking Bad's Emmy Awards success could be attributed to its failure in gaining the same widespread popularity. Although Better Call Saul may have lacked the high-intensity storytelling seen in its predecessor, it was equally impressive in its own unique way. Show creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould skillfully constructed a character-driven storyline within the Breaking Bad universe, giving the show its distinctive identity. With a notable shift in format, the show embraced a slower-paced narrative that delved deeper into the characters.

This deviation may have discouraged longtime Breaking Bad viewers who expected a similarly fast-paced experience, preventing them from fully engaging with the story. Despite Better Call Saul standing on its own and receiving high praise from critics and its dedicated audience, it faced challenges in terms of award recognition. The Emmy Awards, voted on by the National Television Academy, may have been hindered by the show's lack of widespread popularity compared to Breaking Bad, inhibiting its ability to accumulate the necessary votes for an award, regardless of its critical acclaim.

Why Awards Success Is A Bad Metric For Comparing Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul

It is important to recognize that the number of awards a show or movie garners does not always serve as the sole measure of its greatness. Every year, numerous exceptional shows from various streaming services and networks compete for a limited number of nominations. Better Call Saul faced fierce competition at the Emmys, often losing out to highly popular HBO shows such as Game of Thrones and Succession. These shows, with their wider appeal, likely received more support from the majority of voters, regardless of the undeniable quality of Better Call Saul.

It is possible that Better Call Saul faced bias as a spinoff of the highly acclaimed Breaking Bad series, which had already received multiple Emmy wins, including two for Best Drama Series. Voters may have favored new narratives instead of expanding on an existing one. Although Better Call Saul's final season was split into two parts, there is a chance that the show may win an award, especially in the prestigious Best Drama Series category, at the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards. However, considering the trends observed in previous Emmy ceremonies and the presence of Succession's final season in contention, it seems unlikely that Better Call Saul will break its Emmy Award drought and receive any accolades.