Breaking Bad: 10 Behind The Scenes Facts You Didn't Know
Remember that time Samuel L. Jackson demanded a cameo in Los Pollos Hermanos?
Breaking Bad has aged like a fine wine over the near decade it's been off screen thanks largely to its superb cast, great writing and timeless central concept of a good man spiralling down a dangerous path. The show may have outlasted its contemporaries because it managed to keep a consistent quality throughout its five seasons and most importantly managed to finish with a satisfying ending.
However, the behind the scenes drama was not as smooth a journey as the show itself. Right out of the gate the writer's strike of 2007 severely reduced the first season's length, forcing a rather abrupt ending to it. This was just the start of countless problems as Vince Gilligan attempted to take his crazy pitch of a chemistry teacher turned meth cook and put it on the small screen. The fact it turned into one of the most successful TV shows of the century was a minor miracle.
Whether it be Samuel L. Jackson making a surprise visit to the set of Los Pollos Hermanos or the stars of the drama creating some drama themselves, Breaking Bad managed to persevere through its challenges and become the classic its celebrated as today.
10. Breaking Bad Was Nearly Set In L.A.
The barren deserts and never ending skies of New Mexico are as much a part of Breaking Bad as its nuanced characters and blue crystal meth. With this in mind it is incredible that the show nearly took place in California rather than the luscious scenery of Albuquerque.
Considering the overabundance of American TV shows which take place in L.A. or New York, the two default American cities that always act as a backdrop, it is refreshing to see another city represented on TV. However, this idea of variety was not the intention of the production. The show simply could not afford to film in California on its limited budget and chose instead to film in New Mexico where a generous tax rebate helped stretch the show's money further.
By a happy coincidence this setting transformed the show into a modern Western with its New Mexico deserts emanating that of the Old West and its tense shootouts hearkening back to John Wayne films before it. Albuquerque's remote setting in the middle of a desert manages to conjure up a sense of isolation from civilisation while also allowing a sense of timelessness which would have been impossible to gain in the bustling heart of California.