Breaking Bad: 10 Behind The Scenes Facts You Didn't Know

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.