10 More Underhyped Shows That Blew Everyone Away

It might be hard to believe now, considering it's often listed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, but Breaking Bad was initially seen as a major gamble for AMC.

Vince Gilligan, a long-time writer for fellow shock hit The X-Files, wanted to write a show about a protagonist who became the antagonist of his own story. In his own words, he wanted to "turn Mr. Chips into Scarface."

Once he'd figured out the finer details of the plot - the story, the meth lab concept, the supporting characters - he pitched it and secured a deal with AMC, who were initially very reluctant to cast renowned sitcom actor Bryan Cranston in the lead role before being convinced by Gilligan to give him a shot.

Despite the cast gamble, a disruptive writers' strike and the unplanned future of the series, Breaking Bad chugged along to huge critical acclaim but few viewers, only becoming a ratings smash hit in its final, final episodes. Still, at least it got there in the end. You love to see it.