When it was first announced that AMC was developing a "Breaking Bad" spinoff centered around Bob Odenkirk's Saul Goodman, viewers were skeptical at best. Was the network so fresh out of original ideas that it had to do a prequel show about a minor comic relief character? And without Walter White or Jesse Pinkman popping up, who would even care?
Well, as it turns out, a lot of people. What viewers forgot to account for when it came to "Better Call Saul" was the involvement of Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan, the brain trust behind "Breaking Bad." The brilliant duo quickly established Jimmy McGill as a multi-layered character worthy of his own series and "Better Call Saul" has become one of the best shows on television just five episodes into its second season run.
As such, it's no surprise that AMC has greenlit a 10-episode third season of "Better Call Saul." Gilligan and Gould will return as executive producers/co-showrunners.
The dramedy set a cable ratings record with its series premiere and the season two premiere on Feb. 15 notched 2.7 million viewers (Live+3) in the coveted 18-49 demographic. "Better Call Saul's" season two viewership has since shot up 83 percent in total viewers to a healthy 4.7 million.
For those who never became Breaking Baddicts, "Better Call Saul" follows Walter White's criminal lawyer when he was still just small potatoes trying to make a name for himself. "Breaking Bad" mainstay Mike Erhmantraut (Jonathan Banks), a "fixer" in the seedy underworld, also co-stars along with Rhea Seehorn's Kim Wexler, a newcomer to the "Bad" TV universe. The acting, deep focus on character and clever blend of drama and comedy allow "Saul" to truly stand on its own as a TV show.
"What Vince, Peter, Bob and the entire team have accomplished with Better Call Saul is truly rare and remarkable," Charlie Collier, AMC President, said. "They have taken one of the most iconic, immersive and fan-obsessive (in the best possible way) shows in television history and created a prequel that stands on its own."
"Better Call Saul" airs Mondays on AMC at 10 pm ET.
For more, follow Brandon Katz on Twitter: @Great_Katzby
