Regarding television masterpieces, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones stand out as two of the most influential shows of the past decade. Both series pushed creative boundaries, made millions of dollars, and changed the landscape of a good TV show. I will be discussing what TV show is better than the other. Breaking Bad frequently edges out Game of Thrones—largely due to its consistent storytelling, stronger character development, and the strength of its spinoffs.
In my opinion, Breaking Bad’s best quality is its consistency. Across five seasons, Vince Gilligan crafted a tight, character-driven narrative that never felt rushed. Viewers see Walter White’s transformation from a desperate chemistry teacher into the ruthless drug kingpin named Heisenberg. As you get further into the show, you will find more layers to his character.
Game of Thrones on the other hand struggled with this. It shifted between different major characters, multiple families and storylines. I really liked this in the early seasons, but then I couldn’t keep up with every character. The final two seasons seemed rushed and didn’t feel as planned out as the first six seasons. I believe it’s because the first six seasons were based on the book, and the last two were not. Some complicated relationships, like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen’s, also felt forced in the last couple of seasons, which caused a quicker ending.
Breaking Bad also shines in terms of character development. Walter White, Jesse Pinkman and even secondary characters like Hank Schrader and Gus Fring have grown as characters throughout the show. Each character’s story aligns perfectly with the show’s themes. Game of Thrones has some of the most beloved and memorable characters on television, from Tyrion Lannister to Arya Stark. Still, many characters saw sudden personality shifts in later episodes, confusing audiences and creating frustration over unresolved or unexplained character decisions.
Breaking Bad’s spinoffs have also enhanced the original story in natural and compelling ways. Better Call Saul takes fans deeper into the morally grey world of Saul Goodman, giving the original series even greater depth on what happened after Breaking Bad. El Camino offered a satisfying epilogue to Jesse Pinkman’s story, tying loose ends without overstaying its welcome. These additions align with the themes of Breaking Bad while expanding onto the show. The first scene of EL Camino was the last scene that happened in Breaking Bad.
In contrast, Game of Thrones’ spinoff House of the Dragon takes place centuries before the original story, focusing more on Westeros’ history rather than what happened after Game of Thrones. While people still love the show House of the Dragon, including me, I just don’t think it has the same effect as EL Camino and Better Call Saul.
Both Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones are amazing shows that changed TV. But Breaking Bad stands out because of its strong story, well-developed characters and successful spinoffs. For fans who want a clear, consistent storyline, Breaking Bad sets a high standard for great television. Game of Thrones, while thrilling, had its flaws, especially in the later seasons. Ultimately, Breaking Bad’s focus on character and storytelling gives it a lasting edge in the world of top TV shows.
