The Best Way to Enjoy Better Call Saul: Should You Watch Breaking Bad First?

When it comes to Better Call Saul, a question naturally arises: can you watch it without having first seen Breaking Bad and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie? The answer is yes, but with a catch. Let's dive deep into why the order of watching these shows matters and what impact it has on your viewing experience.

Why Order Matters

For those who are curious about the plot and the characters of Better Call Saul, you might immediately think that the show is a prerequisite to comprehending the plot and the characters. However, this is not entirely true. While Better Call Saul is indeed a prequel to both Breaking Bad and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, it is not just any prequel. It's a narrative that is designed to be watched as a standalone series, albeit with greater appreciation and enjoyment when the original series has been seen first.

My Suggestion for Viewing Order

Based on my experience and that of many other viewers, here's the recommended order:

This order not only ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of the universe created by Vince Gilligan but also allows you to fully appreciate the nuances and depth of the characters and plot in Better Call Saul.

Understanding the Depth of the Universe

Because Better Call Saul is set in a pre-existing universe, it is heavily laden with references, callbacks, and intricate plotlines that presuppose knowledge of the original series. If you watch Better Call Saul first, you risk missing out on a significant portion of the story, which can significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. For instance, the relationship between Jimmy McGill and Patrick Krumholtz, the betrayal of Jimmy by Saul Goodman, and the complicated web of connections between the characters, all of these become more meaningful and impactful when seen against the backdrop of Breaking Bad.

Your Choice: Enhance or Enrich?

Ultimately, whether you watch Better Call Saul before or after Breaking Bad is up to you. Watching Better Call Saul first can enhance your appreciation of the characters and plot, making the later viewing of Breaking Bad a richer and more engaging experience. Alternatively, by watching Better Call Saul after Breaking Bad, you can delve into Saul Goodman's backstory with a greater understanding of the character's development and motivations.

However, if you're someone who values coherence and the full narrative, watching in the following order is highly recommended:

Why do I recommend this order? Breaking Bad sets up the world and the characters, making the prequel more relatable and understandable. El Camino provides the bridge between the original series and Better Call Saul, offering a satisfying conclusion to the story before delving into its deeper roots. Finally, Better Call Saul offers a rich exploration of character development and moral dilemmas that are best appreciated with the full context.

Conclusion

So, can you watch Better Call Saul without Breaking Bad? Yes, but you might miss out on a lot of the joy and understanding of the universe. Whether you watch in the suggested order or not, the decision is yours, and the rich tapestry of Better Call Saul awaits your exploration.