Which Series Is Better: ‘Mad Men’ or ‘Breaking Bad’?

Interest in these iconic TV series is often split. While Mad Men and Breaking Bad have their respective fans, a closer look reveals that both series excel in different dimensions.

Mad Men - A Tasting Menu at a High-end Restaurant

Much like a high-end restaurant serving a tasting menu, Mad Men is meticulously crafted with each episode designed to leave an indelible mark on the viewer. Like the kitchen staff whose attention to detail is evident in every course, the Mad Men writers and actors delve into the subtleties of their characters and storylines. Despite the complexity, the ending feels unsatisfactory, with Don Draper running off to a hippy commune and creating a simple Coca-Cola ad by the finale. The viewer’s feelings about the characters are complicated, often resulting in a sense of detachment.

Breaking Bad - Grandma's Comforting Home Cooking

In contrast, Breaking Bad is more akin to grandma’s cooking: simple yet satisfying. The show provides a comforting and enduring narrative with characters that evolve and change. Unlike Mad Men, Breaking Bad presents a clear good vs. evil dichotomy, though the line between these extremes is constantly blurred. The finale of Breaking Bad is stark, leaving no character unscarred or unviolated, providing a real sense of satisfaction.

Comparing the Endings

The difference between the two series seems to come to a head in their finale episodes. The ending of Mad Men is a letdown, with Don Draper’s hippy commune and Coca-Cola commercial. The final scenes in Breaking Bad, however, are harder and unambiguous, with everyone left scarred or dead.

Character and Storytelling Styles

Characters in Mad Men are multifaceted, often complex and flawed. Peter Campbell embodies the show’s melancholic tone. Even peripheral characters have their moments of brilliance, demonstrating that no character is truly perfect. In contrast, Breaking Bad features characters that are equally complex but in a different way. The series focuses on Walter White’s descent, crafting a narrative that is methodical and clear in its presentation of good and evil. This differentiation makes Breaking Bad a more engaging and difficult experience for the viewer.

Viewer Experience and Engagement

The experience of watching Mad Men is immersive and requires the viewer to piece together the story’s meanings, a concept known as show, not tell. Each character’s development and arcs are interconnected, making the series feel deeper and more layered. On the other hand, Breaking Bad is more straightforward, showcasing Walter’s transformation with a clear storyline.

While Mad Men is cherished for its elegant fashion and intricate storytelling, Breaking Bad is celebrated for its rawness and unflinching portrayal of its characters. Both shows have made an indelible mark on television, each with its own particular charm and appeal.

TL;DR: Mad Men is classy, subtle, and immersive, while Breaking Bad is gritty, unflinching, and profound.

Personal Advice: Watching Breaking Bad before Mad Men enhances the experience, as it will make the nuances of the latter even more apparent. Both shows are masterpieces in their own right, and watching them in any order is a rewarding experience.