AMC is feeling good about
Breaking Bad. The network has just picked up another season of the dark comedy drama helmed by Vince Gilligan, giving fans 13 new episodes to look forward to.
The series, which stars
Bryan Cranston (
Malcolm in the Middle) as dying chemistry teacher Walter White who goes from meek and mild family man to drug kingpin in order to secure his family's financial well-being, has been generally well received by critics since its premiere in January. It has also earned good numbers during its Sunday night reign and has helped the network improve its overall ranking.
"From critical praise to strong ratings and a devoted audience,
Breaking Bad further reinforced AMC as a top producer of high-quality, distinctive television," AMC general manager Charlie Collier said in a statement. "
Breaking Bad is a powerful, intelligent and thought-provoking series that clearly resonated with viewers and critics alike. We're excited for a second season of
Breaking Bad with new and provocative storylines that will delve deeper into the next chapter in the life of Walter White."
Of course, producer Sony Pictures Television is also pleased with the pickup.
"
Breaking Bad has been such a labor of love. The pickup is validation in our belief that the viewers would embrace this show," Sony Pictures Television co-president Jamie Erlicht added.
Aside from Cranston,
Breaking Bad also stars
Anna Gunn as Walter's stay-at-home wife Skyler White,
Aaron Paul as Walter meth business partner Jesse Pinkman,
RJ Mitte as Walter and Skyler's teen-aged son Walter White, Jr.,
Dean Norris as drug enforcer agent Hank Schrader,
Betsy Brandt as Walter's sister-in-law Marie Schrader, Jessica Hecht as Walter's old college chemistry assistant Gretchen Schwartz, Adam Godley as Walter's old college science partner Elliott Schwartz, and Raymond Cruz as Tuco, a sociopathic drug kingpin who becomes Walter and Jesse's meth distributor towards the end of season one.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: AMC
(Image courtesy of AMC)