Vince Gilligan
The co-creator who helped build a prequel exploring ethical decline.
Vince Gilligan is the co-creator of *Better Call Saul*, having developed the series with Peter Gould for AMC. He created and developed *Breaking Bad*, the predecessor series, and wrote the *Breaking Bad* episode "Better Call Saul" that inspired the spin-off. Gilligan and Gould served as co-showrunners during the show's development, which began during the production of *Breaking Bad*'s final season in 2013. Gilligan left *Better Call Saul* as a writer early in the third season, making Gould the sole showrunner for the remainder of its run, though he continued to direct episodes and returned to help write the final season.
- Role
- Co-Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, Director
- Key Creation
- Breaking Bad (Precursor Series), Better Call Saul (Co-Creator)
- Affiliation
- Sony Pictures Television / AMC Studios
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Gilligan and Gould began considering a Saul Goodman spin-off in 2009, after Saul's role in *Breaking Bad* had expanded beyond the writing staff's plans. They initially considered making a half-hour legal comedy featuring Saul and his various clients, but settled on an hour-long tragedy showing how he develops into the character seen in *Breaking Bad*. The show examines the ethical decline of Jimmy McGill, an aspiring lawyer and former con artist who becomes the egocentric and sleazy criminal-defense attorney Saul Goodman. Gilligan's involvement included directing episodes and returning to help write the final season, though he left as a writer early in the third season.
In Their Own Story
The series premiered on AMC on February 8, 2015, and ended on August 15, 2022, after six seasons totaling 63 episodes. Set primarily in the early to mid-2000s in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the show follows Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman, as well as Mike Ehrmantraut's journey from former corrupt police officer to fixer and enforcer for drug traffickers. The series includes black-and-white flashforwards set in 2010, after the events of *Breaking Bad*, which explore the consequences of Saul's actions across both series. At the time of its airing, the series premiere held the record for the highest-rated scripted series premiere in basic cable history.
Reader's Guide
Gilligan's work on *Better Call Saul* is part of the *Breaking Bad* franchise, serving primarily as a prequel with some scenes taking place during and after the events of *Breaking Bad*. The show received critical acclaim, with many reviewers considering it a worthy successor to *Breaking Bad*—some deeming it superior to its predecessor—and one of the greatest television series of all time. It garnered 53 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, setting a record for the most-nominated show to never win an Emmy, along with 2 Peabody Award nominations, 19 Writers Guild of America Award nominations, 20 Critics' Choice Television Award nominations, 9 Actor Award nominations, and 6 Golden Globe Award nominations.
Did You Know?
- Gilligan co-created *Better Call Saul* with Peter Gould, who wrote the *Breaking Bad* episode 'Better Call Saul' that inspired the spin-off.
- Gilligan left *Better Call Saul* as a writer early in the third season, making Gould the sole showrunner, but he continued to direct episodes and returned to help write the final season.
- The series premiere held the record for the highest-rated scripted series premiere in basic cable history at the time of its airing.
- *Better Call Saul* set a record for the most Primetime Emmy Award nominations (53) for a show that never won an Emmy.
- Gilligan and Gould initially considered making a half-hour legal comedy for the spin-off before settling on an hour-long tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does Vince Gilligan play on Better Call Saul?
He serves as the co-creator and executive producer alongside Peter Gould, helping to build the show's universe. Although he directed key episodes, Gould took over sole showrunning duties after the first season.
Is Better Call Saul created by the same person as Breaking Bad?
Yes, Gilligan originally created Breaking Bad and expanded that narrative world to explore Jimmy McGill's backstory. This connection allows for a deeper dive into the origins of the character known as Saul Goodman.
What themes does Vince Gilligan emphasize in the series?
His storytelling prioritizes character psychology and moral ambiguity over simple plot mechanics. He focuses on the tragic descent of a good man into a broken soul within a legal noir setting.
Was Vince Gilligan the sole showrunner for every season?
He shared co-showrunner duties equally with Peter Gould during Season 1, but Gould assumed full responsibility starting from Season 2. Gilligan remained involved as an executive producer and occasional director throughout the run.
Why is Vince Gilligan considered essential to Better Call Saul's success?
His vision established the mastermind behind transforming Jimmy McGill into the cynical persona of Saul Goodman. Fans value his ability to maintain tonal consistency with Breaking Bad while crafting a unique identity for this prequel.
More in Production & Themes
Elsewhere in the Better Call Saul universe
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