Breaking Bad season 4

Lore & Background

The season focuses on the feud between Walter White and Gus Fring. The writing staff did not plan the season before production began but developed the story as episodes progressed, a pattern similar to the third season. Creator Vince Gilligan compared the season to a '13-episode chess game' between Gus and Walt. Originally, four-minute mini episodes were planned before the premiere but did not come to fruition. Bryan Cranston stated in an interview that AMC decided to position the season in July to attract viewers away from heavy competition in September, November, or January.

Reader's Guide

The fourth season of Breaking Bad received universal acclaim from critics, with a Metacritic score of 96 out of 100 and a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 36 reviews. The site's critics consensus reads: 'Breaking Bad's fourth season continues to evolve and subvert expectations, and it's never been more riveting to watch.' The Boston Globe called it a 'taut exercise in withheld disaster' and 'riveting.' The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette labeled the series 'smart and thought provoking that elevates the artistic achievements of the medium.' Time listed Walter White's 'I am the one who knocks' line as one of the best television lines of 2011. The season earned 13 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with Aaron Paul winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. It also won two Writers Guild of America Awards, a TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama, and two Critics' Choice Television Awards. The season is noted for its critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Did You Know?

• The season was renewed on June 14, 2010, and filming began January 13, 2011, ending in mid-June 2011.
• Aaron Paul won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for this season.
• Vince Gilligan received his first Directors Guild of America Award nomination for directing the episode 'Face Off'.