'Better Call Saul' Renewed for Season 2; 'Breaking Bad' Prequel Set to Sweep Ratings

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, June 20, 2014

"Better Call Saul," the prequel to "Breaking Bad," is already green-lit for a second season before the drama has even premiered.

AMC first announced the spin-off series centered on the shady New Mexico lawyer Saul Goodman from "Breaking Bad" last year. However, the network announced this week that the premiere date for "Better Call Saul" has been pushed back from November to early 2015. Also, although the series has not even hit the air yet, "Better Call Saul" has already been renewed for a second season involving 13 episodes.

"Production on 'Better Call Saul' is underway, and we could not be more proud nor more excited about the work to date," AMC president Charlie Collier said in a release, according to The Washington Post. "We join fans in eager anticipation for this series and a total of 23 episodes."

"Better Call Saul" was created by "Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan and will star Bob Odenkirk as the famed crooked television attorney. The network president went on to explain that the premiere of "Better Call Saul" is delayed because showrunners want to ensure that the series wows audiences.

"When introducing any series, especially one with the DNA of 'Breaking Bad,' there are countless factors to consider in making sure the sure gets the launch is deserves," Collier added. "We have a strong history with Vince, Peter, Bob and the studio and so many involved with this production; we are enjoying the process on 'Saul' and all share a focus on making it a true television event. No half measures."

Gilligan is directing "Saul" and is sharing showrunning responsibilities with Peter Gould. The "Breaking Bad" prequel will follow Saul before he met Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and became embroiled in the meth empire that involved Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Jonathan Banks is expected to reprise his "Bad" role as Mike Ehrmantraut on "Saul," while Michael McKean was cast as one of Saul's colleagues, according to Entertainment Weekly.