Bob Odenkirk’s Journey to Breaking Bad Stardom Began with This Cult-Favorite HBO Show
"Breaking Bad" stands as a prime example of how actors known for comedy can successfully transition into intense, dramatic roles. The show’s legendary status partly comes from Bryan Cranston’s stunning transformation—from the lovable, goofy dad Hal on "Malcolm in the Middle" to the dark, complex character Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine kingpin. But Cranston’s powerful performance was brilliantly supported by Bob Odenkirk, who portrayed the slick, morally ambiguous lawyer Jimmy "Saul Goodman" McGill. What’s fascinating is that Odenkirk’s role was originally intended to be a brief guest spot spanning just three or four episodes. Instead, his portrayal was so compelling that it evolved into a long-term role, eventually leading to the critically acclaimed spin-off series "Better Call Saul," which further explored his character’s depth and complexity.
Before "Breaking Bad," Bob Odenkirk was primarily known as a comedy writer and performer. His early career highlights include writing for iconic sketch shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "The Ben Stiller Show" during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His comedic talents truly flourished when he teamed up with fellow comedian David Cross to create "Mr. Show with Bob and David," a sketch comedy series that aired on HBO from 1995 to 1998. This show ran for four seasons and 30 episodes, and it quickly gained a cult following thanks to its sharp wit and boundary-pushing humor.
Unlike network shows such as "SNL," "Mr. Show" aired on cable, which gave it the freedom to explore edgier, more provocative content. For example, the show wasn’t afraid to tackle taboo subjects or use language that would be off-limits on broadcast TV—like the infamous "seven dirty words." One particularly memorable sketch even imagined descendants of Holocaust survivors receiving clones of Hitler as servants, a darkly satirical take on reparations. This kind of fearless comedy helped "Mr. Show" stand out and build a devoted fan base.
In a recent interview with People Magazine, Odenkirk reflected on his career milestones, including his time on "Mr. Show" and his role as Saul Goodman. He described "Mr. Show" as "the greatest gift I ever had," explaining that he had dreamed of doing sketch comedy since he was a child, inspired by groups like Monty Python. Finally getting to create and perform the kind of comedy he loved was a dream come true.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Odenkirk didn’t actively seek out the role of Saul Goodman to pivot his career toward drama. Instead, the writers of "Breaking Bad" were fans of "Mr. Show" and thought Odenkirk would be perfect for the part. He mentioned that the show’s writers were among the biggest fans of "Mr. Show," alongside touring rock musicians and even 12-year-olds who appreciated the show’s clever humor. The writers would often watch "Mr. Show" sketches during breaks from the intense atmosphere of "Breaking Bad," which made Odenkirk a familiar and trusted figure to them. When the character of Saul Goodman was created, they immediately thought of Odenkirk as the ideal actor to bring him to life.
Interestingly, when Odenkirk was first offered the role, he wasn’t even familiar with "Breaking Bad." He consulted a friend and writing partner who assured him it was "the best show on TV," encouraging him to accept the offer. At the time, "Breaking Bad" hadn’t yet become the cultural phenomenon it is today—it was Netflix’s streaming platform that eventually propelled the show to massive popularity, especially by its fifth season, when it was widely recognized as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made.
Odenkirk described his experience on "Breaking Bad" as a kind of paid acting school. He was amazed that the producers trusted him with a role that required more than broad comedy, and he relished the opportunity to learn from acting alongside Bryan Cranston. This experience paid off handsomely, as Odenkirk demonstrated his dramatic chops repeatedly in "Better Call Saul," proving he could carry a complex, emotionally rich show on his own.
2015 was a landmark year for Odenkirk—not only did "Better Call Saul" premiere, but he also reunited with David Cross for a new sketch comedy series on Netflix called "W/ Bob & David." Odenkirk described this new show as a sort of secret fifth season of "Mr. Show," continuing the legacy of their unique comedic style.
As for returning to the role of Saul Goodman, Odenkirk is skeptical. "Better Call Saul" concluded with Jimmy McGill in prison, a fitting and brutally honest ending that reflected the character’s journey and self-awareness. Odenkirk praised the writers for giving Jimmy a "Crime and Punishment"-style resolution, where he confronts his misdeeds and accepts the consequences, bringing a satisfying closure to the character’s arc.
It’s remarkable to think that Bob Odenkirk began his acting career with brief comedic sketches lasting just a few minutes each. Yet, his most significant achievement to date has been portraying a single character over 13 years of television, telling a complex story of transformation, morality, and redemption—albeit in a non-linear fashion—and delivering a perfect, thoughtful conclusion.
For those interested in exploring Odenkirk’s roots in comedy, "Mr. Show with Bob and David" is currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
What do you think? Was Bob Odenkirk’s leap from sketch comedy to dramatic acting inevitable, or was it a lucky break fueled by the right connections? Could "Better Call Saul" have ended differently, or was the prison finale the only honest conclusion? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
