Looks like AMC liked what it heard when the network gave Saul Goodman a ring. Breaking Bad spinoff series Better Call Saul has been picked up for a second season of 13 episodes, right as production is beginning in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on its first 10-episode season.
Though Breaking Bad fans will likely be pleased to hear that Better Call Saul has no chance of being a one-and-done, even if it doesn’t receive the same critical acclaim as its predecessor, they’ll also be disappointed to learn that series premiere has been pushed back from November of this year to an undetermined date in early 2015. The second season will arrive in 2016.
AMC Preisdent Charlie Collier confirmed the early renewal, saying in an official statement:
“Production on Better Call Saul is underway and we could not be more proud of nor more excited about the work to date. We join the fans in eager anticipation for this series and today we happily confirm that our initial Saul order is for two seasons and a total of 23 episodes. When introducing any series, especially one with the DNA of Breaking Bad, there are countless factors to consider in making sure the show gets the launch it deserves. We have a strong history with Vince, Peter, Bob, 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.”
The spinoff, on which Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan will split showrunner duties with Peter Gould, centers on Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), who served as Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman’s (Aaron Paul) shady legal counsel in Breaking Bad. It’s set before that series though, so any appearances from Cranston and Paul would likely have to come in the form of brief cameos. Jonathan Banks, however, will be reprising his role as fan favorite character Mike Ehrmantraut.
Though we have a while to wait until Better Call Saul emerges, AMC’s clear confidence in the series (new arrivals Turn and Halt and Catch Fire both have still to receive second season orders, yet this show has earned one without even premiering) indicates that viewers are in for something truly spectacular.