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 of Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine kingpin. But just as crucial to the series’ success was Bob Odenkirk, who portrayed the slick, morally ambiguous lawyer Jimmy "Saul Goodman" McGill. What started as a brief guest appearance, originally planned for only three or four episodes, blossomed into a long-term role that extended well beyond "Breaking Bad" itself, eventually leading to the critically acclaimed spin-off, "Better Call Saul."
Before stepping into the dramatic spotlight, Odenkirk was primarily known for his work in comedy, both as a 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 shone 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, earning a devoted cult following.
Unlike network shows such as "SNL," "Mr. Show" aired on cable, which allowed it to push boundaries and explore edgier, more provocative content. For example, the show wasn’t afraid to tackle taboo subjects or use language that wouldn’t fly on network TV—like the infamous "seven dirty words." One particularly bold sketch imagined descendants of Holocaust survivors employing clones of Hitler as servants, a darkly satirical take on reparations. This kind of fearless, absurdist humor made "Mr. Show" a unique and influential piece of comedy history.
In a recent interview with People Magazine, Odenkirk reflected on the different phases of his career, including his time on "Mr. Show" and his role as Saul Goodman. He called "Mr. Show" "the greatest gift I ever had," explaining how he had dreamed of doing sketch comedy since he was 11 years old, inspired by groups like Monty Python. "Finally, I got to do it the way I always imagined," he said.
But even though "Mr. Show" felt like a career peak at the time, Odenkirk’s journey was far from over. Interestingly, he didn’t seek out the role of Saul Goodman to pivot his career toward drama. Instead, the writers of "Breaking Bad," who were fans of "Mr. Show," thought of him when they created the character. Odenkirk shared that the show’s writers room often used "Mr. Show" sketches as a lighthearted break from the intense drama of "Breaking Bad." He identified three main groups who loved "Mr. Show": touring rock musicians, 12-year-olds, and writers who appreciated its clever humor.
When the offer to play Saul came, Odenkirk was initially unfamiliar 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 role. At the time, "Breaking Bad" hadn’t yet exploded in popularity—it was Netflix’s later support that catapulted the show into mainstream acclaim, making it a cultural phenomenon by its fifth season.
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 demanded more than broad comedy. Acting alongside Bryan Cranston taught him invaluable lessons about dramatic performance. These lessons paid off spectacularly, as Odenkirk demonstrated his ability to carry "Better Call Saul" on his own, proving he was more than just a comedic actor.
2015 was a milestone 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 show as a sort of unofficial fifth season of "Mr. Show," delighting longtime fans.
As for returning to the character of Saul Goodman, Odenkirk is skeptical. "Better Call Saul" concluded with Jimmy McGill in prison, a "Crime and Punishment"-style ending where the character confronts his own flaws and accepts the consequences of his actions. Odenkirk sees this as a gift from the writers, allowing Jimmy to be brutally honest about himself and find a fitting resolution.
It’s fascinating to consider that Odenkirk’s acting career began with brief comedic sketches lasting just a few minutes each. Yet, his most significant achievement to date is 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 satisfying conclusion.
For those interested in exploring Odenkirk’s roots, "Mr. Show with Bob and David" is currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Does Odenkirk’s success challenge the idea that comedic actors can’t handle serious drama? Or is his journey a rare exception? What do you think—should more comedians be given dramatic roles, or is this crossover overrated? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!
