Forget Breaking Bad! Watch This Netflix Show Instead!

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Although the world of “Breaking Bad” appears to be permanently closed, Netflix offers an alternative masterpiece in the realm of crime dramas – “Ozark“. Since “Breaking Bad” concluded, Vince Gilligan has continued to weave compelling tales within this universe. The spinoff series, “Better Call Saul“, held its own captivating storyline, matching the intrigue of “Breaking Bad”, and the sequel film, “El Camino“, wrapped up Jesse Pinkman’s narrative neatly, leaving his character in a favorable position. However, it seems like the “Breaking Bad” franchise has reached its end.

In a different wording, the impact of Breaking Bad on television is far-reaching, even without any official spinoffs. This groundbreaking series set new standards for drama on TV, introducing themes such as dark storylines, complex antiheroes who undergo significant transformations, and unpredictable character deaths. While many attempts to replicate Breaking Bad’s success have fallen short, Netflix’s own imitation, Ozark, came remarkably close to equaling its greatness. Although Ozark shares similarities with Breaking Bad, it also maintains a distinctive style and identity of its own.

The Breaking Bad Franchise Might Be Over, But Netflix’s Ozark Is The Perfect Replacement Show

Ozark Is Another Crime Drama About An Ordinary Family Man Becoming A Ruthless Criminal

The Breaking Bad series seems to have concluded, given that creator Gilligan is now working on an entirely different project. However, Ozark from Netflix could serve as an excellent substitute. Similar to Breaking Bad, it centers around a seemingly ordinary family man who finds himself entangled in criminal activities and discovering a more ruthless aspect of his personality. Additionally, much like Breaking Bad, this show features a comedic actor delivering a striking, dramatic performance that is quite unexpected. Jason Bateman plays Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who unknowingly becomes involved in laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel through his firm.

In the opening episode, I discover that my partner Bruce has been secretly pocketing huge sums from our boss’s profits. Enraged, the cartel leader takes matters into his own hands and brutally murders Bruce in front of me. Desperate to save my life, I offer to clean $500 million for the cartel beyond the reach of federal authorities, right here in the Ozarks. With no other choice, I uproot my family from bustling Chicago and settle in rural Missouri, where I begin establishing money laundering operations for my ominous new associates. As the story unfolds, I find myself increasingly entangled in dangerous dealings with both the cartel and local thugs.

In the same vein of gripping suspense as “Breaking Bad,” Ozark delivers an equal dose of tension through the clandestine criminal activities of Marty Byrde. While his wife Wendy, portrayed exceptionally by Laura Linney, finds herself unwittingly entangled in the illicit business, they strive to maintain their children’s safety and shield them from the truth. Julia Garner delivers a captivating performance that leaves an indelible impression as Marty’s formidable associate Ruth Langmore in the criminal underworld. The series skillfully balances domestic family drama with gritty, violent crime stories, and it does so with impressive finesse.

Ozark Remains Underrated, But It Deserves The Same Attention As Breaking Bad

Jason Bateman Undergoes The Same Dramatic Transformation As Bryan Cranston

Despite consistently garnering critical acclaim, especially in season 3 with an almost flawless Rotten Tomatoes rating of 98%, the series Ozark has often been overlooked and undervalued. It’s a shame that it may never receive the same level of recognition as Breaking Bad, given that Breaking Bad revolutionized television during what is known as the Golden Age. Nevertheless, Ozark is exceptional enough to warrant the affection it deserves.

In a remarkable display, Bateman delivers a standout performance that anchors the series. Similar to Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White, Bateman skillfully employs his signature dry, understated comedic style, yet also reveals a hitherto unseen capacity for exploring the intricate depths of complex characters. To some extent, Ozark can be seen as a blend of Breaking Bad and Arrested Development, given that Bateman’s character shares certain similarities with his role in Arrested Development, Michael Bluth – he is compelled to maintain unity within his questionable family circle.

All 4 Seasons Of Ozark Are Currently Available To Stream On Netflix

Ozark’s 44-Episode Crime Saga Can Now Be Binge-Watched In Its Entirety

For a span of four seasons, Ozark has been on air, accumulating a grand total of 44 episodes. The initial three seasons were structured with 10 episodes apiece, while the fourth and concluding season was divided into two parts, each containing seven episodes. As we speak, all four seasons of Ozark can be enjoyed in one go on Netflix.

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2025-05-09 16:39