Netflix gets streaming rights to ‘Breaking Bad’ spinoff ‘Better Call Saul’

The cast from AMC's series "Breaking Bad" poses backstage with their awards for Outstanding Drama Series at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 22, 2013. (Reuters)

Netflix is credited with helping Breaking Bad become a hit on TV, and the AMC drama became one of the first signature titles on the streaming service, helping introduce binge viewing. The two’s successful symbiotic relationship is now being extended with the upcoming Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul.

Netflix and Breaking Bad producer Sony Pictures Television have closed a deal for the spinoff series for all of the streaming service’s territories. In the U.S. and Canada, the complete first season of Saul will be available to Netflix members after its season finale on AMC Networks in 2014.

Co-created and executive produced by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and series’ writer Peter Gould, Better Call Saul tells the story of mall-based super lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) in the years before he became Walter White’s attorney. From parking tickets to mass murder, from slip-and-fall to bond fraud, Saul handles it all. “Breaking Bad is widely recognized as one of the great TV experiences in this new golden age of television,” said Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “It has also proven very popular with Netflix subscribers around the world. This spin-off promises to continue its tradition of powerful storytelling.” Added Sony Pictures TV president Steve Mosko, “Coming off of the overwhelming success of Breaking Bad, we’re excited to continue our collaboration with Vince, as well as Peter Gould, and that fans around the world will be able to embrace Saul.“