There’s a good news / bad news situation for Breaking Bad spin-off show Better Call Saul today. Want the good news first? US cable channel AMC has released the first official picture (above) and renewed it for a second season before the first has even hit screens. But the bad? That first run of episodes won’t air until early 2015{
Created by Breaking Bad boss Vince Gilligan and series writer / producer Peter Gould, who created the character of Saul, the series will follow sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk) in the time before he met Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in the original series. Jonathan Banks is back as fixer Mike Ehrmantraut, and Michael McKean will play a new character named Dr. Thurber. The first season of 10 episodes is shooting now, and the additional order will add 13 for broadcast in 2016.
"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," said AMC president Charlie Collier in a statement picked up by The Hollywood Reporter.
"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."
They're singing our song. Now if they could just sing it a little quicker...