Many fans cherish Breaking Bad for its significant impact on television audiences. The show stands out as one of the few to dominate the cultural conversation during its airing, with numerous elements contributing to its status as a pop culture phenomenon.
Yet, there is a particular program that greatly shaped Breaking Bad, making its remarkable success possible. It is widely understood that the show owes a considerable debt to another television giant, The Sopranos. Vince Gilligan, the show's creator, expressed that without The Sopranos, it would have been extremely difficult for Breaking Bad to find its way onto television screens.
The Sopranos played a critical role in making the anti-hero appealing to viewers. In conversations, Gilligan emphasized the significance of The Sopranos for the success of Breaking Bad, especially considering its potential audience. He acknowledged how much Walter White benefitted from the groundwork laid by Tony Soprano, stating that without The Sopranos, Breaking Bad would have faced insurmountable challenges in finding an audience. The pathway forged by previous shows was essential.
Both The Sopranos and Breaking Bad share numerous similarities, yet the notion that The Sopranos opened doors for Breaking Bad is well-supported, particularly because Tony Soprano remains one of television's most memorable villains. Beyond serving as a forerunner for the genre, Breaking Bad drew substantial inspiration from The Sopranos throughout its development.
The creative influences running between Breaking Bad and The Sopranos are evident, with each series defining its own place in popular culture. While The Sopranos reinvented the gangster genre, Breaking Bad ventured into uncharted territory. Nevertheless, it did find moments of inspiration within the earlier show.
An example can be found in Walter White's encounters with a cartel, specifically the Juarez Drug Cartel. A notable character within the cartel is named Juan Bolsa, which serves as a direct nod to The Sopranos, as his name translates to John Sack in English.
Johnny Sack Sacromini plays a significant role in The Sopranos, being a crucial figure within the Lupertazzi Crime Family. This is just one illustration of the myriad of references present in Breaking Bad, which is rich with connections to other series, with The Sopranos seemingly holding the most influence and importance.