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Season guide

Breaking Bad: Season 5

16 episodes Premiered Jul 15, 2012 Updated Sep 25, 2026

Breaking Bad Season 5 continues the overarching saga across sixteen episodes. The narrative follows Walter White, a New Mexico chemistry teacher who was diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a limited prognosis. The season forms part of the ongoing drama and crime television series that began in 2008 and stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.

Previously on Breaking Bad

Season 5 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Walter White is a New Mexico chemistry teacher who was diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of only a limited time.
  • ⚡ Walter White entered the criminal world to secure his family's financial future.
  • ⚡ The series follows the dramatic criminal saga starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
  • ⚡ The overarching story spans multiple seasons, leading into the sixteenth-episode fifth season.
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Season overview

Breaking Bad Season 5 continues the overarching saga across sixteen episodes. The narrative follows Walter White, a New Mexico chemistry teacher who was diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a limited prognosis. The season forms part of the ongoing drama and crime television series that began in 2008 and stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.

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Season 5 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 5 Progress Shield

Future titles & synopses blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any card to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 5: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

19%
81%
Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (13): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S5·E1 Mytharc

Live Free or Die

Jul 15, 2012 · 43 min

As Walt deals with the aftermath of the Casa Tranquila explosion, Hank works to wrap up his investigation of Gus' empire.

S5·E2 Core

Madrigal

Jul 22, 2012 · 48 min

Walt and Jesse pursue an unlikely business partner. The DEA filters through various leads in hopes of finding something.

S5·E3 Core

Hazard Pay

Jul 29, 2012 · 48 min

Walt and Jesse formulate a new business plan. Walt shares a secret with Marie.

S5·E4 Core

Fifty-One

Aug 5, 2012 · 48 min

Walt celebrates another birthday. Skyler contemplates her options, and an associate puts a crimp in Walt and Jesse's business strategy.

S5·E5 Core

Dead Freight

Aug 12, 2012 · 49 min

Walt's team gets creative to obtain the methylamine they need to continue their operation.

S5·E6 Core

Buyout

Aug 19, 2012 · 48 min

Walt, Jesse, and Mike struggle over the future of their business, as occupational hazards weigh on Jesse.

S5·E7 Core

Say My Name

Aug 26, 2012 · 48 min

Walt takes control of business matters; Mike deals with the consequences of his actions.

S5·E8 Core

Gliding Over All

Sep 2, 2012 · 48 min

Walt takes care of loose ends; Walt makes a dangerous decision.

S5·E9 Core

Blood Money

Aug 11, 2013 · 48 min

As Walt and Jesse adjust to life out of the business, Hank grapples with a troubling lead.

S5·E10 Core

Buried

Aug 18, 2013 · 48 min

While Skyler's past catches up with her, Walt covers his tracks. Jesse continues to struggle with his guilt.

S5·E11 Core

Confessions

Aug 25, 2013 · 48 min

Jesse decides to make a change, while Walt and Skyler try to deal with an unexpected demand.

S5·E12 Core

Rabid Dog

Sep 1, 2013 · 48 min

An unusual strategy starts to bear fruit, while plans are set in motion that could change everything.

S5·E13 Core

To'hajiilee

Sep 8, 2013 · 47 min

Things heat up for Walt in unexpected ways.

S5·E14 Core

Ozymandias

Sep 15, 2013 · 48 min

Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.

S5·E15 Mytharc

Granite State

Sep 22, 2013 · 54 min

Events set in motion long ago move toward a conclusion.

S5·E16 Mytharc

Felina

Sep 29, 2013 · 56 min

All bad things must come to an end.

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