Walter White, a New Mexico chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of only two years left to live. He becomes filled with a sense of fearlessness and an unrelenting desire to secure his family's financial future at any cost as he enters the dangerous world of drugs and crime.
Episodes
Season 1 — Season 1
When an unassuming high school chemistry teacher discovers he has a rare form of lung cancer, he decides to team up with a former student and create a top of the line crystal meth in a used RV, to provide for his family once he is gone.
Walt and Jesse attempt to tie up loose ends. The desperate situation gets more complicated with the flip of a coin. Walt's wife, Skyler, becomes suspicious of Walt's strange behavior.
Walter fights with Jesse over his drug use, causing him to leave Walter alone with their captive, Krazy-8. Meanwhile, Hank has a scared straight moment with Walter Jr. after his aunt discovers he has been smoking pot. Also, Skylar is upset when Walter stays away from home.
Walter finally tells his family that he has been stricken with cancer. Meanwhile, the DEA believes Albuquerque has a new, big time player to worry about. Meanwhile, a worthy recipient is the target of a depressed Walter's anger, and Jesse makes a surprise visit to his parents home.
Walter and Skyler attend a former colleague's party. Jesse tries to free himself from the drugs, while Skyler organizes an intervention.
The side effects of chemo begin to plague Walt. Meanwhile, the DEA rounds up suspected dealers.
Walter accepts his new identity as a drug dealer after a PTA meeting. Elsewhere, Jesse decides to put his aunt's house on the market and Skyler is the recipient of a baby shower.
Season 2 — Season 2
Walt and Jesse are vividly reminded of Tuco’s volatile nature, and try to figure a way out of their business partnership. Hank attempts to mend fences between the estranged Marie and Skyler.
Walt and Jesse find themselves in close quarters with an unhinged Tuco. Marie and Hank comfort Skyler, who is distraught over Walt’s disappearance. Hank pays a visit to Mrs. Pinkman on some not-so-official business.
Walt and Jesse become short on cash when they try to cover their tracks. Meanwhile, the DEA has a lead that could them straight to Walt and Jesse.
Walt attempts to reconnect with his family, while Jesse struggles to rebuild his life.
Hank suffers from the aftermath of his encounter with Tuco. Meanwhile, Jesse hires a crew to get their product out on the streets.
Walt's secret is in jeopardy when Skyler thanks Gretchen for paying for his treatment.
Jesse and Walt discuss expanding into new territories; Hank struggles to fit in; Skyler pursues a new job opportunity; Jesse gets to know his landlord.
Walt and Jesse seek advice from a shady attorney when Badger gets in trouble with the law; the DEA believes they have caught up with "Heisenberg" ; Hank returns.
Walt and his family wait for news after he undergoes a PET-CT scan. Walt follows Saul's advice; Jesse's relationship with Jane is put on hold when he and Walt head to the desert for a marathon of cooking.
Walt and Hank get into a heated argument at a party. Skyler opens up to her boss. Jane hides her relationship with Jesse from her father.
As the end of her pregnancy finds Skyler conflicted about her feelings, a dealer's death forces Walt to look for somewhere to unload a load of meth.
As Walt explores money laundering options, he and Jesse spar over the profits from their latest deal. Jesse and Jane clash with her father. Walt makes a fatal decision.
Skyler confronts Walt about his secrecy; Jesse falls apart; and Jane's grief-stricken father takes action that results in further tragedy.
Season 3 — Season 3
Walt faces a new threat, on a new front and deals with an increasingly angry Skyler, who must consider what to do next with her life and the kids. Meanwhile, Jesse comes face-to-face with some startling self-revelations.
Despite ever-increasing tension between Walt and Skyler, he pulls out all the stops in an effort to reconcile with the family. Elsewhere, Saul is instrumental in getting Jesse involved in a most-unusual investment opportunity.
Walt ignores Skyler's demands, furthering the rift between them and pushing her to break bad. Still suffering from panic and anxiety attacks, Hank crosses a line at work.
Walt loses control as he reacts to Skyler's news, endangering his job and relationships with Saul and Jesse. Hank throws himself into his blue meth investigation. Jesse enacts a new plan.
Gus increases his efforts to lure Walt back into business, forcing a rift between Walt and Jesse. Skyler doubts her new relationship. Marie confides in Skyler about her concern for Hank's well-being.
Walt settles into his new surroundings; Walt, Jr. wants answers about his parents' relationship; Hank's investigation causes problems for Walt and Jesse.
Hank's increasing volatility forces a confrontation with Jesse and trouble at work. Skyler pressures Walt to make a deal. Gus' actions have severe consequences.
The family waits for news about Hank. While Jesse covers at the lab, Walt attempts to placate Gus. After witnessing a disturbing outburst, Walt worries he and his family are in danger.
As Hank's hospital bills stack up, Skyler hatches a plan. Walt and Gus come to a better understanding. Jesse, looking for more independence, pursues a new opportunity.
Walt becomes obsessed with a contaminant in the lab and refuses to finish the cook until it is eliminated. A frustrated Jesse attempts to get Walt back on track.
Skyler gets involved with Walt's business. Hank struggles with his recovery. Jesse makes a startling discovery after meeting a girl at group therapy.
Against Walt's advice, Jesse lashes out. Fearing for Jesse's safety, Walt takes drastic action to intervene and tragic event leads to a shocking confrontation.
With Jesse on the run and Mike in hot pursuit, Walt negotiates a bargain with Gus and concocts a disturbing plan to provide for his and Jesse's safety.
Season 4 — Season 4
Walt and Jesse face the deadly consequences of their actions. Skyler deals with a puzzling disappearance, as Marie struggles to help Hank with his recovery.
Walt attempts to form a new alliance as he plans his next move. Skyler pushes Walt towards a business opportunity, in hopes of protecting the family.
Events spiral out of control at Jesse's place. Skyler reluctantly asks for Saul's help. Marie returns to an old pastime and a friend asks Hank for help.
The Cartel takes steps to gain the upper hand. Walt and Skyler share an embarrassing secret with the rest of the family. Jesse's activities draw unwanted attention.
When Jesse goes missing, Walt fears the worst. Skyler has an unlikely reunion. Hank shares some bad news with Detective Tim Roberts.
Skyler makes an unsettling discovery. Walter, Jr. pushes his dad into a questionable purchase. Jesse offers Mike some unexpected help.
A frustrated Walt gambles on a risky new plan. Skyler's business venture hits a snag. Hank recruits Walter, Jr. for an unusual outing.
Skyler develops an unusual solution to her money troubles. Hank enlists Walt to investigate a theory. Walt's impatience with Jesse grows.
Skyler's past mistakes come back to haunt her. Gus takes action to thwart his rivals. Jesse seeks Walt's help, with mixed results.
Walt's family worries when he doesn't turn up for Walter, Jr.'s 16th birthday. Jesse is forced to put his lab skills to the test without Mr. White's help.
Walt takes drastic action to protect his secret and Gus. Skyler's efforts to solve Ted's financial problems hit a wall.
Hank pushes Gomez to pursue one last lead, while Walt struggles to protect the family. Jesse gets alarming news and rushes to meet with Mr. White.
Walt and Jesse team up to take on Gus. With Saul's help, Walt finds an unexpected ally.
Season 5 — Season 5
As Walt deals with the aftermath of the Casa Tranquila explosion, Hank works to wrap up his investigation of Gus' empire.
Walt and Jesse pursue an unlikely business partner. The DEA filters through various leads in hopes of finding something.
Walt and Jesse formulate a new business plan. Walt shares a secret with Marie.
Walt celebrates another birthday. Skyler contemplates her options, and an associate puts a crimp in Walt and Jesse's business strategy.
Walt's team gets creative to obtain the methylamine they need to continue their operation.
Walt, Jesse, and Mike struggle over the future of their business, as occupational hazards weigh on Jesse.
Walt takes control of business matters; Mike deals with the consequences of his actions.
Walt takes care of loose ends; Walt makes a dangerous decision.
As Walt and Jesse adjust to life out of the business, Hank grapples with a troubling lead.
While Skyler's past catches up with her, Walt covers his tracks. Jesse continues to struggle with his guilt.
Jesse decides to make a change, while Walt and Skyler try to deal with an unexpected demand.
An unusual strategy starts to bear fruit, while plans are set in motion that could change everything.
Things heat up for Walt in unexpected ways.
Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.
Events set in motion long ago move toward a conclusion.
All bad things must come to an end.