Breaking Bad Spin-Off Is Given Green Light

Cult TV series Breaking Bad may be ending this month, but there is good news for its diehard fans after a spin-off series was announced.

US network AMC and producer Sony Pictures have revealed that Better Call Saul, based on the character Saul Goodman, has been given the green light.

The one-hour show will be a prequel and tell the story of Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk in Breaking Bad, before he became the lawyer for Walter White, the series' main character played by Bryan Cranston.

AMC and Sony did not say when production would start or when the series is expected to air.

Breaking Bad, which has had a five-season run, is a dark drug drama about a high school chemistry teacher who begins producing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's financial future after he is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The series' actors have won five Emmys, including three top TV drama actor accolades for Cranston and two best supporting actor awards for Aaron Paul, who plays White's former student-turned-business partner Jesse Pinkman.

It has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards this year, including best drama series.