Better Call Saul, the prequel to the popular show Breaking Bad, has been renewed for a sixth and final season. The AMC show will come to a close with a 13-episode last season, set to go into production later this year and air in 2021, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
“From the beginning when we started this, I think all our hopes and dreams were to be able to tell the whole story … and make it to be a complete story from beginning to end,” showrunner Peter Gould said. “We’re going to try like hell to stick the landing of these 63 episodes”
Gould and co-creator Vince Gilligan broke the news at the Television Critics’ Association winter press tour panel. Gould and Gilligan were joined on stage by Better Call Saul actors Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Giancarlo Esposito, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian and Michael Mondo.
The announcement came prior to the Feb. 23 premiere of season five, wherein several Breaking Bad favorites will be making an appearance, Gould mentioned. Gould revealed that Dean Norris will be reprising his role as Hank Schrader in season five. However, it is unclear whether characters Jesse Pinkman (played by actor Aaron Paul) or Walter White (played by actor Bryan Cranston) from Breaking Bad will make an appearance.
Both Gould and Gilligan did not reveal how Saul Goodman’s story would conclude or where the show will end along the timeline of Breaking Bad. When asked if Better Call Saul ends where Breaking Bad begins or whether it jumps into the future, Gilligan replied, “maybe it’s all of the above.”
Gould stated that the purpose of Better Call Saul, post the end of Breaking Bad, was to further explore the character of Jimmy McGill; fully telling his story. Gould and Gilligan expressed their satisfaction at having done this and wrapping the show up after six seasons.