'Better Call Saul' Continues To Break Ratings Records; Will The Spinoff Be More Successful Than 'Breaking Bad'?

In “Better Call Saul,” Saul Goodman precursor Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) is a scrappy, desperate public defendant hard on cash and wrapped up in a few too many criminal subplots. If only Jimmy could get his hands on some of the money his television show seems primed to rake it in after its stellar debut season. As the numbers continue to roll in for the “Breaking Bad” spinoff’s two-night premiere, the show continues to break ratings records.

It was announced last week that the premiere of “Better Call Saul” broke the cable series records for the key 18-49 demographic. Now, the 3-day digital time shifting viewing numbers – ratings for the premiere both live, online, and on DVR for the three days following the original airing – has revealed that the show also took the record in the 25-54 demographic as well, according to Deadline Hollywood. The Feb. 8 premiere drew a combined 9.8 million viewers with Live + 3 numbers – the 3-day digital time shifted numbers – exceeding those of the premiere for AMC's biggest show “The Walking Dead."

“Breaking Bad,” the mother show of “Better Call Saul,” famously started slow in the ratings. It's eventually gained momentum through Netflix binge watching and word of mouth, enough so to break cable finale records with its last episodes in 2013. “Better Call Saul” seems to be ahead of the game. It's loyal “Breaking Bad” fan base and a strategic “Walking Dead” lead-in for the premiere has the show riding high straight out of the gate.

If critical acclaim is any indication, “Better Call Saul” just may have the staying power to hold on to the majority of its massive debut audience. Will the show end up being more successful than its predecessor? Only time will tell.

Will “Better Call Saul” be more successful than “Breaking Bad?” Tweet your thoughts to @Ja9GarofaloTV.

"Better Call Saul" airs Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on AMC.