<P> Better Call Saul is an American television crime drama series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould . It is a spin - off prequel of Gilligan's prior series Breaking Bad . Set in 2002, Better Call Saul follows the story of small - time lawyer James Morgan "Jimmy" McGill (Bob Odenkirk), six years before his appearance on Breaking Bad as Saul Goodman; events after the original series are briefly explored as well . </P> <P> The first season, which premiered on AMC on February 8, 2015, consists of 10 episodes . The show's 10 - episode second season premiered on February 15, 2016 . The series was renewed for a 10 - episode third season, which premiered April 10, 2017 . On June 27, 2017, the series was renewed by AMC for a 10 - episode fourth season to air in 2018 . </P> <P> Like its predecessor, Better Call Saul has received critical acclaim, particularly for its acting, writing, and directing with many critics calling it a worthy successor to Breaking Bad . It has garnered several nominations, including 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, seven Writers Guild of America Awards, five Critics' Choice Television Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Golden Globe Awards . The series premiere held the record for the highest - rated scripted series premiere in basic cable history at the time of its airing . </P> <P> In July 2012, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan hinted at a possible spin - off about Saul Goodman . In a July 2012 interview, Gilligan said he liked "the idea of a lawyer show in which the main lawyer will do anything it takes to stay out of a court of law", including settling on the courthouse steps . </P>

What came first better call saul or breaking bad