While the overarching theme of 'Breaking Bad' of a person making a radical life change into the drug trade out of desperation may be based on some real - life trends, the majority of the show is not. The show's writers have created a detailed and intricate world filled with unique characters and their own individual arcs. The high - stakes drama, the cat - and - mouse games with the law enforcement, and the development of the methamphetamine - making operation are all fictional constructs built on the very basic concept that was inspired by real - life situations.
Only a small portion of 'Breaking Bad' is directly based on a true story. Most of it is fictional. The core concept of a man in a desperate situation turning to drug - making is inspired by real - life situations, but the detailed plot, the characters' relationships, and the many intense and unique storylines are the creative work of the show's writers.