Breaking Bad vs Game of Thrones: A Detailed Financial Comparison

When it comes to television series, few have captured the hearts and minds of audiences like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. Both shows have left an indelible mark on the industry, and their financial success is a testament to their popularity. In this article, we will delve into the financial aspects of both series, comparing their budgets, revenue, and overall profitability.

Production Budgets

Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, first aired in 2008 and ran for five seasons until 2013. The show’s budget varied throughout its run, but according to Variety, the average budget per episode was around $3.5 million. This included costs for actors, writers, directors, and production elements such as sets, costumes, and special effects.

Game of Thrones, on the other hand, is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels and was produced by HBO. The first season of Game of Thrones, which aired in 2011, had a budget of approximately $6 million per episode. This budget increased significantly over the years, with the final season’s budget reported to be around $10 million per episode.

Revenue

Breaking Bad’s revenue primarily came from its initial broadcast on AMC, as well as from syndication, streaming services, and home media sales. According to Deadline, the show generated around $1.2 billion in revenue over its five-season run. This figure includes advertising revenue, licensing fees, and merchandise sales.

Game of Thrones, however, has been a financial powerhouse for HBO. The series has generated an estimated $5.9 billion in revenue since its debut, making it the most profitable series in HBO’s history. This revenue is attributed to the show’s massive global audience, which has driven high subscription rates for HBO, as well as significant advertising revenue and licensing fees.

Merchandise and Spin-offs

Both Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones have seen substantial success in the merchandise and spin-off departments.

Breaking Bad has a vast array of merchandise, including apparel, collectibles, and even a video game. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show’s merchandise has generated over $500 million in sales.

Game of Thrones has an even more extensive merchandise line, with everything from action figures to board games. The show’s merchandise has generated an estimated $6 billion in sales, making it one of the most successful television series in terms of merchandise revenue.

Spin-offs

Breaking Bad has spawned two spin-offs: Better Call Saul and Better Call Saul: The Breaking Bad Movie. Better Call Saul, which focuses on the character of Jimmy McGill, has been a critical and commercial success, with an average budget of $4 million per episode. The show has generated around $1.5 billion in revenue since its debut in 2015.

Game of Thrones has also seen the development of spin-offs, with the most notable being House of the Dragon. The prequel series, which focuses on the Targaryen family, is expected to have a budget of around $10 million per episode. While the financial success of House of the Dragon is yet to be determined, it is poised to become another lucrative addition to the Game of Thrones franchise.

Conclusion

Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones have both been financial successes, with their budgets, revenue, and merchandise sales contributing to their profitability. While Breaking Bad had a lower budget and revenue compared to Game of Thrones, the latter’s massive global audience and extensive merchandise line have propelled it to the top of the financial ladder. As both series continue to generate revenue through streaming, syndication, and merchandise, their financial success is likely to endure for years to come.

Series	Initial Budget per Episode	Final Budget per Episode	Revenue
Breaking Bad	$3.5 million	$3.5 million	$1.2 billion
Game of Thrones	$6 million	$10 million	$5.9 billion