I am not much of a binge watcher of TV shows or series as I much prefer going to the cinema to watch a film. BUT.. when Breaking Bad aired on Jan 20, 2008 – I was totally hooked. From the storyline to all the amazing film locations and everything in between, every part of that show was awesome.
Breaking Bad was a very popular television series that ran from 2008 – 2013. Drama, crime, heartache, and violence are all key components of this series. It’s amazing to consider what someone is capable of when they know their days are numbered. At least in the fictional world. So where was Breaking Bad filmed? This popular location looks much like you see in the series. Before we jump into the storyline, let’s first find out about the Breaking Bad film locations.
Where Was Breaking Bad Filmed?
Breaking Bad was filmed mainly in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The show featured iconic locations like Walter White’s home and Saul Goodman’s law office. But it also featured more obscure spots around the city of Albuquerque that added to the drama of its story.
The majority of the interiors were shot at a studio in Santa Fe, while many exteriors were filmed in various parts of the city. Notable locations include the RV Park where Walter and Jesse cooked meth and El Pollo Loco Restaurant where they discussed their partnership, as well as numerous other locations throughout the city. Other filming locations included Los Lunas, New Mexico; Eagle Nest, New Mexico; and Silver City, New Mexico.
Full List of Breaking Bad Filming Locations
Here is a full list of Breaking Bad locations they filmed with their addresses. If you’re visiting New Mexico and want to see these locations, please be respectful of the properties and the owners of them.
- Tuco’s office: 906 Park Avenue SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Jesse Pinkman’s house: 322 16th Street Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Jesse Pinkman’s Apartment: Lead Ave. SE & Terrace St. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Gus Fring’s house: 1213 Jefferson Street Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Walter White’s House: 3828 Piermont Dr NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Los Pollos Hermanos: 4257 Isleta Boulevard Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Hank and Marie’s house: 4901 Cumbre Del Sur Court NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Laundry – Lab: 1617 de Candelaria Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Hector “Tio” Salamanca’s residence: Dalies Rd, Los Lunas, New Mexico
- Casa Tranquila – Hector Salamanca nursing home: 8820 Horizon Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Beneke Fabricators – Ted’s company: 2241 Phoenix Ave NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Ted Beneke residence: 200 16th Street Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Don Eladio’s Hacienda: 478 Highway 165, Placitas, New Mexico
- Los Pollos Hermanos Factory Farm: 9615 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- The Extractor’s pickup point: John B. Robert Dam, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Mike and his granddaughter exterior scene in the park: La Palomita Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Vamonos Pest Control company: 2016 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Entry/exit to DEA building: 400 Gold St. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Tuco’s Hideout: 224 Dalies Road, Los Lunas, New Mexico
- Exteriors-Car Wash: 9560 Snow Heights Circle NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Exteriors-Saul Goodman’s Office: 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Albuquerque Studios: 5650 University Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
What Was Breaking Bad All About?
Breaking Bad follows Walter White, a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who discovers he has terminal cancer and decides to turn to producing and selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family’s financial future before he dies.
Throughout the show, Walter navigates the criminal underworld of Albuquerque, making powerful enemies and unlikely allies along the way. The show also follows his former student and partner, Jesse Pinkman, as they both deal with the consequences of their actions.
Who Was In The Cast of Breaking Bad?
The cast of Breaking Bad include 5 main characters:
- Bryan Cranston (Walter White)
- Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman)
- Anna Gunn (Skyler White)
- Dean Norris (Hank Schrader)
- R.J. Mitte (Walter Jr.)
Other Breaking Bad cast members included Betsy Brandt, Bob Odenkirk, and Giancarlo Esposito.
The show also starred numerous other actors in recurring roles such as Jonathan Banks, Laura Fraser, Jesse Plemons, Steven Michael Quezada and Robert Forster.
Bryan Cranston actually wrote a really great book called A Life in Parts which is one of my Best Acting Books for Beginners.
In fact, Bryan Cranston is notoriously famous for being a great storyteller and a big of a prankster. Below is probably one of my favorite videos of Cranston answering questions from the audience at Comic-Con 2015. The audience member was asking Bryan Cranston if there was anything he liked while filming Breaking Bad in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Watch below which is now called the Bryan Cranston mic drop:
Who Directed Breaking Bad?
Breaking Bad was directed by many acclaimed directors including Michelle MacLaren, Adam Bernstein, Terry McDonough and Scott Winant. The show’s cinematography was handled by John Toll, Fred Murphy and Michael Slovis.
Vince Gilligan was the show’s executive producer. The show’s writing staff included Peter Gould, George Mastras, Tom Schnauz, Gennifer Hutchison, John Shiban, Sam Catlin and Moira Walley-Beckett.
Did Breaking Bad Receive Any Awards?
The series is acclaimed for its writing, acting, and direction, as well as its exploration of themes such as revenge, morality, family dynamics, mental illness, addiction and mortality.
Breaking Bad won numerous awards during its five-season run. The show won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series (2013) and Best Writing in a Drama Series (2011 and 2014). It also won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series—Drama (2012 and 2013).
Breaking Bad won numerous other awards, including the Peabody Award (2009), Writers Guild of America Award (2012) and seven Satellite Awards. It was also nominated for 137 Emmy Awards overall, making it the most-nominated show in television history.
It is widely considered one of the greatest television series of all time.
Technical Information
The cameras used in filming this series was the Arricam LT, ST and the Arriflex 435. Lenses used were the Cooke S4, Angenieux Optimo and Canon lenses.
Fun Facts About Breaking Bad
Walter White’s house that was used in the filming of Breaking Bad is a real house that was rented by the production team. The owners moved out during filming.
The Breaking Bad house became a tourist attraction much to the dismay of the owners who eventually had to install a 6-foot wrought, iron fence around the property to keep tourists out.
Anthony Hopkins was apparently a huge fan of the show and wrote Bryan Cranston fan letters.
Aaron Paul has had no formal acting training and has taken only two acting classes. Everything he learned was through trial and error.
R.J. Mitte (Walter, Jr.) has cerebral palsy in real life. His symptoms are not as severe as the character he played. He had to teach himself how to slur his speech and walk with crutches.
Can You Visit the Set of Breaking Bad?
Yes, you can visit the set of Breaking Bad! Many of the iconic locations from the series are now open for tourists to explore. Visitors can take a tour of Jesse Pinkman’s apartment, Gus Fring’s lab and other familiar locations from the show. Some of the tours also offer props and costumes from the show as souvenirs.
A full list of the Breaking Bad film locations are at the top of this post.
The set visits are a great way to experience Breaking Bad firsthand and relive some of your favorite scenes from the series. It’s also perfect for diehard fans looking to get a peek at the Breaking Bad behind-the-scenes (BTS) magic that went into creating the show.
Other TV Series Filming Locations
Here are a few other TV series that you may be interested in!
What is New Mexico Famous For?
New Mexico is famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and unique landscape. The state is known for its majestic mountains, vast deserts and sandy beaches. It has a variety of national parks and monuments that are perfect for camping, hiking and fishing.
It is also renowned for its vibrant Native American culture and history. It is home to many ancient ruins, including the Taos Pueblo, which is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. The state also has a number of popular festivals and celebrations that celebrate Native American culture and traditions.
Experience the delicious cuisine, which includes green chili enchiladas, carne adovada and posole. The state is also known for its craft beer, which can be found in many breweries throughout the state.
Unique Places in New Mexico
New Mexico is full of unique places to explore, from bustling cities to remote deserts. Here are a few to check out:
- Giant Roadrunner Statue, Las Cruces
- McGinn’s Pistachio Tree Ranch, Alamogordo
- Staircase in the Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe
- American International Rattlesnake Museum, Albuquerque
- The City of Roswell, home of the UFOs
- Kokopelli’s Cave, Farmington
Santa Fe is one of the most popular destinations in New Mexico and offers a variety of attractions such as art galleries, museums and historic sites. Visitors can also take part in outdoor activities like hiking, biking and skiing.
Taos is another popular destination that offers an array of activities such as skiing, hiking, rafting and horseback riding. The town also boasts a vibrant art scene with galleries and museums scattered throughout.
Best Things to Do in New Mexico
New Mexico offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of the best things I found for you to consider:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride, Albuquerque
- White Sands National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Visiting the local towns and cities is also a great way to experience New Mexico. From Santa Fe to Albuquerque, each town has its own unique culture, cuisine and attractions. Visitors can explore the area’s art galleries, museums and historic sites while enjoying some of the state’s delicious cuisines.
Finally, experiencing the state’s rich Native American culture is an absolute must-do when visiting New Mexico. Visitors can explore local pueblos to learn about their history and customs or take part in one of the many festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in the desert was Breaking Bad filmed?
Desert-based scenes in Breaking Bad were filmed in the To’hajiilee Indian Reservation, which is a part of the Navajo Nation. The reservation is west of Albuquerque and where much of the meth cooking action happens.
Is there a real Los Pollos Hermanos?
Los Pollos Hermanos is a fictional fast food restaurant chain specializing in chicken that was featured in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, New Mexico has a lot to offer tourists including some awesome Breaking Bad filming locations. The temperatures are pretty moderate between March and May. If you’re a fan of Indian culture, check out the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow that is held each year. It’s considered to be the biggest Pow Wow in the United States.
Have you ever been to New Mexico? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know by leaving a comment below.
