Bryan Cranston reacts to 'Breaking Bad' being named best TV show of 21st century

Bryan Cranston reacts to 'Breaking Bad' topping 'The New York Times’ list of best TV shows of 21st century

Bryan Cranston has reacted to Breaking Bad being named the number one television show of the 21st century by The New York Times, describing the recognition as a source of pride for everyone involved in the series.

The actor, 70, discussed the ranking in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE after the AMC drama topped the newspaper’s list of the 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century.

“I’m exceedingly proud of that,” Cranston said.

“That’s something that’s voted on. That’s bestowed upon us as the collective who had something to do with that show,” he added.

Breaking Bad ran for five seasons between January 2008 and September 2013. The series followed Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who begins manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with his former student Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, after receiving a diagnosis of stage-three lung cancer.

The cast also included Anna Gunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Bob Odenkirk, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte and Jonathan Banks.

The show received 16 Emmy Awards during its run. Cranston won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series four times, while Paul received three awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Gunn won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series twice.

The series also expanded into a wider franchise, with Better Call Saul focusing on Odenkirk’s character and the film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie continuing Jesse Pinkman’s story. 

The New York Times compiled its ranking using votes from 516 television industry professionals, including actors, writers, showrunners and producers. Only programmes that premiered on or after 1 January 2000 were eligible.

Following Breaking Bad, The Wire ranked second, Mad Men placed third, Succession came fourth and Fleabag completed the top five.