Bryan Cranston’s Return in the Malcolm in the Middle Reboot: What to Watch in the Meantime
Bryan Cranston is set to make a highly anticipated return to television with the Malcolm in the Middle reboot. The revival, confirmed for Disney+, promises to bring back beloved characters, including Cranston as Hal, Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, and Jane Kaczmarek as Lois. This new series will consist of four episodes centered around Hal and Lois insistently trying to get Malcolm to attend their 40th wedding anniversary celebrations, accompanied by his daughter.
While the reboot is still in development and release dates are pending, fans can indulge in a variety of classic television shows featuring Cranston. Beyond the seven seasons of the original Malcolm in the Middle, viewers can catch Cranston’s diverse performances in iconic roles such as Tim Whatley in Seinfeld, Vince Lonigan in Sneaky Pete, and Michael Desiato in Your Honor. However, if there’s one role that truly defines Cranston’s monumental impact on television, it’s his performance in Breaking Bad.
Why Breaking Bad is Considered One of the Greatest TV Shows & Where to Watch It
The Impact of Breaking Bad on Modern Television
Shortly after wrapping up Malcolm in the Middle, Cranston embraced a completely different character in Breaking Bad. Created by Vince Gilligan, this highly praised series follows Walter White, a modest husband and father turned meth manufacturer after being diagnosed with cancer. Faced with insurmountable medical bills, Walt teams up with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, to turn to the drug trade in a desperate bid for financial security.
If you enjoy Breaking Bad, don’t miss its critically acclaimed spin-off, Better Call Saul, which is also available on Netflix. This series serves as a perfect companion piece to the original show.
Currently, all five seasons of Breaking Bad are streaming on Netflix, making it an ideal choice for fans awaiting the Malcolm in the Middle revival. More than just a captivating drama, Breaking Bad fundamentally transformed television storytelling, eschewing the traditional status quo in favor of a narrative steeped in change and character development. Cranston’s transformation from a meek chemistry teacher to a terrifying drug kingpin showcases one of the most astonishing character arcs in television history.
Breaking Bad: A Transformative Role in Cranston’s Career
Cranston’s Evolution: From Comedy to Drama
Prior to Breaking Bad, Cranston developed a reputation for his comedic talents as Hal. However, the darker themes and complex storytelling in Breaking Bad elevated his profile significantly. While Malcolm in the Middle showcased his comedic genius, it didn’t fully exploit his dramatic abilities. The character of Hal remained relatively static throughout the show, whereas Walter White underwent a profound transformation throughout the series, evolving from a sympathetic character into a morally corrupt figure.
Cranston’s portrayal of Walt allowed him to explore a vast emotional range and engage in a rich storytelling experience across all 62 episodes, revealing how he devolved from an everyday man into a hardened criminal. This opportunity to showcase his dramatic chops set a new standard for his career and solidified his legacy as one of the finest actors of his generation.
Returning to Roots: Cranston’s Shift Back to Comedy
A Unique Transition: From Walter White Back to Hal
After seven seasons as Hal, shifting to the chilling role of Walter White required a significant adjustment for both Cranston and the audience. Going from a humorous suburban father to a villainous figure marked a surprising crossroads in his career. This drastic change has been noted as one of the most profound transformations in recent television history. Now, as he resumes the role of Hal in the upcoming reboot, fans can anticipate a curious reversal of this transformation.
Interestingly, Walter White’s character began with relatable traits, bearing similarities to Hal; yet, as the series progressed, he morphed into a terrifying narcissistic criminal. When Malcolm in the Middle makes its comeback, viewers will witness Cranston navigating the transition from a hardened criminal back to the lighthearted role he first mastered.
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