Emmy Award-winning drama ‘Breaking Bad’ has been renewed for a fifth and final episode by AMC, Deadline is reporting. The cable network has confirmed that the season will include 16 episodes, and production will begin in early 2012. However, AMC President Charlie Collier has yet to announce when the season will air, and if all 16 episodes will run together, or be split into two mini-seasons.

‘Breaking Bad’s fourth and current season debuted on Sunday, July 18, to a series high. Household ratings are up 30 percent over the third season, and 45 percent more adults in the 18-34 age group are presently watching the series.

Collier has said that since “the day we heard (writer/producer/director) Vince Gilligan’s completely original vision for ‘Breaking Bad,’ it has been a complete joy to be involved with this show. Watching this story evolve into the complex, compelling and intense roller coaster ride that it has become has been an incredible creative experience for everyone at AMC.”

Of the network’s official announcement of the final season, Gilligan has said “This is a great gift to me and to my wonderful writers. It’s knowledge which will allow us to properly build our story to a satisfying conclusion.” He added that working on ‘Breaking Bad’ has been a dream job, and he’s grateful to both AMC and Sony Television, which produces the show.

Written by: Karen Benardello

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