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Entertainment • TV Character

Saul Goodman

Saul Goodman is a fictional criminal-defense lawyer and con artist in the television franchise *Breaking Bad*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saul Goodman is a fictional criminal-defense lawyer and con artist in the television franchise *Breaking Bad*. The character is the alter ego of James Morgan “Jimmy” McGill and is portrayed by Bob Odenkirk in *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul*. He is a lawyer based in Albuquerque who operates at the edge of legality and is tied to the city’s criminal underworld.

Character overview

Saul Goodman is depicted as a flamboyant, morally flexible criminal-defense attorney and former scam artist. He becomes deeply involved with the methamphetamine trade through his work with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.

Appearances

The character first appeared in *Breaking Bad* and later became the protagonist of the prequel series *Better Call Saul*, which follows Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman.

Creation and naming

Saul Goodman was created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. The name is a wordplay on “it’s all good, man,” reinforcing the character’s image as a smooth-talking lawyer.

Role in the franchise

Within the story, Saul functions as both legal counsel and a facilitator for criminal activity, making him a bridge between the legal world and organized crime. His character became more prominent after his introduction and eventually anchored an entire spin-off series.

Key facts

  • Saul Goodman is a fictional character introduced in *Breaking Bad* and later the central figure of *Better Call Saul*.
  • He is a lawyer based in Albuquerque who operates at the edge of legality and is tied to the city’s criminal underworld.
  • In *Breaking Bad*, he serves as counsel and fixer for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
  • The character’s real name is James Morgan McGill, and Saul Goodman is a professional alias.
  • The name “Saul Goodman” is a pun on the phrase “it’s all good, man.”
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Canadian context

The character is part of a widely watched American television franchise that has been broadcast and streamed in Canada, making him familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Saul Goodman?
A fictional criminal-defense lawyer and con artist in the *Breaking Bad* universe, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk.
What is Saul Goodman’s real name?
His real name is James Morgan “Jimmy” McGill.
What shows does Saul Goodman appear in?
He appears in *Breaking Bad* and stars in the spin-off/prequel *Better Call Saul*.
What does Saul Goodman do in the story?
He serves as a lawyer and fixer for criminal clients, including Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
Who created Saul Goodman?
The character was created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Goodman
    Supports: First appearance, name pun, role in Breaking Bad, created for Walt and Jesse, Albuquerque setting.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Call_Saul
    Supports: Jimmy McGill transformation, role in Better Call Saul, prequel context.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Odenkirk
    Supports: Bob Odenkirk portrayal and franchise role.
  4. Wikidata — https://wikidata.org/wiki/Q7154377
    Supports: Character identity as fictional character in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.