‘Breaking Bad’ enshrined in TV history at the Smithsonian

Introduction The cast and crew of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on Tuesday night to donate props, costumes and other items from the show. Click through the gallery for photos and videos of the event. (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Heisenberg Hat When wearing this black hat, Walter White transformed into his drug-dealing alter ego Heisenberg to deliver some of TV’s coldest lines from “say my name” to “I am the one who knocks!” (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Meth Cooking Suits These yellow Tyvek suits and Super Lab gas masks were worn by both Walt and Jesse during their meth-cooking ventures. (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Saul Goodman This advertisement and matchbox salute Bob Odenkirk’s tricky lawyer Saul Goodman, who garnered his own spinoff show fittingly called “Better Call Saul.” (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Los Pollos Hermanos The show’s infamous chicken restaurant, Los Pollos Hermanos, served as a front for Gus Fring’s drug dealings. (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Crystal Meth Who knew that crystal meth would make its way into the American History Museum? Often called “blue” in the show, it’s the dangerous drug that makes Walter White a ton of money, yet ruins his family — and his soul — by the end. (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Hank & Marie Hank and Marie were Walt and Skyler’s best friends, so it only stands to reason that the Smithsonian would induct their props as well, including Hank’s D.E.A. badge and Marie’s wine opener in her favorite color: purple. (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Dean Norris Dean Norris, who played D.E.A. agent Hank, poses with his character’s props.   (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
Walter Jr. RJ Mitte, who played Cranston’s neglected son Walter Jr., speaks with the press about the show’s significance. (WTOP/Jason Fraley)
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April 25, 2024 | (Jason Fraley)
April 25, 2024 | (Jason Fraley)
Jason Fraley

Hailed by The Washington Post for “his savantlike ability to name every Best Picture winner in history," Jason Fraley began at WTOP as Morning Drive Writer in 2008, film critic in 2011 and Entertainment Editor in 2014, providing daily arts coverage on-air and online.

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