Do What You're Gonna Do: The Definitive Oral History of Breaking Bad – Dean Norris's Insider Account of Breaking Bad on Its 20th Anniversary with Never-Before-Heard Stories

by Dean Norris

Packed with never-before-heard stories and exclusive interviews with the cast, crew, producers, writers, directors, and creators, star Dean Norris—aka DEA Hank Schrader and Walter White’s brother-in-law—shares a definitive insider account of the iconic TV show Breaking Bad.

The story of Walter White, a timid, cancer-stricken chemistry teacher who becomes “the one who knocks” when he decides to cook meth to provide for his family captivated tens of millions of people, breaking viewership records and scoring numerous awards.

Now, in time for Breaking Bad’s twentieth anniversary, Do What You’re Gonna Do is the definitive insider’s look at what is widely regarded as one of the landmark dramas in television history. In a book that is part memoir and part oral history, Dean Norris—who portrayed one of the show’s most popular and pivotal characters, DEA agent Hank Schrader—gives fans a backstage tour featuring interviews and insight from cast and crew, never-before-heard secrets, and intimate and hilarious stories from on-set. Norris reveals what it was like to audition for and join an unknown show at a fledgling AMC; to work with costars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito, and showrunners Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan; and to watch the series take on a life of its own in the cultural zeitgeist, as one of the most-bingeable shows in TV history.

Essential reading for any Breaking Bad fan, Do What You’re Gonna Do captures the spirit, camaraderie, and yes, the chemistry that made it a hit with critics and fans alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 17, 2026

Reviews

[Holden Wunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waaalllltttteeerrr (insert Michael’s tone here).

I recall the very first time I watched Breaking Bad, it was as the LAST season was airing. I know, how rude of me to get all that goodness in a binge. But I still did get to experience the true torture of weekly waiting for the last season to come out. I have now seen BB and Better Call Saul way too many times to count, seriously, an embarrassing amount of times that I refuse to disclose here. So, you can say I’m a fan.

I truly cannot imagine what reason anyone would read this outside of the fandom, because this one truly is for the fans. It does an interesting thing that many people wish from an actor or celebrities memoir as it focuses on the series they are known for instead. Sure, books like Matthew Perry’s and Jeanette McCurdy’s memoirs are intimately connected to the shows that they garnered fame from, but largely centers them as people. This book does the opposite, which is why you don’t see Dean Norris (Hank) on the cover but the Breaking Bad smoke screen that we all know and love so dearly.

While the forefront of this book is Dean Norris’ experiences, they are formed in and around Breaking Bad. He highlights getting his role, shaping it and the experience of being on set. We get insights to him sure, but tied to the series. Which is exactly what we all want, a day in the life of the best show! There are so many fun insights and stories and deep diving into the show and fandoms that I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t enjoy this if they are a ride or die for Walter White.

It was a blast and they knew exactly what they were doing with this release. Now go read it….bitch.

[Emily Orth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw this book was coming out. Breaking Bad was the show that really brought me and my dad together, and it’s definitely one of those shows that you never forget about, especially if you’re like me and have rewatched it quite a few times. It quite literally rewired my brain when I first watched it in my freshman year of highschool. From something as ridiculous of not being able to look at a chemistry teacher without thinking of Walter White to seriously understanding the severe outcomes of the American healthcare system, this show highlighted how uniquely but simply human we all are, trying to survive.

Dean Norris’ history of the show was amazing. While he gives his iconic perspective of his character Hank: a dickhead DEA agent, he makes sure to give both the actors and therefore also their characters a chance to bring their own experiences, to share what ultimately shaped the show. There are many things I didn’t know about the show before I read this, or theories I had never thought of, so this book made me feel like I was watching the show for the first time in an entirely new light and context, bringing me back to Vince Gilligan’s intense ethical dilemma of how far someone could continue to root for Walter White, even as he becomes closer to who we know as Heisenberg. Anyone who has watched the show would love this book, and as Jesse Pinkman would say “this is art biatch!”

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a digital ARC!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Norris takes us on a journey through the history of Breaking Bad in a way that will make you appreciate the show all over again, including interviews with the cast, writers, directors, and crew. Starting with his audition, he walks us through the uphill battle Vince Gilligan undertook in getting the show a life at a network. From there, we follow along through each season, and hear directly from cast and crew members about key episodes and plotlines. Along the way, he shares a behind-the-scenes look at the genius storytelling, incredible visuals, and all the little details that went into developing and creating this masterpiece of television history. Packed full of stories and facts, it's a must-read for fans of the show. Now, I'm off to watch this whole thing again, with new a whole new appreciation for everyone involved!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy.

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ecstatic to see this book was coming out. I am a die hard Breaking Bad universe fan. The entire thing leaves you with a twist in your gut that never goes away. But for the first time after all these years, this book satisfied something deep within me. It’s a revisiting of the Breaking Bad world from the inside - the actors, creators, etc. In between quotes from actors, directors, and crew it reads as a book of Breaking Bad, taking us back through the most impactful scenes as if we’re watching them on screen again. There are little fun factoids throughout and even some rumors cleared up. This book truly completes what is the greatest series (and prequel and movie) of all time. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Bad is considered one of the best shows in television history. It owns second place in my personal list, barely losing first place to The Shield.

This book was so informative. They follow the show from idea to finale. Packed full of interviews from the major actors and cast, it was a delight to read.

I loved it. I found myself looking forward to even a few minutes available to read a little more. The book is so full of "behind-the-scenes" tidbits, that you can't wait to dive back in. It also made me want to rewatch the show!

If you are a fan of the show, you will love this read! If you have never saw the show - WATCH IT! Then pick up a copy of this book!

I enjoyed both the show and this book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a GREAT book and has me ready for a Breaking Bad rewatch. If you’re one of the millions of people who loved Breaking Bad, you’ll love learning about the behind-the-scenes of what it took to bring the show to life. So many fun, interesting details from people who genuinely seemed to love being a part of this. I’d absolutely recommend this for a fan of BB. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Bethany Lozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Netgalley for this ARC, and to Dean Norris for the hard work on this extensive history. I love BB as any true TV/cinephile, and this will satisfy any lingering curiosity about the show’s origins, production and ongoing popularity. The interviews are worth it for the read alone.