How Bryan Cranston Went From Playing Hal Wilkerson To Walter White | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

[@AJ-hc5zo]

Always loved how positive Bryan is about Malcolm in the Middle. Hal is high art just like walter white.

[@corpsefoot758]

Even Shakespeare wrote endless characters who stumbled up from the kitchens just to randomly get hammered and joke about the Duke’s balls Art snobs seem to forget that sometimes

[@GameTesterBootCamp]

You're 100% right, but sadly Comedy will never been seen as "high art". One of the core tenants of comedy is lampooning and satire of "High Art", so by its very nature people want to seperate it. It's like a "Lock and Key". One is pointless without the other, but you wouldn't call the Key PART of a Lock.

[@metalbrock57]

Hal was the soul of that show. I think the writers realized that quickly as he became a much more centralized character on the show than most dads in children-focused family sitcoms

[@VenomClaws]

This is a great comment. He does embrace his former character. Hal was hilarious 😂

[@beckyp867]

Malcolm in the Middle is comedy gold. After watching it have to add it to my queue for another rewatch now.

[@samsummer8382]

Hal is the closest anyone has come to capturing classic Homer Simpson energy in a live action show. Epic performance

[@thebigbop5866]

Bryan Cranston was already considered untouchable by many, myself included just for his Hal role. Everyone I knew was in agreement he was one of the best characters ever. The fact he greatly eclipsed it with Whitenberg is astounding.

[@clutch7548]

Nah, they are way different, come on - I think it’s an insult to the uniqueness of both characters

[@samsummer8382]

@@clutch7548 read my comment properly. I never compared their personalities or characters. Come on my guy, think before you type

[@LouisRMichael]

Brilliantly true observation. Even that classic 'ahh!' He's the human version of a cartoon, like Conan says at the beginning

[@TheFronherr]

Finally! I always compare them and mostly nobody gets it

[@x-F850]

"Dewey, go easy on the orange juice, that stuff doesn't grow on... wait, it does! So why's it so damn expensive?" - Hall Wilkerson

[@radicallybean]

😂😂😂😂

[@oo0OAO0oo]

Just that made me laugh. 😂

[@davidmsirois]

favorite line in the whole series!! :)

[@austinysla6331]

I just watched that episode last night

[@-8l-924]

I haven’t seen the show in years but as I read that I can recall and picture his face and tone in that moment. such a good actor.

[@Undercoverbrotherfromanother]

Hal & Walter..... not too many actors today or yesterday would be able to pull it off. Bryan never fails to amaze. Thank you.

[@PeterSedesse]

Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber and the Newsroom is the only one i can think of... possibly Robin Williams in mork and mindy and dead poet society.

[@renslo689]

@@PeterSedesse Jim Carrey was pretty good in Number 23 compared to all his crazy antics haha

[@JaxLittles]

Kevin Spacey probably could have if he wasn't a creep

[@DerMoerpler]

@@renslo689 Why pick Number 23 when Truman Show is right there?

[@renslo689]

@@DerMoerpler because 23 is a really dark movie. Completely opposite to all his comedy stuff.

[@wayneivers732]

MITM is one of the greatest shows of all time. It smashes every sitcom trope going. The cast is perfect, there's never a dull moment and it works on all levels for adults and kids.

[@clutch7548]

I agree. I’ve been watching some Scrubs recently, it honestly has similar style and energy, with great writing and creativity

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

One of the only shows ive ever seen that depict lower class living so accurately

[@Dev-In-Denver123]

Yea but also this blade of grass outside my house is one of the greatest blades of grass of all time. It all depends on what you're into and personally I think Hannibal is one of the greatest shows of all time but you might disagree.

[@734wheeler5]

@@jujuonthatqueef5043 agree. Usually it’s half a million dollar houses and theirs was what most people go through

[@bobloblawlablabla]

Absolutely, Malcolm in the middle was so funny, I remember it as a kid, but I rewatched it when they ran it on Netflix and it was a while since a sitcom actually made me laugh, and Hal was definitely a big reason I laughed so hard during my rewatch 🤣

[@iw_legendary_sayain2215]

There’s one Hal moment that always stood out for me. The one where he’s in the boy’s room. He’s sitting there having a real fatherly moment while he’s caressing supposedly Malcom’s head which was a monster mask. And Reese’s head which was a balloon with a smiley face drawn over it. (I’m smirking like an idiot as I type this) Anyway he leans in to kiss Reese goodnight but the balloon explodes in his face causing him to freak out. All the while this wakes up Dewey, as he looks over to see the monster mask looking dead back at him. Dewey starts screaming which causes this domino effect of comedic writing. Which in turn causes Hal to scream even louder and more frantic 😂😂😂

[@modestokid420]

loved this. comment alone had me cracking up remembering the episode. hal & dewey interactions were hilarious. theres one i remember, cant remember the build up, i think deweys trying to hide a dog and hes sleeping outside the window, and he gets his face drawn on, and then hal asks what happened to his face and dewey asks what happened to his pants 💀💀

[@Norsilca]

Does any saint have a link?

[@iw_legendary_sayain2215]

@@Norsilca kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGPXoWStZt6ffqc

[@Norsilca]

@@iw_legendary_sayain2215 legendary indeed

[@robvangessel3766]

The "exploding head" and Hal's girlie screams: the first time I saw that scene, I almost needed 911 from laughing so hard. It took me several viewings before I could come close to containing myself.

[@MrWoonster]

It's really bizarre yet amazing how Bryan is able to change his facial expression and look like a completely different person altogether, almost as if a different aura is felt.

[@apaulosmith5653]

It's in the eyes, Heisenberg had dead eyes

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

Tatiana Maslany is maybe the best example of this face acting. She plays multiple characters at the same time on _Orphan Black_ and every character sounds different, moves different, and makes different faces.

[@mmm6325]

There are people out there who can simply do that. Ted Bundy was one of them. Just google his pictures and he looks like a different person on so many of them. He knew he can do that with his look and thats why he was incognito in broad daylight . Crazy stuff.

[@RobinsMusic]

@@apaulosmith5653 also his mouth, he expresses his mouth in a really distinctive mouth in breaking bad

[@nic8577]

@@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive she’s really a great actor. Unfortunate the hate she gets cause she hulk

[@sgt.yarpyarp144]

Probably one of the best examples of an actor with incredible range Hal and Walter are so totally different but extremely memorable characters

[@Anudorini-Talah]

Hal is the future traumatized version of WW after BB

[@Anudorini-Talah]

Or his family on BB abandoned him because cancer split them apart but the he got cured and found a new family in MITM 😂

[@manvirshergill1739]

This man cemented Walter White as the Greatest tv character of all time by giving us an amazing, spellbinding and a truly unforgettable performance. 4 Emmys for playing one Character Wow!!! Truly of one the greatest actors out there, Bravo Bryan 👏👏👏👏

[@TheRedStateBlue]

the greatest TV character of all time is Eric Cartman.

[@manvirshergill1739]

@@TheRedStateBlue good joke pal.

[@cleverusername9369]

Tyrion Lannister

[@vn5774]

​@@cleverusername9369 W.W. >>

[@ewoknroll]

So good even the grammys gave him one

[@buckbeaksgarden761]

Bryan Cranston is my favorite actor. He is incredibly talented and riveting.

[@TheOrlandoTrustfull]

Let's be honest, it's not difficult. Most actors are quite boring, and all they talk about is the "craft"

[@HeismanHerbo]

@@TheOrlandoTrustfull is that why you’re here listening to an actor talk about his craft?

[@HeismanHerbo]

@@TheOrlandoTrustfull and if you think playing a character like Walter White wouldn’t be difficult, then I need to know what flavor crayons you ate this morning

[@malayjoshi1098]

Same

[@b4rk_b4rk]

@@TheOrlandoTrustfull You should leave your cave.

[@eggsrsweet]

I really like that Conan pointed out the comedic aspect of BrBa. I feel like people forget how absolutely hilarious certain moments were in that show!

[@cpeduardo21]

Not really, what happens is everybody focus on Saul when talking about the comedy aspect of BB.

[@jnels2007]

The part i think is one of the funniest in Breaking Bad is when they get that giant magnet in the truck and it ends up tipping over because Walter never knows when to quit, it cracks me up every time!

[@rickDArula]

"Ahhhhh wire! " COPPER!

[@poisonapleproduction]

@@cpeduardo21 what? It’s super comedic even without saul. Mainly in the earlier seasons

[@andrew1983]

it's even labeled as a dark comedy, to be fair, it's satire and not everyone picks up on dark comedy it's supposed to be subtle and not slapstick

[@VandrefalkTV]

His performance as Hal, and his real life care for Frankie, is what makes me respect Bryan so much. Man, you're a true inspiration.

[@samueljose8408]

The fact that Malcolm has 15 years of uninterrupted broadcasting here in Mexico is no small thing, I could say without fear of being wrong that it is in the top three most successful series in this country, it literally shaped a generation.

[@emu_warrior]

Malcolm in the middle is one of the best comedies ever created. Just pure hilarity from start to end.

[@KassiusFineArt]

Absolutely true.

[@TVBAPPROVED]

?

[@Novastar6]

Very underrated but a top 5 sitcom for me

[@bYtealiEnSzen]

I don't watch anywhere near the unfathomable levels of multiple forms of entertainment that I once did, but this conversation is one I have been waiting to hear. No disappointment. Enjoyable conversation. Kudos, people.

[@braydynniewiadomski4006]

Have you found the truth of eternal life in Jesus yet?

[@bYtealiEnSzen]

@@braydynniewiadomski4006 Grow some balls and accept death!!! Lol. Baby wants to live forever. Ha!

[@xGuitarInFlamesx]

It's not just playing both roles. It's nailing them to perfection

[@JacobC479]

Hal’s speed walking episode is still one of the funniest TV episodes of the 2000s. Malcolm In The Middle was my favorite show for a long time, I miss the 2000s and the way the world was then.

[@playthroughcinema]

year the 2000s where everyone was sane and there weren't a billion snowflake politically correct whimpy kids infesting our planet, much better time.

[@tj3920]

I miss it too 😢

[@zwenkwiel816]

​@@playthroughcinemayeah comedy is kind of dead at this point. There's still some good stand up but as far as movies or TV shows go there's nothing....

[@lolololol-e7z]

im watching this as i watch speed walking on the olympics. what a fantastic episode

[@gfdia35]

Do you see that Dewey that's AIR lol 😂😂😂

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

Cranston is the best. One of my favorite things ever is Anthony Hopkins' fan-boy letter of appreciation for his sustained brilliance as Walter White.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

“Heavens gonna suck.” - Hal Funniest line in the whole show. Destroys me every time. The best thing about Hal was how much he loves his wife. It was just so refreshing.

[@Casonjia12]

Especially when live action TV was full of “hating the wife” tropes at the time.

[@gfdia35]

If you haven't seen it they did a Hal and Lois Newhart dream wake up spoof that was hilarious where hal wakes up and says his nightmare was the breaking bad stuff 😂😂😂

[@TristanHathaway]

My favorite line is "Women are like the wilderness: Mysterious....and full of wolves", but Hal is the best character for sure

[@ShrimplyPibblesJr]

I loved Hal and Tim Whatley long before BB. The elevator synopsis I heard of BB was “the dad from Malcolm in the middle plays a chemistry teacher that discovers he has cancer and starts cooking meth to leave money behind.” One aspect of WW I found on rewatching is he was always difficult to work with and a very insecure narcissist. It’s why he taught a high school chemistry. He can’t deal with equals.

[@LadyhawksLairDotCom]

You're right. No matter what went down with Elliot and Gretchen, I'm sure WW's ego was a huge factor.

[@ryanmclark82]

Those aren’t matza balls😏😏

[@jameswitt645]

And the character Tim he played on "King of Queens" was great. The "Swim Neighbors" episode is one of my favorites of the show.

[@ShrimplyPibblesJr]

@@user-uv9yj6iy7n I think you mean “initialism”. Acronyms spell a word. Super heroes also have alliterative names.

[@thelonewolf8333]

Malcolm in the Middle is a masterpiece. The writing is genius! I watched it as a kid when it aired and loved it. But now rewatching it as an adult, there’s more layers to the humour and you understand the hidden jokes. I laugh even more watching it now. Genius acting, writing and directing. Credit to Bryan, absolute legend!

[@thedarkknight2221]

He truly is one of the greatest and most versatile actors of all time.

[@kevinryan5077]

100% going into breaking bad he was always Hal from Malcolm in the middle and just turned into Walter White/Heisenberg is just amazing just hands down best acting in television since The sopranos.

[@stevenkidd6761]

Watch the alternate MTM ending to BB 🤣

[@realcoleworld]

Crazy that breaking bad finished ten years ago but it still feels like it’s talked about just as much now as it was back then.

[@CaptainFracture]

It honestly feels like its been longer than that tbh, felt like breaking bad was 20 years ago

[@Anudorini-Talah]

Only 10 years? It feels like 20 because it’s nonstop being talked about

[@Anudorini-Talah]

@@CaptainFracture Bro Same 😂

[@Ahiru77]

Breaking Bad is a timeless series, no doubt. And it's always top 3 all time with TV-critics. But I believe the main reason it's still being talked about is because Better Call Saul is a favorite with the TV critics these days. But for the rest of the world, instead of BCS actually hooking people on it's own, it just makes people go back to Breaking Bad.

[@markozbunjol625]

x-files also talked to this day, the sopranos also. Thats why this series is all time great with breaking bad. Ah, memories

[@dpeters9897]

I maintain that Conan is the best interviewer of our time. So clever, so funny, so quick, so curious...but always willing to let the interviewee shine as bright (or as dim) as they can. He can carry anyone, but truly interesting folks really cut-through when Conan is involved.

[@NickMK]

Not only is this guy one of the best and most versatile actors of our generation (from being hilarious comically, to bringing one of the best lead dramatic performances we have seen on television) but he also seems from all I have heard like an all around great person. Protect this man

[@ezpzyogi]

I absolutely loved the clip they made where Bryan wakes up as Hal in Malcom in the Middle & talks about having a dream where he was Walter White.

[@vanivari359]

That guy in Malcom vs the same guy in Breaking Bad and a couple other roles convinced me that he is one of the greatest actors of all time.

[@definitelynosebreather]

Conan is always so genuinely amused and happy when he's with Bryan

[@samrunsads]

Love seeing Conan like this, just as funny as on late night, but more introspective and truly thoughtful.

[@mathiasjameson9574]

Bryan’s physical comedy in Malcolm in the middle is unmatched ! Goated

[@GeomancerHT]

Jim Carrey vibes when running away after stealing the bag at the store!

[@talariswatts-el9196]

Great interview. His ability to go from Hal to Walter White is the most legendary thing since Michael Keaton going from Beetlejuice to Batman.

[@Jakeyisdead]

Me and my partner (both 22) started watching Malcom for the first time about a month ago we watch it every night and I haven't seen a show where there isn't a single weak link when it comes to comedy every character is a joy to watch but Hal often steals the show and its amazing.

[@stillhere1425]

I met Bryan when he and a business partner were opening an indie movie theater in Palm Desert. He absolutely exudes warmth and charm that isn’t the least condescending or fake. I am so glad he’s found the success he deserves.

[@golach420]

Bryan is always hilarious. Someone you wouldn't mind being stuck in an elevator with.

[@Glurbschnurb]

Unless you saw a lily of the valley in the lobby missing some petals..

[@michaelreardon303]

Or a Safe Room at Ed’s

[@HafidzMurshidie]

Bryan can be someone who you don’t mind being stuck in an elevator with, and he can also be the last last last last person who you don’t want to be stuck in the elevator with..

[@Legba85]

I wouldn’t bother the guy. He’s too nice to annoy.

[@rafaelpaun1907]

Bryan’s performance as Walter white is one of the best performances on television we will ever see in our lifetimes.

[@YallaGoetheTV]

Why

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Walter White* - first and last names are capitalized. How hard is it to hit the shift button for two consecutive words?!

[@rafaelpaun1907]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 why do you care? lol

[@Notimp0rtant523]

What I love about watching Bryan Cranston work in an interview is that he shows off his truly world class comedic ability. I don’t know if the world will ever truly grasp the true reach of Bryan’s skills. What a pleasure it has been to exist during the same period of time.

[@verbalfonders]

Hal is the great sitcom dad of all time and he wouldn’t be the same played by anyone else except Bryan.

[@joemckim1183]

Say my name

[@curbfeld9558]

He & Frank Costanza are my two favourite TV dad's.

[@DiscordianDisciple27]

One of my favorite Hal moments was when he was adding extra sugar and maple syrup to everything Lois ate during her pregnancy. Then adding Dewey into the mix where he was telepathically communicating with the unborn baby

[@raydiaz2772]

Mine was when got in trouble and bribed Malcom to take the heat "you're a good son!"

[@zzboah]

his enthusiasm was always so respectable. any role he does he brings so much life and energy to.

[@payableondeath7]

I love what Bryan said about a part coming back to you when someone asks you about it or if you end up returning to it. There's a great show on Disney+ called Prop Culture that looks at props of movies from yesteryear, and one episode includes Christopher Lloyd getting to see his costume from Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and he ends up putting it on again and he's right back in to the character, even though it was nearly 40 years ago he was right back in, it's incredible. Highly recommend watching that show, especially if you grew up on 80s and 90s movies.

[@bernlin2000]

Utterly adore this man, he makes acting and being a decent person seem so effortless, and yet he works like hell at it. Great interview 👏

[@smokejc]

8:58 I've been rewatching Breaking Bad and I feel the same way. It's like it seems impossible that a certain twist could ever happen, but then events suddenly lead things that way in a very organic way that never seems forced.

[@jaywilliams1653]

Sona laughing at Bryan busting Conan’s chops is the the happiest laugh I’ve ever heard.

[@ComeSeeWithMe]

I know, right! I rewatched her laughing 5 times in a row and it made me crack up each time myself. 😂

[@NicholasSouris]

Can I thank Conan for saying to Bryan Cranston what we all want to say...thank you. Thank you for all the great performances. Compliments well deserved.

[@EightPieceBox]

As soon as I heard Bryan Cranston was going to star in Breaking Bad, I was so excited for that show. It delivered beyond my wildest expectations. Starting Walter out in his tighty whities I always assumed was a nod to Hal.

[@russ99a]

Bryan was totally channeling his inner Hal in the pilot episode of Breaking Bad.

[@jswaggart01]

Definitely a nod to Hal, was it deliberate? I wonder…

[@christianaguilar7201]

Since we know they have cameras set up in the studio, it would be so cool for Conan and team to upload the full video podcast on KZbin! I love listening to the podcast on Apple podcast, however seeing the guests and hosts is always a fun treat!

[@michaeltrujillo9092]

Bryan is such a kind man, true gentleman.

[@PeterSedesse]

I still think 'Hal' made the first season of breaking bad even better because we all started out seeing him as kinda that character which made the transformation even more stunning.

[@HiramMaxem]

Who wouldn't want to see Bryan and Conan start in a Buddy Movie together? Their timing and improv is MASTERFUL!

[@EJOffor]

10:50 that is the best part, just rewatched for the 4th time a few months ago.. you know what’s going to happen and yet the emotions are still just as palpable because of how amazing the writing is. A true 10/10.

[@Spoggi99YT]

What a terrific actor, definitely cemented himself as one of the best actors to ever do it. Bryan Cranston and James Gandolfini (may he rest in peace) are my all-time-favorites - few could deliver performances like these too!

[@Krambiom]

Malcolm in the Middle was so underrated. I’m watching it on Hulu rn and it’s hilarious.

[@elimcfly350]

I just got done rewatching Breaking Bad. I was still glued to my screen even though I know what ultimately happens. Great show. Time to rewatch Malcolm in the Middle.

[@justanotherdave7117]

Hal is unquestionably in my top 5 characters of all time, such an amazing job by Bryan

[@middleeastbeast81]

U can tell Conan is a writer with how he never forgets to give them credit and not just give it all to the actor

[@mohamedearly]

The amount of joy and laughter MITM brought my childhood is insane. I still put it on reruns to this day. You can watch the same episode 100 times and it’s never dull.❤ I still catch new jokes I never got before to this day.

[@sirfrancois8888]

I was pretty young, about Malcolm's age maybe younger, when the show was out and I watched it religiously, all my friends at school had a favorite kid and whenever anyone asked me my favorite character it was hal all the way lol. Now I'm watching the show with my kids and still I maintain he's the best, all thanks to Cranston. Legend.

[@sirfrancois8888]

Oh and side note, I totally relate to hal on so many levels as a father and husband it's kinda bad lolol

[@super80sgamer]

This man is one of the greats. Hal was such as amazing character but to then do breaking bad, it’s just on another level! I’ve seen breaking bad 3 times now and like Conan said, you watch is again and still surprised what happens, even though you know what happens.

[@nixdraufable]

These full of life performances in Malcolm in the middle have been brilliant to see. So much energy, just inspiring. And quite a brave approach for an actor, considering the risk of getting reduced to that special character. Making typical human flaws lovable is a quality thats far beyond laughing at someone. When you see something that exaggerated and still come to the point where you think, "yeah, there´s a little Hal in each of us", cause you gotta like this character, its not only superfunny, its delivering on many layers and provides an unspoken friendly comment on human nature and the ways you might look at it. Giving that complexity to it, combined with a very unique kind of acting and sweating out he had fun to do it in every minute, makes it outstanding for me and a joy to watch.

[@andrewstephens5885]

Beautifully said insight!

[@pab1381]

Bryan is great in everything he does but I think his performance as Vince in “Sneaky Pete” was phenomenal. The “Break it you buy it” speech he gives is sooo good.

[@TheCJD89]

Definitely one of my favourite actors ever! Supremely talented, charismatic and quite witty too!

[@oo0OAO0oo]

I just loved Malcom in the Middle as a Child and it still cracks me up at moments. It is a pleasure to watch.

[@TDHSFV]

Me too. Him talking about it is nostalgic.

[@tennesseeheckler3014]

I loved Malcolm in the Middle when I was a kid. Watched it again as an adult and loved it even more. Bryan nailed that role.

[@a2g484]

To have my favourite comedic performers in a show together. Conan and Bryan are just such naturally funny people. Its amazing I got to see this!

[@bradley163]

Well, now I have to rewatch Breaking Bad in its entirety for the 10th time.

[@farhanisred]

Just finished my 3rd iteration a few days ago

[@vdoggydogg3922]

I wish I could go back and watch not knowing a thing

[@mollyc4549]

I've re-watched it four times now and it really doesn't get old. Best show ever

[@breathlessinbedvlogs]

Just did this. Onto Malcom now

[@macmadnes5262]

Have you watched Better Call Saul yet?

[@GideonPotgieter-pk1hr]

one of the most entertaining interviews I have seen in a long time. Was so funny Bryan and Conan just makes the interview a masterpiece.

[@tokyosan7906]

Cranston was funny as a crazy neighbor in King of Queens for a few episodes too back in day. I think that was before breaking bad but maybe around the same time. Malcolm in Middle is actually still good today - pretty good when a sitcom stands the test of time. A lot of em don't.

[@nickblum1016]

This format is the best...long talk... One guest... Go "team coco"

[@Ch3fdadda]

I remember Bryan Cranston receiving a compliment from Sir Anthony Hopkins for his performance in BB and it stuck with me because it describes the series wonderfully. I can’t quote it perfectly, but it was along the lines of “I loved the role so much because it’s the best modern interpretation of a Greek tragedy,” SAH.

[@kevedwards]

I recently rewatched BB for about the 5th time and it still blows me away how much happens in such short a series, that kind of character development on only 5 seasons is phenomenal.

[@rakuencallisto]

Indeed. The show is about chemistry, after all. The science of change. Every character goes through a traumatic change in themselves and their character throughout the series.

[@celebrationsbridal]

Don't forget Tim Whatley. Whately to Hal to Walter White is the best career character progression of all time.

[@jameswitt645]

And don't forget about Tim Sacksky on "King of Queens." The "Swim Neighbors" episode is one of my favorites of the series.

[@Stoic_Poet]

@@jameswitt645 bro yes!!!

[@captaincrispy2184]

I am pleasantly surprised how deep and appreciative Conan talks here. I'm German and therefore don't necessarily watch a lot of Late Night With Conan O'Brien, but in the show, Conan seems to have a tighter script and a lot less time, leading to often superficial and "sensational" conversations. I adore how slow and unpretentious this dialogue is.

[@ChrisMaxCisneros]

I love Conan as a Host on a Podcast. Best decision he ever made.

[@saudalfaris9588]

Agreed!

[@seamslatasha3598]

Hal was my most fav tv Dad. He is the reason I watched Malcolm in the middle. At the time there really wasn’t any character similar in tv and it was a family show. He was silly but he was so loving and conveyed real humility that you just never saw in a father figure.

[@sketchnstorm]

One of my favorite Hal moments is when he goes for a job interview and they do a bunch of tests on him. But he's unsure of the job and goes back the next day to decline and the whole building is gone.

[@cb4sn134]

The humbleness and respect that Conan has for his guests is incredible

[@Badgermilk-zc2wy]

Bryan has to be one of the most underrated actors in history. He absolutely slays his roles, and deserves every accolade. Walter White is one of the best acted characters of all time.

[@jeremiahquinn2071]

This is just delightful. A lovely conversation and a happy, insightful moment in time between two masters of their craft.

[@cognitivedisruption5375]

I will forever love him in Malcolm In The Middle. I’m so glad that Bryan seems like such a nice and humble guy.

[@bobbarron6969]

Two really bright and funny men having a conversation - what a treat.

[@sandhanitizer15]

Malcolm in the Middle needs to come back to Netflix. They always take off the shows worth watching and we get stuck with Netflix originals that I will never, ever watch.

[@zcskizombiesr.5509]

As an actor I find myself so inspired and a bit envious of Bryan. He’s so incredible.

[@sikliztailbunch]

7:38 I think, the reason why the first episode of BB got me instantly hooked was exactly because it foreshadowed this extreme character arc. It was obvious from the start and made me super curious and excited about how Bryan Cranston would pull that transformation off. Going basicly from Hal to Scarface withtin a few seasons. Best thing ever!

[@JamesDziezynski]

The speedwalking episode of MTM was one of the rare times I found myself literally laughing out loud at a television show.

[@MattiusWhite]

I rewatched all of Malcom over the last few years, and it still holds up very well. Cranston is just so damn good in everything.

[@zbeebs]

"How long has it been?" / "I dunno" - right after Bryan goes on about the importance of writers, and he just drops that off the cuff. I don't disagree with him, writers don't get nearly the credit they deserve, but being able to drop a joke like that with perfect timing is utterly amazing and talent you cannot dismiss.

[@lbabytutorials4852]

Memorizing lines and being to act with a huge room of people with a lot of pressure to do it right is SO HARD. The breaking bad cast is so talented everything feels so real. All there characters feel so “lived in”

[@andremar6586]

So well said by Conan, his performance in Malcom in the middle is outstanding. Like a realistic Homer.

[@taylorbrooke2377]

Malcom In The Middle is where I was first introduced to Bryan Cranston and WOW! I just love him sooooo much!! I watched the show as a kid when it first came out and then watched it again as an adult and it is HILARIOUS!! I love this man so much!!!! 😂 pure gold!!!

[@LycanLink]

Something I always loved about Breaking Bad, but I've never been completely sure was intentional, was that Walter always seemed like he was putting on a facade, because he knew that was the only way he could survive in this business. I always felt like there were flecks of "I don't belong in this lifestyle" peeking through the cracks of every performance he gave in that show as Heisenberg. I dunno if I'm imagining it, or if Bryan is just that damn good.

[@KC_604]

I’m so late Conan I used to watch you late night after Leno back back when I was in high school in 98-03 and I’m just finding the channel I can’t tell you how happy I am your still kicking ass on the air

[@cademosley4886]

The character of Hal was a key part of the DNA of Walter's early character I think, because WW was driven above all by humiliation and shame, and Hal was self-humiliation personified. If viewers had that in mind when they saw him, it'd make that turn, where WW starts flipping his shame into anger and power-lust, cut that much harder. I think that was why Vince thought of him.

[@blaiseanddestroy]

I just rewatched the whole series last fall. The show was even better as an adult than it was as a child

[@Cutiebears_420]

Hal will always , be my favorite character. Bryan Cranston played. 😆🤣😂

[@realguy115]

Bryan Cranston is just such a delight to watch with anything! Even this podcast had me cheesing from cheek to cheek

[@quietastronaut]

Malcolm in the Middle remains the funniest show I've ever seen, even now that I'm an adult. The entire cast is unmatched.

[@arunthomas5089]

So true. I can watch the Malcom compilations for hours. It's so good.

[@tiny99990]

Hal was always my favorite in Malcolm in the Middle, and its what made me watch Breaking Bad, because I hadn't seen him in anything since Malcolm, and I just was blown away with just how well he did as Walter White, he has the range to rival even Robin Williams, which is saying a lot, I cannot think of greater examples of individuals with such a range

[@wildwoodandonyx]

Watched Malcolm in the Middle as it aired, somewhat faithfully, back when my oldest son was about 5 y/o. I’ve been binging the show lately and have laughed so hard that I cried. Conan is right on the money about physical comedy and the fact that Bryan is one of greats. And you can tell as that series progressed, the boys’ performances became just as good. They were learning from a master…