Better Call Saul, the critically acclaimed prequel to Breaking Bad, has drawn international attention for its compelling storytelling, morally complex characters, and cinematic finesse.
Given its popularity and its strong association with Netflix in many regions, it’s surprising to discover that the series isn’t available globally on the platform. The absence of Better Call Saul from certain Netflix libraries often raises questions among fans: why is a series of this caliber missing from their catalog?
The complexities of streaming rights
Streaming rights for TV shows are governed by contracts negotiated between content owners and streaming platforms. These agreements often vary by country, meaning the same show can be available on Netflix in one region but completely absent in another. Unlike Netflix Originals that are produced or fully owned by Netflix, Better Call Saul is primarily a product of AMC and Sony Pictures Television.
When a show is not created by Netflix itself, the company must secure distribution rights from the producers or distributors. These rights are typically sold based on region, and once sold to another network or platform in a given territory, Netflix cannot legally host the show there. This arrangement creates a patchwork of availability across the globe.
AMC’s original ownership
AMC is the original broadcaster of Better Call Saul in the United States, and its involvement plays a significant role in the show’s international distribution. AMC retains primary control over where and how the series is made available outside its own network. In some cases, AMC or Sony may have sold exclusive rights to other networks or platforms in regions where Netflix does not have a strong licensing foothold. For example, certain countries may have local broadcasters or streaming platforms that already hold the exclusive streaming or broadcast rights for the series, effectively locking Netflix out.
Netflix’s global footprint is not uniform
While Netflix operates in over 190 countries, its content library varies dramatically between regions. These differences are primarily due to the licensing model. Netflix may hold global rights to some titles, while others are acquired on a country-by-country basis. In the case of Better Call Saul, Netflix was able to negotiate streaming rights in regions such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and many parts of Europe and Asia. In these markets, Netflix often streamed new episodes weekly as they aired in the U.S., giving the impression that it was a Netflix Original.
However, in the United States, where AMC retains distribution rights, Netflix does not stream the newest episodes immediately. Instead, U.S. viewers had to wait until the full season finished airing on AMC before it appeared on Netflix. In countries where AMC sold rights to different platforms altogether, Netflix has no access at all.
Regional exclusivity and broadcast deals
Another key reason Better Call Saul is not universally available on Netflix is the presence of pre-existing regional deals. In some countries, the rights may have been sold to other broadcasters or streaming services that have paid for exclusivity. These deals are usually long-term contracts that prevent other platforms, including Netflix, from adding the show to their libraries until the agreement expires or is renegotiated.
Exclusivity deals often make sense for content owners who want to maximize revenue in specific markets. If a regional platform offers a lucrative deal to air the series exclusively in a given country, the content owner might choose that route instead of licensing it to Netflix, especially if Netflix’s offer is lower.
Legal and censorship considerations
In a few cases, legal or censorship issues may impact content availability. Some countries impose restrictions on specific themes, language, or depictions in television programming. While Better Call Saul is not overtly controversial compared to some shows, its depiction of criminal activity, drug cartels, and violence could lead to scrutiny in stricter media markets. If local regulations deem the content inappropriate, it may be blocked or require significant edits, discouraging Netflix from hosting it in those regions.
Additionally, cultural sensitivities or political contexts may influence whether a show becomes available on the platform. While this is less likely to be the main reason in most cases for Better Call Saul, it’s still a factor that can contribute to regional inconsistencies in availability.
Language and localization barriers
Localization is another factor in the decision to stream content across multiple regions. Adding subtitles, dubbing, and translations can be expensive and time-consuming. In some territories, where demand for Better Call Saul may not justify the investment, Netflix might choose not to pursue streaming rights or delay the addition of the show. If the viewer base is expected to be small, or if similar content already saturates the market, it may not be financially viable for the platform to secure and prepare the show for streaming there.
How licensing windows affect availability
Streaming rights also involve time-based clauses. A show might be available in one region for several years, only to disappear once the licensing window closes. If the agreement isn’t renewed, the show may rotate off the platform. Fans often encounter frustration when their favorite series suddenly vanishes, unaware that it was due to a licensing window expiring.
In the case of Better Call Saul, some countries that once had the show on Netflix may no longer have access due to expired deals. Unless a new contract is signed, the show remains inaccessible in those regions until rights are reacquired.
Alternatives for fans in restricted regions
For viewers living in countries where Better Call Saul is not available on Netflix, there are a few alternatives:
- Other streaming platforms: In some regions, local services or other global players like Amazon Prime Video or Hulu may hold the rights. A search across multiple platforms can reveal whether the show is legally available elsewhere.
- Digital purchase: Buying or renting episodes through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or YouTube Movies is another option. This route allows for direct access without reliance on subscription-based availability.
- DVD or Blu-ray: Physical media remains a reliable fallback, particularly in areas with limited digital rights or internet bandwidth constraints. Complete box sets often come with bonus features and commentary tracks.
The future of streaming consistency
As streaming platforms expand globally, there is growing pressure on content owners and distributors to standardize availability. The demand for unified global catalogs is strong, especially for hit series like Better Call Saul. While some studios are moving toward direct-to-consumer platforms, the licensing maze remains complex.
For fans, the inconsistent availability is frustrating, especially when discussing a globally popular show. However, understanding the reasons behind these discrepancies—rights ownership, exclusivity deals, and regional laws—offers insight into the ever-changing nature of global streaming.
Until unified licensing becomes more common, the accessibility of shows like Better Call Saul will continue to depend heavily on where the viewer resides and who holds the rights in that specific market.