Back in the 1990s, Bob Odenkirk really began to make a name for himself as a defining voice in the next generation of bold, irreverent American sketch comedy. It all started when Bob Odenkirk joined the cast of the short-lived but influential Fox series The Ben Stiller Show (1992–1993), a gig that, while brief, turned out to be a major turning point. From there, Bob Odenkirk co-created and starred in the wildly inventive and subversive HBO cult favorite Mr. Show With Bob and David (1995–1999), which further cemented his reputation as a fearless innovator in alternative comedy.
Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago and shaped by the legendary Second City comedy troupe, Bob Odenkirk followed a well-worn path into the world of late-night television—landing a writing role on NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live (1975– ). But despite the prestige, Bob Odenkirk found the environment creatively stifling, which led him to pursue other opportunities. That move paid off when he landed on The Ben Stiller Show, a show that, though it only lasted one season, introduced Bob Odenkirk to Hollywood’s inner circle of comedic talent.
After that, doors began opening. Bob Odenkirk wrote for HBO’s groundbreaking The Larry Sanders Show (1993–1998), contributed material to Conan O’Brien’s late-night program, and eventually teamed up with fellow Ben Stiller Show alum David Cross to launch Mr. Show. The duo later reunited for W/ Bob and David, a Netflix revival in 2015 that delighted longtime fans. Over time, Bob Odenkirk also emerged as a keen eye for unconventional humor, producing and nurturing offbeat, post-structural comedy for digital platforms and Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim lineup.
Bob Odenkirk even stepped behind the camera, directing quirky, off-kilter films like Let’s Go to Prison (2006) and The Brothers Solomon (2008)—projects that, while not blockbusters, showcased his distinctive comedic sensibility. All the while, Bob Odenkirk kept busy with guest roles and supporting turns across TV, staying active in the industry without chasing mainstream fame.
Then came 2009—a pivotal year. Bob Odenkirk joined the cast of AMC’s critically acclaimed Breaking Bad (2008–2013), bringing to life the memorably sleazy yet oddly charming lawyer Saul Goodman. The character was such a hit that Bob Odenkirk reprised and deepened the role in the spin-off prequel Better Call Saul (AMC, 2015– ), blending sharp satire with surprising emotional depth. Through it all, Bob Odenkirk has remained a central figure in the evolution of ironic, boundary-pushing comedy, connecting underground voices with wider audiences and proving time and again why Bob Odenkirk stands as a true architect of modern satire.
When it comes to Bob Odenkirk’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Melvin Goes to Dinner (2003) as his standout performance—widely regarded as Bob Odenkirk’s highest rated movie. It’s a film that really showcases his depth and comedic timing in a more intimate, dialogue-driven setting. On the other end of the spectrum, Bob Odenkirk appeared in Freaks of Nature (2015), which unfortunately landed as his lowest rated movie to date. While Bob Odenkirk brought his signature energy to the role, the film itself didn’t resonate well with audiences or reviewers. Overall, Bob Odenkirk has had a varied career, and these two titles highlight the range—from one of his most acclaimed works to one of his least successful releases.