‘Better Call Saul’ spoilers: Bob Odenkirk series gets two-night premiere on AMC

For many years, AMC has become a titan when it comes to airing new programming on Sundays. This is where “Mad Men,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Breaking Bad” all found their status as major hits.

Now, though, the network is doing something a little different when it comes to “Better Call Saul.” AMC announced today that the Bob Odenkirk spin-off to “Breaking Bad” will have a two-night premiere, starting on Sunday, February 8 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time, which probably means that it will get a nice “Walking Dead” bump for the premiere. It will then go over to Monday nights at 10:00 starting February 9, and it will air there the rest of the season.

First of all, let’s give applause right now to “The Blacklist” for making a great move that they may not have even been aware of. In moving their show off of Mondays, they are no longer having to worry about that competition. Granted, “State of Affairs” most likely will, as will “Castle” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” This may be the biggest Monday-night cable threat we’ve ever had for a scripted show.

Obviously, this is going to premiere to huge ratings given the affection that is out there for the Saul character and for the original series, but it will be up to Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould after that to have it maintain an audience. You have to remember that there will be some almost immediately who dog the series, just because they can and because it is different from the show that they remember. It will need some time to find its own following, but luckily, it has already been renewed for a second season.

Photo: AMC