AMC has renewed "Breaking Bad" for a second season.

The cable network ordered 13 new episodes of the Sony Pictures TV-produced series, starring Bryan Cranston as a chemistry teacher who begins cooking up crystal meth to make some extra money after he is diagnosed with cancer.

The renewal of "Breaking Bad," AMC's second original drama series after "Mad Men," has been buzzed about for months but only officially confirmed Wednesday.

The series, from Vince Gilligan, premiered in January to 1.6 million total viewers and went on to average 1.4 million total viewers per episode, according to Nielsen Media Research. By comparison, "Mad Men," which also has been picked up for a second season, averaged 1.1 million viewers.

Gilligan and Mark Johnson exec produce for High Bridge Prods. and Gran Via Prods.

'Breaking Bad' good for another season

AMC orders 13 more episodes

By Kimberly Nordyke

May 7, 2008, 02:15 PM

Corrected: May 7, 2008, 05:54 PM