Were you worried that AMC’s Breaking Bad had been cancelled? Nope, it’s just been off the air for an entire season. Year three debuted in March 2010 and finished back on June 13, 2010. The TV series was renewed for a fourth season of 13 episodes the day after the finale aired.

It was initially planned that Breaking Bad would return in January of this year but Bryan Cranston later revealed that the season four debut was being delayed until the summer. He noted that AMC wanted to make sure as many people as possible would be able to see it and there’s just too much competition for a September, November, or January start.

It’s now been announced that Breaking Bad will return on Sunday, July 17th, at 10pm. If you’re looking to catch up before then, season three will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on June 7th.

The late return means that, for the first time, the Breaking Bad cast and crew won’t be eligible for Emmy Awards this year. That will surely be a relief for some of the other potential contenders. Cranston has won three years in a row for his portrayal of Meth-cooking teacher Walter White. Aaron Paul, playing his former student and partner Jesse Pinkman, won his first Emmy last year.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the return of Breaking Bad? Why do you like the series?

Image courtesy AMC.