[NewsPoster]

A move by AMC, the producers of the hit TV series Breaking Bad, to split the last season of the show into two eight-episode seasons for digital distribution has caused a rift with fans that bought a "Season Pass" from iTunes for the fifth season, expecting 16 episodes but only receiving eight -- and having to buy the newly-created "Final Season" to get the last eight shows. The move spawned a lawsuit over the artificial division, but Apple has circumvented its demands by sending emails crediting buyers of the "Final Season" for their cost.

It should be noted that buyers of the "Fifth Season" of Breaking Bad only paid the normal cost of eight episodes, and consequently may have been unrealistic in expecting all 16 episodes. However, when the season commenced, few fans understood that the prolonged break between the first and second half of the season would be later considered two separate seasons for marketing purposes.

Apple has begun sending emails to buyers of the "Fifth Season" that apologizes for any confusion, and points out that the naming of seasons and episodes selected for each were not chosen by iTunes. Nevertheless, the email says "we'd like to offer you the 'Final Season' on us by providing you with the iTunes code below in the amount of $22.99." The code, the email notes, can also be used for other iTunes content, amounting to a refund for those who have already purchased the "Final Season."

The first part of the fifth season aired between mid-July and early September of 2012. The second part aired just over a year later, beginning on August 11, 2013. The finale of the show airs on Sunday.

[frogster]

Haha, I received that email earlier and thought it was some sort of fishing scam. I forwarded it to iTunes support. Duh!

[Infinitewill]

I haven't received an email yet but others have.

[lockhartt]

A bit ridiculous... Apple didn't define the seasons, the network did. In no way did Apple have to do this. Once again; however, it is a shining example of why Apple has such a high satisfaction rate - Apple takes care of its customers, often even in situations where it would have been completely justified in not doing so.

[Stuke]

lockhartt, agree with you. but the point of sale is with iTunes/Apple who by offering a season pass deal together with wording from AMC/whomever of what was for sale, got mixed up with the sleazy stunt that was the splitting of the show. Fine to call it Season 5 and later Season 6 and expect payment for both...nobody would have complained about a 'bait and switch' tactic. Fine to charge double the 'going rate' for a TV Show season/episode list which is twice as long in the number of shows. Again, nobody would have complained. you simply need to understand the circumstances under which those who purchases Season 5 as the Final Season were mislead. Correct, Apple is doing good by its customers, even if not a bit their fault. But, always remember, the point-of-sale is the contentious, former bargaining, transaction interface so perhaps Apple should impose more restrictions on naming conventions set-up by a studio/network/whatever when that entity first offers packages. meaning...keep it consistent or we don't offer your goods. we all know how strict they are/can be with app submissions. all i'm saying.