Both, with some projective identification thrown in as well.

Imploding characters, if done well, draw you in. A bit of..."if I made bad choices, that could be me"...or "You can turn things around" either of those (and some others) will draw you into identifying with the character on some level.

At first its strictly negative identification for most. But as time passes, the story unfolds, and the implosion proceeds, you start getting drawn in further. You emotionally invest in what happens to the character, and then you have to watch til its over.

Also people enjoy watching "bad boys" as frustration release.

Disclosure - Breaking Bad was a show I never watched until I caught a marathon over a weekend during season 4. It was so compelling, I ordered all the seasons to get caught up. It was that well written and acted.

I must be missing something. I never cared for The Godfather movies, and I have never watched any of the mentioned TV shows. They just looked boring. Maybe I just don't care for the anti-hero.

Interesting question. If a character isn't perfect, then they are like us. We can then relate and cement an emotional connection with them. Then, as an audience, we get to see this character fight to better themselves or change their circumstances. It gives us hope that we can do the same with our own problems--which, if they're on TV, must mean they matter. Our struggles become legitimized, important, and relevant. More importantly, there is a possibility they can be overcome.

I disagree. (much as I loath tragedies) I can come up with all sorts of theatrical 2 hour experiences that demonstrate it nicely. Beautiful, Glen Garry Glenn Ross, Death of a Salesman, Paris TX, Leaving Las Vegas, Lost in Translation, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, all Tennessee William's plays,..that's just a start. What am I missing here? [edited for context]