After redefining television with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Vince Gilligan is turning the page — and the genre. His latest creation, Pluribus, premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ and marks a radical shift from the drug-fueled deserts of Albuquerque to a mind-bending sci-fi mystery about happiness, connection, and the human condition.
For the first time in nearly two decades, Gilligan steps away from the crime universe that made him a household name. And judging by the trailer and early buzz, Pluribus might just be his most ambitious work yet.
What Is Pluribus About?
Apple and Gilligan have kept the show’s plot tightly under wraps, but Pluribus seems to lean heavily into psychological sci-fi — a territory Gilligan knows well from his X-Files days.
The series stars Better Call Saul alum Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, a historical romance author trapped in a malaise that may be connected to a mysterious “happiness epidemic” spreading across society. The premise sounds surreal, yet familiar — a grounded human story set against an unsettling speculative backdrop.
In Gilligan’s world, the extraordinary always grows from the ordinary. Just as Walter White’s descent into villainy began in a high school chemistry classroom, Pluribus finds its tension in quiet despair and emotional fragility.
And while the tone feels closer to Apple’s Severance than Breaking Bad, longtime fans will recognize the signature Gilligan touch: sharp visual storytelling, intimate close-ups, and a slow-burn narrative that rewards patience.
Why Pluribus Feels Like Vince Gilligan’s Most Personal Work Yet
Before he became TV’s crime maestro, Gilligan cut his teeth writing episodes of The X-Files and co-creating its spinoff, The Lone Gunmen. That background shines through here. Pluribus is steeped in eerie conspiracies, emotional ambiguity, and characters who question their place in the universe.
Unlike the criminal masterminds of his past stories, Carol Sturka isn’t chasing power or revenge — she’s searching for meaning. It’s a smaller, quieter premise that could lead to something profoundly human beneath the science-fiction sheen.
Rhea Seehorn’s return under Gilligan’s direction is another major draw. Her performance as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. In Pluribus, she leads the charge, reportedly carrying much of the emotional weight of the story.
If Breaking Bad was about transformation and morality, Pluribus looks ready to tackle identity, happiness, and perhaps the illusion of control.
When and Where to Watch Pluribus
Premiere Date
The first two episodes of Pluribus premiere Friday, November 7, exclusively on Apple TV+ in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and other regions worldwide. New episodes will follow every Friday.
Episode Schedule
| Episode | Release Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | November 7 |
| 2 | November 7 |
| 3 | November 14 |
| 4 | November 21 |
| 5 | November 28 |
| 6 | December 5 |
| 7 | December 12 |
| 8 | December 19 |
| 9 | December 26 |
How to Watch for Free
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers in most regions. In addition, new Apple device purchases often include one to three months of free access to the platform.
After the trial, the subscription costs $9.99 / £8.99 / AU$12.99 per month, granting access to other award-winning Apple originals like Severance, Masters of the Air, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
To stream from anywhere, users can also connect via a VPN and log into Apple TV+ as if they were in their home country — ideal for international fans eager to watch Gilligan’s newest venture.
The Pluribus Cast
- Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka
- Karolina Wydra as Zosia
- Carlos Manuel Vesga as Manousos
- Miriam Shor as Helen
Seehorn’s commanding presence leads a supporting cast filled with intrigue and emotional tension. Each character appears to represent a different reaction to the mysterious “happiness” spreading across the world — from suspicion to surrender.
Why Pluribus Could Be Apple TV+’s Next Big Hit
Apple TV+ has carved a niche for slow-burn, high-concept dramas that blend genre storytelling with emotional realism. From Severance’s existential office horror to Silo’s dystopian suspense, the platform has become a home for cerebral sci-fi — and Pluribus fits that mold perfectly.
But with Gilligan behind the camera, the expectations are sky-high. His storytelling thrives on moral tension, rich character arcs, and visual metaphor. If he can translate that brilliance to a sci-fi canvas, Pluribus might redefine his legacy once again — not as the creator of the greatest crime dramas in history, but as one of television’s boldest storytellers, period.
So, could Pluribus be the next great sci-fi series on Apple TV+? All signs point to yes. With Rhea Seehorn leading a cast that oozes mystery and Vince Gilligan steering the ship, this isn’t just another streaming show — it’s the start of a new storytelling era for one of TV’s most visionary creators.
Whether you tune in for the free trial or stick around for the full season, Pluribus is shaping up to be must-watch television.
