Apple TV+ is set to premiere the ambitious sci-fi series Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan, on November 7, 2025, with its first two episodes. The show, described as a high-budget exploration of peace on Earth and one woman's discontent, stars Rhea Seehorn as lead character Carol. A New York Times preview highlights its philosophical depth and production scale amid a shifting TV landscape.
Premiere and Production Overview
Pluribus, announced over three years ago, marks a significant project for Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. The series premieres on Apple TV+ on November 7, 2025, launching with the first two episodes. Apple has committed to two seasons, though future extensions remain uncertain. The production boasts a grandiose scale, featuring elements like helicopters and a commandeered Lockheed C-130 at Albuquerque International Airport, underscoring Apple's substantial financial backing—though exact budget figures were not disclosed.
A New York Times preview by Austin Considine, based on two days on set, portrays Pluribus as "in many ways as big as modern TV gets: high-budget, high-concept, a deep character study that combines science fiction, philosophy and sociopolitical allegory." This comes at a time when such ambitious TV projects are rare due to industry budget cuts and a preference for safer content.
Plot and Character Insights
The story centers on the mysterious arrival of global peace, triggered by an outer-space signal that eradicates conflict and self-loathing, creating a utopia. However, lead character Carol—a successful author and chronic malcontent played by Rhea Seehorn—remains the unhappiest person on Earth, preferring the old world. Gilligan conceived the idea during Better Call Saul's early seasons, drawing from his personal struggles with happiness, and wrote scripts specifically for Seehorn.
Seehorn recalled Gilligan's offer: "Vince said, and I quote, ‘Well, I wrote something for you if you’re interested.’ I was like, ‘If I’m interested?’ So I started bawling." The show is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico—Gilligan's second choice after Southern California—and avoids locations tied to Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul to prevent associations. Seehorn appears in nearly every scene, making it feel like a one-woman show at times.
Thematic Connections
Pluribus draws parallels to classics like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, with Seehorn noting influences from Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451. It grapples with philosophical questions about happiness and utopia, reflecting Gilligan's vision as one of the last TV auteurs taking bold risks.