Vince Gilligan's latest creation, the sci-fi thriller Pluribus on Apple TV+, has quickly emerged as a standout new show of the year. Starring Rhea Seehorn as a novelist caught in a mysterious body-snatching scenario, the series blends dark comedy with suspenseful elements. Already renewed for a second season after four episodes, it draws on Gilligan's expertise from Breaking Bad and The X-Files.
Series Overview
Pluribus follows Carol, a novelist portrayed by Rhea Seehorn, who is on a book tour for a work she feels ambivalent about. The story kicks off with an incident at a bar involving her publicist and lover, played by Miriam Shor, leading to a plot reminiscent of Invasion of the Body Snatchers but with unique twists. Carol discovers she possesses a rare trait in this unfolding crisis and spends the early episodes searching for others like her. Set in New Mexico, the series showcases Gilligan's directing and writing talents, extending his narrative style beyond the Breaking Bad universe.
Production and Release Details
Created and showrun by Vince Gilligan, who also directs select episodes, Pluribus marks his return to sci-fi roots honed during his time writing for The X-Files. The show premiered on Apple TV+ this year, with episodes typically dropping on Fridays. As of late November 2025, four installments have aired, and Apple TV+ has greenlit a second season, signaling strong early reception.
Critical Reception and Predictions
Reviewers praise the series for its engaging blend of thriller and comedy, contrasting it favorably with FX's Alien: Earth, which started strong but lost momentum despite its renewal. Seehorn's performance as Carol has drawn particular acclaim, with predictions that it will finally earn her an Emmy—something she missed out on for her role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul. The show's momentum suggests it could define the sci-fi TV landscape for 2025.