Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV+ series Pluribus has launched to critical acclaim, earning a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The sci-fi show stars Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, the world's unhappiest person immune to a global phenomenon of forced cheerfulness. Early episodes have drawn praise for blending humor, horror, and existential themes.
Series Overview
Vince Gilligan, co-creator of Breaking Bad, returns with Pluribus on Apple TV+, a sci-fi series that premiered in late 2025. The show follows Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn, identified as Earth's most unhappy individual. When a mysterious event forces universal cheerfulness on the population, Carol's immunity positions her to investigate the cause.
Only two episodes of the first season have been released as of November 2025, with new installments dropping weekly through the year's end. Critics and viewers have lauded the pilot for its compelling setup, achieving a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 74 professional reviews.
Critical and Fan Reception
TikTok commentator Megan Cruz, known as @jstoobs, recommended the series to her 640,800 followers, calling it "just as good" as Severance or Lost. She highlighted the pilot's horrifying scenario while praising its balance of humor, terror, and existential dread, advising viewers to watch with minimal spoilers.
Fan reactions echo this enthusiasm. One commenter stated, "Just freaking quality 1000%," while another noted, "The world building is stellar and I cant wait for episode 3." A third affirmed, "I'll watch anything Vince Gilligan puts out." However, not all feedback is unanimous; one viewer compared it to a Rick and Morty episode, hoping for more depth.
Pluribus marks Gilligan's first major project since Breaking Bad concluded over 12 years ago, building on his reputation for masterful storytelling.