Vince Gilligan's new sci-fi thriller Pluribus debuted on Apple TV+ on November 7, 2025, with its first two episodes, earning widespread critical acclaim including a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. The series stars Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, a woman tasked with saving the world from an alien virus that induces hive-mind happiness. A promotional ad features actors from Gilligan's Breaking Bad universe, though the show stands alone.
Release Details
Pluribus, created by Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul's Vince Gilligan, premiered on Apple TV+ on November 7, 2025, with episodes 1 and 2. The first season consists of nine episodes, releasing weekly on Fridays through December 26, 2025. The schedule includes: Episode 3 on November 14, Episode 4 on November 21, Episode 5 on November 28, Episode 6 on December 5, Episode 7 on December 12, Episode 8 on December 19, and Episode 9 on December 26. Apple TV+ has renewed the series for a second season.
Plot and Cast
The show follows Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn (Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul), described as 'the most miserable person on Earth.' An alien virus turns the global population into a friendly hive mind, forcing Carol to protect her individuality and save the world from enforced happiness. Supporting cast includes Karolina Wydra and Carlos-Manuel Vesga, with guests Miriam Shor, Samba Schutte, Karan Soni, and Peter Bergman. Gilligan has emphasized that Pluribus is not connected to the Breaking Bad universe, despite promotional ties.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Pluribus for its smart sci-fi elements and social commentary. BBC Culture gave it 5/5, calling it 'one of the smartest, most entertaining shows of the year' that blends 'timely social commentary in sci-fi tropes.' The Guardian awarded 4/5, noting its 'great lines and blackly funny moments' but acknowledging its bleakness. Radio Times and The Times both scored 5/5, hailing it as inventive and zeitgeist-capturing. Empire (5/5) described it as a 'compellingly strange, Black Mirror-style sci-fi satire' exploring themes like AI, pandemics, and individualism. Metro gave 4.5/5, while ScreenRant rated 8/10 for its intriguing premise. The Independent offered a mixed 3/5, saying it's interesting but not gripping. The New York Times noted its unsettling realness, and Financial Times (5/5) called it 'exhilaratingly hard-to-predict.'
Promotional Ad
A teaser ad recreates a scene from the first episode, featuring Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul stars like Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito, Jonathan Banks, and Patrick Fabian addressing Seehorn's character. Carol Burnett and Drew Barrymore also appear, urging Carol to join the happiness. The 100-second spot emphasizes the show's themes without implying a canonical crossover.
