Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan is back with a brand-new sci-fi series called Pluribus, starring Rhea Seehorn. The show will premiere on Apple TV+ on November 7, 2025, with two episodes dropping first, followed by weekly releases until December 26. The first season has nine episodes, and Apple has already ordered a second season.
The series is described as a “genre-bending” story where “the most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.” The teaser shows a strange scene where a woman in pink scrubs licks donuts and puts them back in a box labeled “Help yourself” with a smiley face. This unsettling vibe is classic Gilligan, known for his dark humor and unique storytelling in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
What We Know About Pluribus So Far
Pluribus is set in present-day Albuquerque, New Mexico, but the world changes dramatically in the first episode. Unlike Gilligan’s past shows, this one has no crime or drugs. Instead, it explores a sci-fi twist where something major happens suddenly, altering reality.
“The world changes very abruptly in the first episode, and then it is quite different,” Gilligan told Variety. “And the consequences that that reaps hopefully provide drama for many, many episodes after that.”
The main character, Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, is described as “the most miserable person on Earth.” She must somehow stop happiness from spreading, which seems to be a threat in this strange new world.
The Cast and Crew Behind the Series
Rhea Seehorn, famous for her role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, leads the cast. She’s joined by Karolina Wydra (Sneaky Pete) and Carlos-Manuel Vesga (Donde Tú Quieras). Guest stars include Miriam Shor (American Fiction) and Samba Schutte (Our Flag Means Death).
Gilligan is working with many of his longtime collaborators, including Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock, and Diane Mercer, who also worked on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The show is produced by Sony Pictures Television, the same studio behind Gilligan’s previous hits.
Why This Series Is Highly Anticipated
Fans of Vince Gilligan know his talent for blending dark drama with unexpected humor. Pluribus seems to take that style even further, mixing sci-fi with psychological thrills.
“Some of the stuff that audiences have loved about his writing, where it’s really rich characters but also him playing with the idea of tropes and genres and tone, and switching, like injected humor in a very dark moment — in this new show, he pushes that to a limit,” Seehorn said in an interview.
Apple TV+ won the rights to the series in a bidding war back in 2022, securing it with a two-season deal. This shows strong confidence in Gilligan’s vision, especially since his last two shows became massive hits.
What Makes Pluribus Different From Gilligan’s Past Work
While Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul focused on crime and morally complex characters, Pluribus is a departure. Gilligan has said he wants to move away from villain-centered stories.
“I say we write more good guys,” Gilligan said in a speech earlier this year. “For decades we made the villains too sexy [and] viewers everywhere, all around the world, pay attention. They say, ‘Here’s this badass, I want to be that cool.’ When that happens, fictional bad guys stop being the precautionary tales they were intended to be. God help us, they’ve become aspirational.”
This suggests Pluribus will have a more heroic lead, though still flawed. Seehorn’s character, Carol, is described as someone “trying very hard to be good.”
When and Where to Watch
Pluribus premieres on November 7, 2025, on Apple TV+. The first two episodes will be available right away, with new episodes every Friday. The season finale airs on December 26.
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month, but new subscribers can get a 7-day free trial. The service is available in over 100 countries on iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Fan Reactions and Early Buzz
The teaser has already sparked curiosity online. The bizarre donut-licking scene has fans guessing what the show will really be about. Some think it might involve mind control or a dystopian world where happiness is forced. Others speculate it could be a dark comedy about societal pressures.
Since Apple has kept most plot details secret, theories are running wild. The only clue is the tagline: “Happiness is contagious.” Given Gilligan’s track record, the show will likely be unpredictable and full of twists.
Final Thoughts
With Vince Gilligan at the helm and Rhea Seehorn in the lead, Pluribus is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing new shows of 2025. The mix of sci-fi, dark humor, and Gilligan’s signature storytelling makes it a must-watch.
Credits: Sources include The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Variety, Apple TV+ Press, and Independent UK.
