After creating two of television’s most acclaimed dramas, Vince Gilligan is back with a new science fiction series that turns a happy world into a nightmare. “Pluribus,” starring Rhea Seehorn, begins its two-season run on Apple TV+ this week, presenting a story where one woman’s misery might be the only thing that can save humanity. The show represents Gilligan’s first major project since “Better Call Saul” and his first venture outside the “Breaking Bad” universe in over 17 years.
The Story of the World’s Most Miserable Hero
“Pluribus” is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and follows Carol Sturka, a historical romance author. The show begins just after an unexplained virus has spread across the globe, transforming the entire population into perpetually optimistic and content citizens. Carol, however, finds herself uniquely immune to this strange phenomenon.
She remains the only person on Earth who can still experience negative emotions like discontent, anger, and frustration. Now, as the most miserable person alive, she must become the unlikely hero who saves the world from this overwhelming happiness. The official logline for the series describes it as the story of “the most miserable person on Earth” who “must save the world from happiness.”
Gilligan explained the core premise in an interview, stating that the modern world changes very abruptly in the first episode. He said the story explores the consequences that this change creates, which provides the drama for the episodes that follow. When asked about the reason for Carol’s immunity, Gilligan noted that he didn’t focus on a scientific explanation, suggesting that there always has to be a one-in-a-billion person who is immune, and in this case, it’s Carol.
A Two-Season Order and Confirmed Release Schedule
Apple TV+ has shown significant confidence in Gilligan’s new project, placing a two-season order for “Pluribus” back in September 2022. This means the story will have ample time to unfold across multiple chapters.
The first season consists of nine episodes. The premiere features a special two-episode launch on Friday, November 7, 2025. Following the debut, new episodes will be released weekly every Friday. The season finale is scheduled for December 26, 2025.
While the official release time for new episodes on Apple TV+ is often not explicitly confirmed, the platform typically makes new content available at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (6:00 PM Pacific Time) on the evening before the listed date. This means that the first two episodes will likely be available to stream on Thursday, November 6, at 9:00 PM ET.
The full release schedule for Season 1 is as follows:
- Episodes 1 & 2: November 7, 2025
- Episode 3: November 14, 2025
- Episode 4: November 21, 2025
- Episode 5: November 28, 2025
- Episode 6: December 5, 2025
- Episode 7: December 12, 2025
- Episode 8: December 19, 2025
- Episode 9: December 26, 2025
The Cast and Creative Team Behind the Show
Rhea Seehorn leads the cast as Carol Sturka. This marks her major return to television and her reunion with Gilligan after her celebrated performance as Kim Wexler on “Better Call Saul.” In fact, Gilligan wrote the character of Carol specifically for Seehorn.
She is joined by a supporting cast that includes Karolina Wydra in a lead role as Zosia and Carlos Manuel Vesga as Manousos. The series also features Miriam Shor as Helen, who is described as Carol’s romantic interest and manager, and Samba Schutte in an undisclosed role.
Vince Gilligan is the creator, showrunner, and an executive producer on the series. He also directed the first two episodes. The production companies involved are High Bridge Productions, Bristol Circle Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Television. The show filmed for seven months in Albuquerque, New Mexico, under the working title “Wycaro 339,” wrapping production in September 2024.
How to Watch the Series
“Pluribus” is an Apple TV+ exclusive. To watch the series, you will need an active subscription to Apple TV+, which is priced at $9.99 per month in the United States. The service also offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. The series carries a TV-MA rating, indicating it is intended for mature audiences.
In a unique marketing campaign, teaser trailers for the show have featured a phone number that viewers can call. The message played to callers says, “Hi, Carol. We’re so glad you called. We can’t wait for you to join us.” Those who dial zero have received text message alerts for new teasers and even an invitation to an advance screening event held in New York City in October, with all recipients addressed as “Carol.”
With a compelling premise, a trusted creative leader in Vince Gilligan, and a celebrated lead performance from Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus” is positioned to be one of the most talked-about new television series of the year.
Also Read: Pluribus Cast and Characters: Your Guide to the New Vince Gilligan Show
