Vince Gilligan's 'Pluribus': Get Ready for the Sci-Fi Show Where Happiness is a Problem

Get ready for a mind-bending new series! Breaking Bad mastermind Vince Gilligan is back with Pluribus, a sci-fi drama for Apple TV starring the incredible Rhea Seehorn, where everyone's happy... and that's the scary part.

TL;DR

• Vince Gilligan's new sci-fi series, Pluribus, premieres November 7 on Apple TV.
• It stars Better Call Saul alum Rhea Seehorn as Carol, the "most miserable person on Earth" who must save the world from an overwhelming "happiness epidemic."
• The latest trailer features a surprising Easter egg connecting it to Gilligan's Breaking Bad universe via the fictional "Wayfarer" airline.

Vince Gilligan's Return to Television Beyond the World of Meth

If you're a fan of intricate plots, morally complex characters, and a slow burn that culminates in explosive payoffs, then Vince Gilligan's name probably sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine. For years, Gilligan was synonymous with the world of meth kingpins and morally ambiguous lawyers, thanks to his universally acclaimed series Breaking Bad and its equally brilliant prequel, Better Call Saul.

Now, after nearly two decades, Gilligan is venturing into uncharted territory – and trust us, it looks just as captivating, albeit in a totally different way. His latest creation, a sci-fi drama titled Pluribus, is set to land on Apple TV this November 7, and early glimpses promise a fresh, unsettling vision that only Gilligan could conjure. And yes, he's bringing along a familiar face from the Better Call Saul universe: the phenomenal Rhea Seehorn, who plays the central character, Carol.

While Pluribus is a significant departure from the gritty crime dramas we're used to from Gilligan, don't expect it to be any less intense or thought-provoking. This time, instead of the dark underbelly of a drug empire, we're diving into a world where happiness itself is the biggest threat. Prepare yourselves, because this isn't your grandma's sci-fi; it's Gilligan sci-fi.

Unraveling the Intriguing Mystery of "Pluribus" and Its Unique Premise

For a long time, details about Pluribus were shrouded in secrecy, teased with cryptic, wordless clips that left fans scratching their heads. We knew it starred Rhea Seehorn, we knew it had something to do with "a cure for happiness," and we knew it was from Vince Gilligan – which, frankly, was enough to pique most people's interest.

Now, thanks to the official trailers, the picture is becoming clearer, and it's wild. Seehorn plays Carol Sturka, described as "the most miserable person on Earth" – and in this new world, that's not a bad thing; it's humanity's last hope. The show is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a familiar stomping ground for Gilligan, where most of humanity has been absorbed into a peculiar "hive mind" or is experiencing a widespread "happiness epidemic." Everyone is unnervingly cheerful, almost placid, and their main goal seems to be making Carol join their blissfully content (and terrifying) ranks.

Imagine a world where everything is spotless, functional, and eerily deserted, yet everyone you meet greets you with an unsettling smile. Carol, a historical-romance author, is the outlier, the one person whose frown cannot be turned upside down. Her mission, it seems, is to "reverse all this" – to pull humanity back from the brink of perpetual, enforced happiness. This "genre-bending" drama looks like it will blend elements of sci-fi, thriller, drama, and perhaps even dark comedy, keeping viewers on their toes, as Gilligan himself loves to do.

The "Breaking Bad" Easter Egg That Has Fans Buzzing

One of the most exciting revelations from the latest Pluribus trailer (yes, we've watched it multiple times, just like you) is a blink-and-you-miss-it nod to Gilligan's most beloved work. In one shot, Carol is the sole passenger on a plane, seemingly piloted by a member of the happy hive mind. But it's not Carol's seat choice that caught our attention; it's the brand name embroidered on the headrests: "Wayfarer."

If you're a die-hard Breaking Bad fan, that name should ring a bell. Wayfarer was the fictional airline behind Flight 515, the tragic plane crash that framed Season 3 of the series. Walter White, through a convoluted series of events (and some serious negligence from Jane Margolis's father, an air traffic controller), was indirectly responsible for the mid-air collision. The inclusion of "Wayfarer" in Pluribus immediately sparked speculation: Are these shows set in the same universe? How did Wayfarer recover from such a catastrophic event?

While Gilligan has been careful not to confirm a direct shared universe, he did tease fans last year, saying, "There might be a couple if you keep your eyes and ears peeled. Fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, if they pay close attention, they might come upon an Easter egg or two." This Wayfarer reference definitely feels like a prime candidate for one of those Easter eggs, and it has us wondering what other subtle connections might be hidden within the show.

Behind the Unsettling Smile: The Cast Bringing "Pluribus" to Life

At the heart of Pluribus is Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a character Gilligan described as "trying very hard to be good" and "a bit of a damaged hero, but she’s a hero nonetheless." Seehorn's incredible range, honed over six seasons of Better Call Saul, makes her the perfect choice to portray humanity's last bastion of misery in a world gone frighteningly cheerful. Her performance as Kim Wexler proved she can carry immense emotional weight with subtlety and power, and we can't wait to see her tackle this new, bizarre challenge.

But Carol isn't alone in this strange new world. The series also features a talented supporting cast:

• Karolina Wydra: Known for roles in True Blood and Sneaky Pete.
• Carlos-Manuel Vesga: A recognized face from telenovelas like Donde Tú Quieras.

We'll also see some exciting guest stars:

• Miriam Shor: Who recently appeared in American Fiction.
• Samba Schutte: A standout from Our Flag Means Death.

The interactions between Carol and these eerily happy citizens are a key part of the trailer's unsettling vibe. From a seemingly helpful DHL employee offering Carol a "hand grenade" or "bazooka" to make her happy, to the President of the United States addressing her directly, saying, "Rest assured, Carol. We will figure out what makes you different... So you can join us," the cast promises a truly unique dynamic.

"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 that was both very thought-provoking and upsetting sometimes, and other times, so, so funny. It really swings for the fences.”

— Rhea Seehorn on Vince Gilligan's approach to Pluribus

Vince Gilligan's Signature Storytelling Takes a "Happy" Twist

What makes Pluribus so exciting isn't just the intriguing premise or the stellar cast; it's the promise of Vince Gilligan's unique storytelling lens applied to a new genre. He himself confirmed that, unlike his previous projects, this series has "no crime, and no methamphetamine," signaling a fresh direction.

However, many of Gilligan's hallmarks appear to be present. The sense of dread mixed with dark humor, the meticulous world-building, and the exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances are all evident in the trailers. Seehorn highlighted Gilligan's ability to "inject humor in a very dark moment," noting that in Pluribus, "he pushes that to a limit that was both very thought-provoking and upsetting sometimes, and other times, so, so funny." This blend of tones is exactly what made Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul so compelling.

Gilligan also mentioned that "The world changes very abruptly in the first episode, and then it is quite different. It's the modern world – the world we live in – but it changes very abruptly. And the consequences that that reaps hopefully provide drama for many, many episodes after that." This sounds like the kind of high-concept, character-driven narrative that Gilligan excels at, taking an extraordinary premise and exploring its deeply human implications. From abandoned Sprouts grocery stores to strange phenomena like a buffalo on a deserted golf course, the world of Pluribus feels both familiar and deeply alien.

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, with Gilligan leading an executive producing team that includes Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock, Diane Mercer, Allyce Ozarski, and Jeff Frost, ensuring the high-quality production values we've come to expect from his projects. Co-executive producers Jenn Carroll and Trina Siopy also contribute to the creative vision.

Even Bob Odenkirk, Seehorn’s former co-star and Gilligan’s frequent collaborator, has weighed in, calling it a potential game-changer. While his quote about it being "the biggest thing... since Game of Thrones" might be hyperbolic, it certainly reflects the high anticipation and trust the industry has in Gilligan's vision.

When and Where to Catch This Unsettling New Sci-Fi Adventure

Mark your calendars, because Pluribus is set to debut exclusively on Apple TV (sometimes referred to as Apple TV+) on November 7. The series will kick off with a special two-episode premiere, giving you a substantial first taste of this bizarre new world.

Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly, every Friday, through December 26. This weekly release schedule means you'll have something to look forward to each weekend as Carol navigates her unique mission to save humanity from itself.

And here’s some excellent news for those who get hooked: Pluribus has already been renewed for a second season ahead of its premiere! This early vote of confidence from Apple TV suggests they have immense faith in Gilligan’s vision and the long-term potential of this captivating story. So, you can dive in without fear of it being a one-season wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vince Gilligan's "Pluribus"

Got more questions about this intriguing new show? We've got you covered:

When Do New Episodes of "Pluribus" Get Released?

After its two-episode premiere on November 7, new episodes of Pluribus will be released weekly every Friday. The first season will run through December 26, meaning you'll have new content to look forward to throughout the holiday season!

How Many Episodes Are in the First Season of "Pluribus"?

The first season of Pluribus will consist of nine episodes. With a two-episode premiere and seven subsequent weekly releases, fans will get a solid dose of Gilligan's new sci-fi world.

Is "Pluribus" Connected to the "Breaking Bad" or "Better Call Saul" Universe?

While Pluribus features a clear Easter egg (the "Wayfarer" airline) that directly references Breaking Bad, Vince Gilligan has not officially confirmed that it's set in the same universe. He's hinted that there will be "a couple" of Easter eggs for observant fans. It's more likely a fun nod for long-time viewers rather than a direct shared continuity, but who knows what Gilligan has up his sleeve?

What Is the Rating for "Pluribus" and What Kind of Audience Is It For?

An official rating for Pluribus hasn't been widely publicized yet. However, given Vince Gilligan's previous work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, which were known for mature themes, violence, and language, it's highly probable that Pluribus will be aimed at a mature audience (likely TV-MA or equivalent). While Gilligan states there's "no crime, and no methamphetamine," the trailers suggest a dark, unsettling, and potentially violent narrative exploring psychological horror and dystopian themes.

Sources

Information synthesized from recent news articles by Dais Johnston, Ethan Shanfeld, Rosy Cordero, Joey Paur, Bhargav Rao, and Entertainment Desk.