Renowned for his groundbreaking work on Breaking Bad, Vince Gilligan makes a much-anticipated return to television with the premiere of his new series, Pluribus, available today on Apple TV. This exciting new sci-fi drama stars Rhea Seehorn, who takes on the role of the most miserable person in the world tasked with saving humanity from excessive happiness. Viewers can now enjoy the first two episodes of season one, which promises to deliver the unique storytelling Gilligan is famous for.
While plot details for Pluribus have been closely guarded, we do know that Rhea Seehorn plays the lead character, Carol, a struggling romance novelist. In a bizarre twist, Carol is depicted as the only unhappy person on Earth, as a mysterious contagion has transformed the rest of the population into a euphoric hive mind. This unrelenting happiness, however, leads to unexpected consequences, prompting Carol to resist the societal pressure to conform. The President even reaches out to her personally, urging her to join the ranks of the blissful. The central theme of the series explores the dangers of too much happiness and the importance of individuality.
Pluribus is predominantly set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a familiar backdrop for fans of Gilligan's previous works, including Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Despite the recognizable setting and a shared lead actress, it's important to note that Pluribus operates independently and is not part of the Breaking Bad universe. This fresh narrative allows Gilligan to explore new themes while retaining the essence of compelling storytelling.
In Pluribus, Rhea Seehorn shines as she is featured in nearly every scene, carrying much of the comedic and dramatic weight of the series. The supporting cast includes talented actors such as Carlos Manuel Vesga, Karolina Wydra, and Miriam Shor, who contribute to the rich narrative. With this project, Gilligan shifts his focus from crime dramas back to his sci-fi roots, having previously garnered acclaim for his work on The X-Files.
The early critical reception for Pluribus has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that Gilligan's gamble on this new direction is paying off. The series debuts with a two-episode premiere on Apple TV, and viewers can take advantage of a 7-day free trial for new accounts. Season one will consist of nine episodes, with new installments released every Friday, leading up to the exciting season finale on December 26.
Apple TV is evidently banking on the success of Pluribus, having greenlit the series for two seasons upfront, with a premium budget estimated at approximately $15 million per episode. With such high stakes, fans are eagerly anticipating how this intriguing new narrative will unfold.
