Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is back with a new series, Pluribus, a mysterious sci-fi drama debuting on Apple TV+. The show has been shrouded in secrecy, generating considerable intrigue and comparisons to classic series like Twin Peaks and Wild Palms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding Pluribus, covering its release date, plot, cast, and more.
Release Date and Streaming Details
The first two episodes of Pluribus premiere on Friday, November 7, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+. Subsequent episodes of the nine-episode first season will be released weekly, every Friday. Notably, Apple has already greenlit two seasons as part of Gilligan’s initial deal.
Pluribus is available worldwide on Apple TV+. For viewers outside the U.S., access can be facilitated using a VPN service. While not recommended for use in space, VPNs allow access to the service you’re already paying for, regardless of your location. NordVPN is a popular and reliable VPN provider.
What Does “Pluribus” Mean?
The title’s unusual word choice is significant. “Pluribus” is derived from the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” which translates to “Out of many, one” – the motto found on U.S. currency. Linguistically, pluribus is the ablative plural of plus, meaning “more.” The title refers to the central premise of the series: a global pandemic of contentment that has transformed the planet into an unnaturally cheerful society.
The Plot: A World Without Sadness?
Pluribus explores a disturbing scenario: what if everyone were perpetually happy? The series draws inspiration from classic science fiction, echoing themes found in The Twilight Zone and influences from films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the Borg collective from Star Trek.
The story centers on Carol Sturka, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul ), a historical romance novelist living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Unexplainably immune to the happiness-inducing virus that has swept the planet, Carol is, according to the official synopsis, “the most miserable person on Earth [and] must save the world from happiness.”
Who are the Creators and Cast?
Pluribus is the brainchild of Vince Gilligan, who serves as executive producer, writer, and showrunner. The creative team also includes directors Gordon Smith, Zetna Fuentes, and Gandja Monteiro.
The main cast includes:
- Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka
- Carlos Manuel Vesga
- Karolina Wydra
- Miriam Shor
- Samba Schutte
Trailers and Teasers
Initial cryptic teasers, released earlier in 2025, presented unsettling images like people licking donuts and garbage-collecting drones struggling with their duties. A full trailer, released on October 22, 2025, offers more unsettling clues and reveals the show’s darkly comedic tone.
Is ‘Pluribus’ Connected to ‘Breaking Bad’ or ‘Better Call Saul’?
No. While created by the same creative mind and set in the same city – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Pluribus exists in its own separate universe and has no direct connections to the Breaking Bad universe. However, fans of Better Call Saul will recognize Rhea Seehorn, who plays Kim Wexler in that series.
Pluribus is an intriguing new sci-fi series that tackles a thought-provoking premise: what if perpetual happiness wasn’t a blessing, but a threat? With its exceptional cast and visionary creator, the show promises a unique and unsettling viewing experience.
