Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul mastermind Vince Gilligan is back, and this time he’s stepping into the world of sci-fi with Pluribus, a new original series coming to Apple TV+. Reuniting with Emmy-nominated actress Rhea Seehorn, the show promises to take viewers on a cerebral, genre-defying ride — blending dark humor, existential themes, and Gilligan’s signature storytelling style.
A Wild New Premise: “The Most Miserable Person on Earth Must Save the World from Happiness”
If that logline doesn’t make your brain do somersaults, the teaser will. Apple TV+ released a cryptic first look titled “Happiness is Contagious”, showing a man in scrubs licking donuts before putting them back in a box — complete with a handwritten note inviting people to help themselves. Creepy? Definitely. Intriguing? Absolutely.
The series centers on a surreal concept: a person drowning in personal misery becomes the planet’s last hope in the face of a mysterious, world-altering phenomenon. Expect the unexpected — with themes that flip optimism on its head and probe the darker side of “happiness.”
Rhea Seehorn Leads an All-Star Cast
Gilligan also brought back a strong core of his behind-the-scenes team, including producers and writers from his Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul days — ensuring that Pluribus carries the same quality and punch that defined his previous hits.
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| Photo: Apple TV+ |
Big Backing, Big Ambitions
Gilligan has described the show as a “grounded genre drama,” borrowing vibes from The X-Files, The Twilight Zone, and classic philosophical thrillers. Think eerie, mind-bending, and often deeply human.
Not Just Sci-Fi — A Social Commentary
“I think it’ll be a conversation starter,” Gilligan hinted in early comments. And judging by the teaser, the conversation is likely to be strange, emotional, and incredibly timely.
Mark Your Calendars
Bottom Line:
If you loved Gilligan’s previous work and are looking for something fresh, emotional, and a little mind-bending, Pluribus should be at the top of your watchlist. With Seehorn leading the charge and a premise unlike anything else on TV, it’s set to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
Watch the teaser below: