Vince Gilligan, the renowned writer and director behind the iconic series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is set to unveil his latest project, a sci-fi show titled Pluribus. This new venture marks Gilligan’s return to television three years after the conclusion of Better Call Saul.
Pluribus, styled as PLUR1BUS in its promotional materials, will debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes releasing on November 7, 2025. The season will consist of nine episodes, with new installments premiering every Friday until the end of December. The concept of the series has been hinted at for several years, building anticipation among fans.
In this upcoming series, Rhea Seehorn, known for her role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, stars as the protagonist, likely named Carol. Apple describes her character as “the most miserable person on Earth” who must confront a world increasingly consumed by happiness. Joining Seehorn will be Karolina Wydra, who plays an optimistic character named Ana. The show is set to take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which adds an intriguing layer, given the city’s association with UFO lore.
The tagline “happiness is contagious” has been a central theme in the promotion, suggesting an exploration of how a surge of positivity might impact society. Gilligan shared that the narrative takes a dramatic turn in the first episode, leading to a significant transformation in the modern world and setting the stage for ongoing conflict throughout the series.
Intriguingly, there are rumors suggesting that the show, dubbed “Wycaro 339” during pre-production, may involve extraterrestrial elements and a contagion resembling a metaphorical infection of happiness. This speculation resonantly ties back to Gilligan’s earlier work on The X-Files, enhancing the excitement surrounding Pluribus.
The choice of the word ‘pluribus’—Latin for ‘many’—further deepens the narrative’s implications, harkening back to the phrase “E pluribus unum,” which celebrates unity in diversity. This could symbolize the isolation of Carol within a world overly saturated with joy and positivity.
With a talented cast and a unique premise, Pluribus has the potential to captivate audiences while allowing Gilligan to explore broader societal themes through a science fiction lens. The blending of genres could provide a refreshing viewing experience, melding grounded drama with speculative elements.
Fans eagerly await what promises to be another innovative chapter from one of television’s most creative minds.