Vince Gilligan’s New Sci-Fi Series Pluribus Explained: Cast, Plot, Release Date

Alright, sci-fi nerds ...... Vince Gilligan, the twisted genius behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is back with a new show called "Pluribus". And no, it’s not about Roman coins or a failed skincare brand. It’s about saving the world from… happiness. Yup, you read that right!

What Is Pluribus Even About?

The show is a science fiction drama. Or as Apple puts it, a “genre-bending original”. Basically, they wanted to sound smart while telling us nothing.

Here’s the wild premise:

"The most miserable person on Earth has to save the world from happiness".

If that sounds like your Monday morning vibe, same.

Apparently, it explores toxic positivity — which is when people shove good vibes in your face like it’s a cure for depression. I’m already rooting for the misery.

The Cast Is Actually Good

Leading the show is Rhea Seehorn (Kim from Better Call Saul). She plays the “unhappy, burdened hero”. Honestly, she looks like she just read the script and couldn’t back out.

Also starring:

Karolina Wydra (Sneaky Pete, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

Carlos Manuel Vesga (The Hijacking of Flight 601)

Guest stars include:

Miriam Shor (American Fiction)

Samba Schutte (Our Flag Means Death)

This cast is stacked like a Jenga tower about to emotionally collapse.

When and Where to Watch

➤ Release Date: November 7, 2025

➤ Platform: Apple TV+

➤ Launch: First two episodes drop on day one

➤ Schedule: New episodes every Friday until December 26

➤ Total Episodes: 9

➤ Season 2: Already confirmed (because we clearly love suffering twice)

So mark it down somewhere before you forget like you always do!

Not in the Breaking Bad Universe… But Still in Albuquerque!

Yep, it’s set in Albuquerque, New Mexico — same as Breaking Bad — but no, it’s not a secret prequel. Don’t get your fan theories twisted!

The tone is described as “mild sci-fi like E.T.”… but Apple’s teaser makes it look like Black Mirror with a sense of humor and way more donuts.

What’s Up with the Weird Teasers?

Apple released:

-A yellow petri dish with a smiley face and the phrase “happiness is contagious” (which sounds like a threat).

-A teaser where a woman in pink scrubs licks office donuts. TBH? I’ve never been more disturbed or intrigued.

This is either going to be genius or garbage and I will absolutely watch either way.

Who’s Making This?

The show is made by Sony Pictures Television and is executive produced by:

📌 Vince Gilligan (duh)

Gordon Smith

Alison Tatlock

Diane Mercer

Allyce Ozarski

Jeff Frost

Also shout-out to Jenn Carroll and Trina Siopy, who are co-executive producers. Basically, a lot of people who’ve already proven they can mess with our emotions.

What Does “Pluribus” Even Mean?

It’s Latin for “much” or “many.” The show spells it “Plur1bus” with a number “1”, probably to seem cool. Or to hint at E pluribus unum — "out of many, one."

Translation: the show might be about individuality being erased… or maybe it's just a clever title designed to confuse the masses.

My Completely Biased Opinion

Vince Gilligan made a show where happiness is the problem, and the solution is a miserable woman. Honestly? That’s bold, weird and probably brilliant.

Verdict:
If Breaking Bad was meth, Pluribus might be the emotional equivalent of eating expired cotton candy while crying in a lab coat.

Count me in.