A quiet sparkler flares to life in the darkness, held by a woman who carries the weight of the world. This isn't a celebration of joy, but a subtle acknowledgment of something extraordinary. The news flashes across the screen:Pluribusis now the most-watched show in Apple TV history.
The series, a late-season contender, has quietly ascended to the top, eclipsing even the platform’s biggest hits. For six years, Apple TV Plus has released critically acclaimed shows, but none have reached the viewership heights achieved by this apocalyptic sci-fi thriller from Vince Gilligan, the creative force behindBreaking Bad.
Critics are captivated. The BBC hails it as “one of the smartest shows of 2025,” while Looper declares it “TV’s next great show.” The numbers speak for themselves: a staggering 98% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 139 reviews. It didn’t just launch strongly; it shattered records, surpassing the premiere ofSeveranceseason two with 6.4 million hours watched in its first week in the US.
Pluribuscenters on Carol, a woman grappling with a profound unhappiness, tasked with an impossible mission: saving Earth from the insidious spread of an extraterrestrial mind virus that has consumed humanity with a false sense of bliss. The premise is unsettling, the stakes are immense, and the execution is proving to be masterful.
The show isn’t just visually stunning, reportedly costing $15 million per episode, but it also resonates with a deeper, more urgent message. In a world increasingly divided and facing the looming threat of artificial intelligence,Pluribusexplores the dangers of unchecked political systems and the importance of independent thought.
At the heart of it all is Rhea Seehorn, delivering a powerhouse performance as Carol. Her portrayal is described as multi-faceted and commanding, injecting both levity and soul into a narrative that could easily succumb to darkness. Gilligan himself acknowledges this is a new direction, a confident step forward, even as it stands in the shadow of his previous triumphs.
With two episodes remaining in the first season, culminating in a finale on December 26th, the story is far from over. And thankfully for eager viewers, a second season has already been promised, offering a glimmer of hope in a world teetering on the brink.
Gilligan reflects on the creative freedom afforded by Apple TV Plus, praising their generous budget and, crucially, their patience. Unlike previous projects, he and his team were given the time and space to fully realize their vision, resulting in a scope and ambition previously unattainable. It’s a testament to the power of creative trust and a bold investment in storytelling.
