Hey buzzrs! Vince Gilligan – the mastermind behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul – is back with Pluribus on Apple TV+, and it’s his weirdest, most philosophical ride yet. Season 1 (9 episodes, dropping weekly Fridays till Dec 26) dropped its first two eps on Nov 7, and we’re already calling it 2025’s must-binge sci-fi. But is the hype real, or just forced smiles? Spoiler-free deep dive ahead.

The Premise: What If Happiness Was the End of the World?

Imagine an alien signal hits Earth, turning 99% of humanity into a super-peaceful hive mind called “the Others.” No wars, no drama – just eternal bliss. But a tiny few (like our lead, curmudgeonly novelist Carol Sturka) stay “immune” because… they’re too miserable? The Others want to “help” them join the party, granting any wish. Carol? She’s not buying it and fights back in the most Albuquerque way possible.

It’s post-apoc without zombies – think Severance meets The Leftovers with Gilligan’s signature black humor and moral gut-punches. Slow-burn mystery unfolds across empty cities, global treks, and awkward “chaperone” chats.

Standout Cast: Rhea Seehorn Carries It All

• Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka: 10/10. The Better Call Saul alum is a revelation – prickly, hilarious, heartbreaking. Her unlikable “jerk” mode makes you root harder.
• Karolina Wydra as Zosia: Creepy-calm hive rep who’s equal parts helpful and horrifying.
• Carlos-Manuel Vesga as Manousos: Immune loner on an epic quest – his arc steals later eps.
• Guests like Miriam Shor (Helen) and Samba Schutte add heart (and chaos).

Gilligan wrote/directed the opener – pure class.

Episode Highlights (No Spoilers – Binge Order)

1. We Is Us (56m): Explosive pilot – hook city.
2. Pirate Lady (1h 2m): Group drama ramps up.
3. Grenade (43m): Peak absurdity/humor. 4-6: Investigation deepens – “Got Milk?” and “HDP” are WTF gold.
4. The Gap (recent): Emotional peak. 8-9 drop soon – finale hype is real.

Pacing? Deliberate – rewards patience like Better Call Saul S6.

Themes That Stick: Loneliness in a “Perfect” World

Gilligan flips utopia on its head: Is misery what makes us human? Brutal loneliness, consent, grief – all wrapped in uncanny humor. Music by Dave Porter (BB vet) + stunning NM cinematography seal it.

Pros:

• Seehorn’s career-best performance.
• Original AF sci-fi – no clichés.
• 98% RT critics (universal acclaim).
• Broke Apple TV records.

Cons:

• Slow for ADHD crowds (68% audience RT).
• Unlikable lead tests patience (but pays off).

FilmBuzzr Rating: 9/10 – Elite TV. Binge if you love thinkers like Silo or Foundation. Season 2 greenlit – we’re locked in.

Episode 8 drops tomorrow – thoughts so far? Team Carol or join the Others? Comment below, share, and tag us!

More Apple TV+ heat? Check Severance S2 preview or full Reviews.

Stay buzz’d!