Breaking Bad Creators Launch New Sci-Fi Series Pluribus on Apple TV
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Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed creator of Breaking Bad, has officially launched his highly-anticipated new series Pluribus on Apple TV. According to The Guardian, Pluribus, stylized as Plur1bus, explores a world affected by an alien virus that promotes happiness and unity among its population, creating a hive mind.
Rhea Seehorn stars as Carol, a bestselling romance novelist who becomes the only person in the world unaffected by the virus, leading to comedic and dramatic conflicts as she navigates her unique situation.
The show raises profound questions about individuality, happiness, and societal norms, with Carol's character serving as a critique of a world where everyone is forced to be joyful. As noted by 9to5Mac, the series is not connected to the Breaking Bad universe despite the familiar Albuquerque setting and the lead actress, Rhea Seehorn.
The first two episodes premiered on November 6, with a total of nine episodes scheduled for release every Friday until the season finale on December 26. The series has garnered positive early reviews, highlighting its blend of humor and depth while maintaining Gilligan's signature storytelling style.
Unfortunately, the premiere was marred by technical issues, as reported by The Straits Times, with Apple TV experiencing outages shortly after the episodes became available, impacting viewers across the US and Canada.
Apple had positioned Pluribus as a key attraction for its streaming service, reflecting its strategic efforts to compete in a crowded streaming market. The substantial budget for the show, reportedly around $15 million per episode, underscores its significance to Apple TV's content strategy and its commitment to high-quality programming.
Pluribus is seen as a return to Gilligan's roots in science fiction, having previously worked on The X-Files, and it reflects an ambitious narrative shift away from crime dramas to explore themes of happiness and societal conformity.
Critics are intrigued by how Gilligan's latest project will unfold, particularly given the audacity of its premise, and early reactions suggest a complex exploration of human emotion and societal expectations.