With Vince Gilligan’s highly anticipated sci-fi drama Pluribus premiering November 7, 2025, on Apple TV+, fans are buzzing with one burning question: Is this new series connected to Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul? Let’s dive into the details and separate fact from speculation.
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Pluribus Series Quick Facts
| Show Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Creator | Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) |
| Lead Actress | Rhea Seehorn (Emmy nominee) |
| Premiere Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
| Episodes | 9 episodes (Season 1) |
| Release Schedule | Two episodes premiere, then weekly |
| Genre | Sci-fi drama, psychological thriller |
| Setting | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Status | Already renewed for Season 2 |
The Breaking Bad Connection: Separating Fact from Fiction
The short answer: No. Despite sharing creative DNA with Breaking Bad, Pluribus is a completely standalone series with no narrative connection to Gilligan’s crime dramas.
According to official Apple TV+ press releases and statements from Gilligan himself, Pluribus exists in its own universe. In a 2023 interview with Variety, Gilligan emphasized that the series has “no crime, and no methamphetamine,” marking a dramatic departure from his previous work.
Why Fans Thought There Might Be a Connection
The confusion is understandable. Pluribus features several familiar elements:
- Vince Gilligan as creator, writer, and executive producer
- Rhea Seehorn (Kim Wexler from Better Call Saul) in the lead role
- Albuquerque, New Mexico as the primary setting
- Gilligan’s signature storytelling style
However, these similarities are artistic rather than narrative. Think of it as Gilligan using his trusted collaborators and preferred locations to tell a completely different story.
What Is Pluribus Actually About?
Pluribus follows Carol Sturka, described as “the most miserable person on Earth,” who must save the world from an epidemic of happiness. In this dystopian near-future, humanity has fallen under a mysterious spell that makes everyone blissfully happy—except Carol.
The premise explores conformity, emotional suppression, and what happens when happiness becomes mandatory. The trailer hints at pandemic-inspired themes, showing scientists in hazmat suits and government officials trying to understand what makes Carol “different” so she can “join us.”
A Genre-Bending Departure
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Seehorn called Pluribus “a very challenging show,” noting that Gilligan’s use of genres is “even more experimental” than Better Call Saul. The series blends:
- Dark comedy
- Psychological suspense
- Sci-fi dystopia
- Political satire
This marks Gilligan’s first major venture outside crime drama in 17 years, excluding the short-lived 2015 series Battle Creek.
Gilligan’s Evolution as a Storyteller
In a February 2025 interview with Variety, Gilligan reflected on his legacy, stating: “As much as I’m proud of Walter White, is that the thing you want first on your tombstone?” This introspection suggests Pluribus represents a conscious effort to reshape his narrative legacy beyond crime and moral decay.
The series demonstrates Gilligan’s fascination with ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances—a hallmark of his work—but channels it into existential and philosophical territory rather than criminal underworld drama.
How to Watch Pluribus
Pluribus premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ with a two-episode launch on November 7, 2025. New episodes drop every Friday through December 26. Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers.
Apple has employed cryptic, Severance-style marketing, including a mysterious phone number (202-808-3981) that plays automated messages to callers and offers text alerts.
For more sci-fi series recommendations and streaming guides, check out our Apple TV+ reviews and new series coverage.
FAQs
Is Pluribus set in the Breaking Bad universe?
No, Pluribus is not connected to Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul in any way. While it shares creator Vince Gilligan, star Rhea Seehorn, and the Albuquerque setting, it’s a completely standalone sci-fi drama. Gilligan has confirmed the series has “no crime and no methamphetamine,” marking his first major departure from crime drama in 17 years. The similarities are artistic rather than narrative—Gilligan is simply working with trusted collaborators on an entirely new story.
What is Pluribus about and when does it premiere?
Pluribus follows Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), “the most miserable person on Earth,” who must save humanity from an epidemic of happiness. In this dystopian thriller, everyone except Carol has fallen under a mysterious spell of blissful happiness. The nine-episode first season premieres November 7, 2025, on Apple TV+ with two episodes, followed by weekly releases through December 26. The series has already been renewed for a second season before its premiere.
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