A quiet sparkler flares to life, held by a woman who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. 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 boldly 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 debut strongly; it shattered records.
Pluribussurpassed the premiere viewership ofSeveranceseason two, drawing an astonishing 6.4 million hours watched in its first week in the US alone. But that was just the beginning. Now, with two episodes still to air before the season finale on December 26th, it stands alone at the pinnacle of Apple TV Plus’s success.
The story centers on Carol, a woman described as “the most miserable on earth,” tasked with an impossible mission: saving humanity from a strange, insidious happiness. A vast extraterrestrial mind virus has consumed the world, and her burden is uniquely profound.
Beyond the thrilling premise,Pluribusresonates with a timely urgency. It explores the dangers of unchecked political systems and the importance of independent thought in an increasingly polarized world. Yet, Gilligan masterfully balances this weighty theme with a surprising levity and a deeply human core.
Rhea Seehorn delivers a powerhouse performance as Carol, commanding the screen with a multifaceted portrayal that is both captivating and heartbreaking. While it may not beBreaking BadorBetter Call Saul,Pluribusmarks a bold and confident new direction for a truly masterful storyteller.
The scale of the production is immense, reportedly costing $15 million per episode. Gilligan himself notes the significant budgetary increase compared to his previous work, but emphasizes that the creative freedom afforded by Apple TV Plus was equally crucial. “They haven’t been breathing down our necks,” he explained, “which to me is just as important, probably more important.”
A second season has already been promised, offering hope to a rapidly growing fanbase eager to see what fate holds for Carol and the future of a world grappling with an alien invasion of the mind. The journey continues, and the world is watching.
