Vince Gilligan’s ‘Pluribus’ Review Roundup: Show Debuts with Stellar Rotten Tomatoes Score

Apple TV’s new series Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan, has quickly made waves with critics following its premiere on November 7.

The science fiction drama stars Rhea Seehorn in the lead role, reuniting her with Gilligan after their work together on AMC’s Better Call Saul. Apple has already ordered two seasons, with the first season set to run nine episodes and debuting the initial two on launch day.

Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Pluribus follows historical romance author Carol Sturka. She is one of only eleven people in the world immune to a mysterious virus that has transformed the rest of humanity into overly content and optimistic citizens.

The show explores Carol’s struggle to navigate a society where everyone else seems unnaturally happy while raising questions about freedom, individuality, and the nature of happiness.

We hope you enjoy the trailer, Carol.#Pluribus premieres November 7 on Apple TV. pic.twitter.com/XG3LbdZoDh

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) October 22, 2025

The main cast includes Rhea Seehorn as Carol, Karolina Wydra as Zosia, and Carlos Manuel Vesga as Manousos. Guest stars include Miriam Shor as Helen, who is Carol’s manager and romantic partner, Samba Schutte, and Peter Bergman as Davis Taffler, a government official who communicates with Carol about her situation.

The show debuted with a 100% Critics score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 reviews.

Critics have praised Pluribus for its mix of suspense, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes. Many noted that the series successfully blends eerie, unsettling tension with moments of dark humor and human drama.

Reviewers were impressed with the writing and direction, highlighting how the story examines complex emotions and societal changes through its science fiction premise. The show’s ability to explore pandemic-related trauma and its lingering psychological effects has been particularly well received, and Seehorn’s performance as Carol has been widely praised for grounding the high-concept story in relatable human experience.

Must-watch television It combines the eerie intrigue of Severance with the haunting, apocalyptic drama of The Leftovers all brought to life through Vince Gilligan’s masterful writing and direction

Zach Pope

This might be the best pandemic-related art we’ve gotten yet, because it comes at those themes from the most unexpected of angles, prying open the lingering trauma from those years to explore the deeper ways that time hurt us all.

Liz Shannon Miller

Through seven episodes, Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus has enough intrigue to keep you invested with the hopes that the payoff is worthy of the build.

Ricky Valero

With Pluribus, I was absolutely riveted from the jump. It’s an expertly crafted series, with smart, engaging (and often laugh-out-loud funny) writing and performances.

Jean Henegan

Gilligan, perhaps seeing something of himself in Carol as he attempts to tell a more ambitious story, raises a whole host of emotional and existential questions that transcend the show’s sci-fi trappings.

Chase Hutchinson

… Gilligan not only contributes another sci-fi masterpiece that feels right at home in the Apple TV library but also delivers a series that manages to be equal parts unnerving, hilarious, heartbreaking, and always unexpected.

Carly Lane

Pluribus has been called a must-watch for those interested in smart, unpredictable storytelling that combines thrilling suspense with deep emotional and existential questions.

Critics agree that the show keeps viewers engaged with a strong narrative, intriguing mysteries, and surprising character developments throughout the episodes.

Overall, Pluribus is being recognized as a standout addition to Apple TV’s lineup, blending Gilligan’s signature storytelling with innovative science fiction concepts and strong performances.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!