Vince Gilligan, known for redefining modern television through Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has once again captured the spotlight—this time with his new Apple TV drama Pluribus. The series has shattered Apple TV’s viewership records, delivering the platform’s strongest premiere to date.
Apple’s official announcement confirmed that Pluribus surpassed even the highly anticipated second-season debut of Severance. Independent data from Nielsen supports this claim, showing that the show’s first two episodes attracted an unusually large audience.
The biggest question now is whether Pluribus can maintain this pace. While the early surge is clearly boosted by Gilligan’s legacy and devoted fan base, its long-term success will rely on its own storytelling depth. Apple, however, showcased its confidence early by granting the show a two-season approval before the premiere.
At the story’s core is renowned author Carol Sturka. During a promotional tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she finds herself in the midst of a strange outbreak. The rapidly spreading virus turns residents into unusually cheerful and content individuals—yet Carol remains unaffected. This bizarre contrast heightens the tension and deepens the unfolding mystery.
With its record-breaking debut and Gilligan’s signature narrative style, Pluribus seems poised to become one of the most talked-about releases of the year.