Apple TV Launches ‘Pluribus’: Gilligan’s New Show Explored

Apple TV has premiered its latest series, Pluribus, with the release of the first two episodes on November 7, 2023. Created by Vince Gilligan, known for his work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, this new show is already generating significant buzz among viewers.

The term ‘pluribus’ is derived from Latin, meaning ‘many’ or ‘from many.’ It is most famously associated with the phrase ‘E pluribus unum,’ which translates to ‘out of many, one’ and historically served as an unofficial motto of the United States until 1956. This expression symbolizes the unity of a nation formed from diverse origins. In a recent interview with Tech Radar, Gilligan acknowledged this connection, stating that the title serves as a nod to the motto. He emphasized, however, that the show aims to resonate on a global scale.

Gilligan expressed his desire for Pluribus to reflect a broader theme: “I really want this to be a show for the whole world. And I liked the idea of out of many, one, in reference to the democracy of the United States, but also out of many people from all around the world, one.”

The series follows the character Carol Sturka, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn, who is unexpectedly tasked with saving the world from what she perceives as an impending happiness crisis. Carol, a romance author, is humorously dubbed the most miserable person on Earth. Gilligan explains that her journey involves a quest that leads her around the globe. The narrative poses the question of whether the situation is truly dystopian or utopian, leaving interpretation open to the audience.

Despite speculation about its connection to Gilligan’s previous works, Pluribus is not a spin-off of Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, although it shares ties with both. Gilligan conceived the idea for this new series during the run of Better Call Saul and immediately thought of Seehorn for the lead role, praising her charisma and versatility: “You just can’t take your eyes off her. She’s got a wonderful charisma. And she can do anything — make you laugh, make you cry,” he told Variety.

After several discussions, Gilligan finally presented Seehorn with the script in 2022, leading to her enthusiastic commitment to the project.

Viewers will need to tune in weekly for new episodes, with the third installment of Pluribus set to release on November 14, 2023. The series will continue with a new episode every Friday until December 26, 2023, culminating in a total of nine episodes. Alongside Seehorn, the cast includes Karolina Wydra as Ana, Carlos Manuel Vesga as Manusos, and Miriam Shor as Helen, among others.

As the audience dives into this intriguing new narrative, Pluribus promises to blend humor and existential inquiry, showcasing Gilligan’s signature storytelling style.