Pluribus is Vince Gilligan’s new Apple TV series about a planet-wide happiness phenomenon and a single woman who remains resistant to it. The premise follows Carol Sturka, a New Mexico author who appears to be one of a dozen people immune to a mysterious virus that makes everyone else blissfully content, effectively transforming humanity into a peaceful hive mind. The show blends science fiction, dark humor, and thriller tones as Carol navigates a world where collective happiness is spreading and asks whether individual misery can ever be a virtue or a necessary counterbalance to total conformity. It’s described as an audacious, surreal, and sharply written series that leans into Gilligan’s signature cinematic style and character-driven tension. Key themes and angles people are noting:
- The clash between individual autonomy and a seemingly benevolent global consensus.
- Ethical questions about happiness, freedom, and the price of social harmony.
- A post-apocalyptic or near-future setting with a focus on Albuquerque, where the story unfolds.
- The series’ visual voice and pacing, combining suspense with dark humor and philosophical inquiry.
If you’d like, I can pull together a quick guide to the cast, episode structure, and critical reception from the latest reviews to help you decide whether to watch it.
