Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has launched a new psychological sci-fi drama on Apple TV+ titled Pluribus. The series, which premiered weekly with nine episodes and a finale set for 26 December, has already been renewed for a second season.
Fans have been quick to draw comparisons between Pluribus and Gilligan's previous work, but the showrunner has confirmed that the two are not connected. While both are set in Albuquerque and share the same creator and lead actress Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus exists in its own universe. Any references to Breaking Bad would be subtle nods or Easter eggs rather than shared plot elements.
Rhea Seehorn, best known for her role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, stars as Carol, a best-selling author who discovers she is immune to a virus that has made the entire world happy. Apple TV+ describes the show as: 'The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.'
Despite Gilligan's clarification, some viewers continue to speculate about potential links. One fan commented: 'I think there are a number of signs to indicate that Pluribus is actually canon to the Breaking Bad universe.' Others have urged fans to move on, with one saying: 'I feel people need to move past even a good show like BB and give new shows the standalone recognition they deserve.'
Pluribus has received critical acclaim, currently holding a 99 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer called it 'the best of all psychological thrillers.' Gilligan, who also wrote for The X-Files and co-wrote the film Hancock, continues to cement his reputation as one of America's most celebrated television writers.
