Pluribus, the post-apocalyptic Apple TV Plus series from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, has been out for over six months and remains a critical darling—yet it hasn't achieved the mainstream cultural footprint of other hit shows. Despite a 99% Rotten Tomatoes critics' score based on 184 reviews, an Emmy nomination for lead Rhea Seehorn, and a total of 18 Emmy nominations for the series, the show struggles to break through to general audiences.
Critical Acclaim vs. Public Apathy
The series initially made a splash, becoming Apple TV Plus's most-watched show ever with 360 million minutes viewed post-finale, even outperforming Severance. However, that buzz hasn't translated into sustained conversation. When the writer mentions the show to friends and family, the typical response is a blank stare or an apathetic 'Oh yeah, I’ve heard of that show, not watched it.'
Rhea Seehorn, 54, plays Carol, a moody and cynical writer left unmoored when a virus makes everyone else perpetually happy. Seehorn has already won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice award for the role, and her Emmy nomination puts her in the running for the same award that Britt Lower won for Severance. Yet the show hasn't generated the same level of public discourse.
The Slow Burn Controversy
Pluribus has a 68% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, with common complaints branding it 'boring' and too much of a 'slow burn.' The writer argues that the slower pace allows the world-building and character development to shine, particularly Carol's deeply human flaws and grief. The dynamic between Carol and virus-infected Zosia (Karolina Wydra, also Emmy-nominated) raises moral conundrums that should spark debate but haven't.
In contrast, shows like Severance, The Pitt, Euphoria, and Ryan Murphy's Love Story have generated far more watercooler chatter. Even compared to Gilligan's own Breaking Bad, Pluribus remains in the shadows.
A Call to Viewers
The writer urges Apple TV Plus subscribers to give the show a chance before season two arrives. 'This is a call to all those Apple TV viewers to come out of your shell. Don’t be shy!' she writes. 'I can only hope more people switch on before the second season arrives and Rhea has to win the Emmy to make it so, then so be it!'
Pluribus is available to stream on Apple TV Plus now.
