In a year widely considered underwhelming for television, one show has cut through the noise to offer a beacon of hope for the small screen. Apple TV+'s sci-fi drama 'Pluribus', from the acclaimed creator of Breaking Bad, Vince Gilligan, has not only confounded and compelled viewers but has also been crowned the streamer's biggest hit of all time.
A Creative Lifeline in a Stagnant Year
For many, 2025 felt like the year television lost its way. Beloved returning series failed to meet expectations, while new offerings struggled to capture the collective imagination, often relegated to background noise. Against this backdrop, the arrival of 'Pluribus' has been a revelation. The show's success is a significant feat for Apple TV+, a platform where older titles like Ted Lasso frequently dominate the charts.
The series' appeal rests on two formidable pillars. Firstly, it marks Vince Gilligan's first solo project since 'Breaking Bad', instantly drawing the attention of fans who consider his earlier work a high watermark in television history. Secondly, its premise is both fantastical and unnervingly plausible. Rhea Seehorn stars as Carol Sturka, a romantasy author who remains mysteriously immune when an alien virus transforms humanity into a placid, cooperative hive mind. Her every negative outburst causes mass casualties, forcing her into the role of an unwilling saviour.
An Allegory for Our Times
Reportedly born from Gilligan's musings on the hell of constant, insincere nicety—a likely by-product of his own fame—the show proves to be a rich, porous allegory. Viewers have interpreted its themes through various lenses: as a metaphor for the Covid-19 isolation, a commentary on our blind acceptance of AI, or simply the universal feeling of being the sole voice of reason in a mad world. This ambiguity has fuelled intense online speculation, with platforms like Reddit awash with theories about the hive's nature and Carol's moral imperative to resist it.
Yet, such deep analysis isn't mandatory to enjoy the series. Many are content to simply luxuriate in the confident, meticulous storytelling from one of the medium's masters. The show is thoughtfully written, thematically dense, and beautifully directed, possessing a rare and clear sense of self. The recent episode detailing a gruelling weeks-long journey from Paraguay to Albuquerque exemplifies Gilligan's signature slow-burn, process-driven pacing—a style familiar to fans of Better Call Saul.
The Pace and The Payoff
This deliberate pace, however, may risk losing some viewers as the series continues, a pattern seen with Better Call Saul. But for those who stay the course, the reward is undeniable. With a finale set for Christmas, the current episodes build towards a climax with such intriguing hooks that the wait for new instalments feels agonising. In a year of televisual disappointment, 'Pluribus' stands out as the current best show on offer, a compelling reason to believe in the innovative potential of the small screen once more.
