Breaking Bad creator's new show Pluribus lands a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
If you've been chasing that Breaking Bad feeling since the finale, here's a reason to lean in again. Vince Gilligan (movies and tv series)'s new series, Pluribus, is out now - and early episodes are scoring a spotless 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
That's a big bar to clear. And honestly, the chatter feels different this time. Fans aren't just curious; they're all-in, calling it "one of the best shows ever." Bold claim, sure. But the numbers - and the noise - back it up, at least for now.
What it's about - and why it sticks
Rhea Seehorn (movies and tv series) leads as Carol Sturka, a woman marked by a brutal label: the most unhappy person on Earth. Then something weird hits - a kind of forced happiness that sweeps the planet - and Carol's the only one who doesn't feel it. Which means she might be the only one who can figure out what the hell happened.
The show lives in that sharp Gilligan zone: bleak premise, razor humor, real dread. You laugh, and then it guts you a beat later. It's streaming now on Apple TV+.
The early verdict: loud and glowing
Right now, Pluribus sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from 74 critics. That could shift as more reviews roll in, but it's a strong start - the kind that turns a new show into an instant must-watch.
On TikTok, film and TV commentator Megan Cruz (you'll find her as @jstoobs) is telling her 640k-plus followers to get on it. "Trust me when I tell you, you're gonna wanna watch this show," she says - and she urges people to go in cold to let the pilot really land.
She also puts it in big company: "just as good" as Severance or Lost. And she calls the pilot's setup "one of the most horrifying" scenarios she can think of. That's a heavy swing - but that's also exactly the kind of swing Gilligan tends to make.
Fans are buzzing - but not all in the same way
Comments are stacked with praise: "Just freaking quality 1000%," one viewer wrote. Another said the world-building "is stellar" and they "can't wait for episode 3."
Not everyone's fully sold, though. One person compared the vibe to a certain episode of Rick and Morty and wondered if there's more under the hood. Fair ask. And honestly, with a premise this stark, payoff matters.
Why this matters for your coverage
- Early scores are eye-catching, but the week-to-week build is the real test. Watch retention and conversation velocity as new episodes land.
- Seehorn leading a Gilligan series is a story by itself. Better Call Saul fans will show up - and they'll talk. That audience has long legs.
- Tonal balance (horror, humor, existential ache) is the hook here. If it holds, that's awards-season oxygen.
Release schedule
Two episodes are live now on Apple TV+, with new installments dropping weekly through the end of the year. We'll keep an eye on the score, the chatter, and whether Pluribus can stay this sharp under the spotlight.
Early read? It's appointment TV. And yeah - we're watching too.
