Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed creator of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” is set to debut his new series, “Pluribus,” on Apple TV+ on November 7, 2023. The series promises to take a different direction by exploring the concept of happiness, a topic Gilligan has been contemplating for nearly a decade.
“It’s a show that examines happiness,” Gilligan said in a recent interview. “Sometimes I think it’s best to let the audience decide what a show means, but I can say I was thinking a lot about happiness when I came up with this.” The show stars Rhea Seehorn, who is known for her acclaimed work in “Better Call Saul.” Gilligan specifically wrote this role for her, acknowledging her talent and the depth she brings to her characters.
In “Pluribus,” Seehorn plays Carol, a woman leading a comfortable life until a mysterious signal from space alters her reality. Gilligan describes her character as a reluctant hero, someone who would prefer that others take the initiative to save the world, but who ultimately steps up to face the challenge. “The show has a lot of dramatic and scary moments, but also real humor,” he added. “It’s definitely not a comedy, but sometimes you could be forgiven for thinking it is.”
The nine-episode series features a supporting cast that includes Karolina Wydra from “Sneaky Pete” and Carlos-Manuel Vesga from “The Hijacking of Flight 601,” with guest appearances by Miriam Shor and Samba Schutte. The first two episodes will be released simultaneously on the premiere date, with subsequent episodes airing weekly until December 26, 2023.
Gilligan emphasized that while “Pluribus” shares a setting in Albuquerque with his previous works, it diverges significantly in theme and tone. “This show is very different than ‘Breaking Bad’ or ‘Better Call Saul,’ but people may not realize that at first,” he remarked. The familiar cityscape is simply a backdrop, as Gilligan has developed a deep connection with his cast and crew, some of whom he has collaborated with for nearly 20 years. “I can just say a few words and everyone knows exactly what I mean. I love that,” he stated.
The title “Pluribus” draws inspiration from the Latin phrase “E pluribus unum,” which translates to “out of many, one.” Gilligan noted the title’s significance, stating, “It was probably the hardest title I’ve ever come up with. I’ve always loved that phrase.” He explained that it carries additional meaning within the context of the show. “Something big happens in the first episode that changes how people relate to each other. I think when folks see a few episodes, the title will make more sense.”
Gilligan’s roots trace back to Richmond, Virginia, where he was born and raised. He moved to Farmville as a child and later returned to Chesterfield County during his teenage years. A graduate of L.C. Bird High School in 1985, he attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University on a scholarship. His career took off after winning the Virginia Governor’s Screenwriting Award for a screenplay, which led to a writing job on “The X-Files” before he created “Breaking Bad.”
Reflecting on his upbringing, Gilligan shared, “Richmond’s always going to be a part of me.” He fondly remembers his grandfather’s bookstore as a significant part of his family history. “We all draw from our memories, consciously or not. This show is about happiness, but it’s also about memory and how we share it. When I think of that, I think of Richmond.”
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “Pluribus,” audiences can expect a fresh perspective from Gilligan, who continues to push creative boundaries while staying connected to his roots.
