The reviews for Apple TV’s Pluribus have quickly drawn attention to Vince Gilligan’s return to television. Since its premiere, the sci-fi drama has earned widespread acclaim from critics. Its debut Rotten Tomatoes score marks a perfect start, setting it apart as one of 2025’s highest-rated new series.
What critics are saying about Pluribus
Critics unanimously praised Pluribus for its originality, direction, and Rhea Seehorn’s performance. Caryn James of BBC.com described the show as one that “puts us in Carol’s place,” crediting Seehorn’s “empathetic performance” for grounding the sci-fi premise. The Hollywood Reporter’s Daniel Fienberg called it “an intriguing and sometimes hilarious star showcase.”
Variety’s Alison Herman wrote that Pluribus “can have the feel of an acting exercise,” adding that “it’s a joy for a production this big to have such an experimental, risk-taking slant.” Nick Schager of The Daily Beast labeled it “a tantalizing mystery about the pluses and minuses of togetherness.” Ben Travers from IndieWire advised viewers to “pay attention to how it makes you feel,” stating that “the strangeness is the point, and the strangeness is worth savoring.”
Nicholas Quah from Vulture noted that each episode leaves viewers “savoring the silence it gave you to think everything through.” Tim Glanfield of The Times (UK) predicted it could lead to “Seehorn’s first Emmy-winning performance,” citing Vince Gilligan’s “trademark writing and direction filled with pregnant pauses and black humour.” Verne Gay of Newsday called it “a (funky) winner.” Together, these reviews highlight both the technical mastery and emotional complexity that define Gilligan’s latest work.
Pluribus gets perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes
According to Rotten Tomatoes, Pluribus: Season 1 debuted with a 100% Tomatometer score from 22 reviews, making it one of 2025’s few shows to earn a perfect rating. Critics praised its mix of science fiction and existential comedy, exploring collective happiness and individuality.
Created by Vince Gilligan and starring Rhea Seehorn, the Apple TV series premiered on November 7, 2025. It follows “the most miserable person on Earth” who must “save the world from happiness.” Critics called it “fresh” and “ambitious,” praising its thought-provoking storytelling. The series marks Pluribus as a standout in Gilligan’s post-Better Call Saul career.
