‘How do I reverse all this?’ Everything to know about ‘Pluribus,’ as the final trailer is unveiled

Vince Gilligan is returning to his science-fiction roots 30 years after getting his start in television on The X-Files.

The four-time Emmy-winning producer of Breaking Bad (Best Drama Series, 2013 and 2014) and Better Call Saul (Best Short-Form Program, 2017 and 2020) is the showrunner and creator of the new Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Pluribus. The streamer picked it up for two seasons right out of the gate, and its nine-episode first season makes its debut on Nov. 7. Read on for everything to know about Pluribus, which reunites Gilligan with Rhea Seehorn, the Emmy-nominated star of Better Call Saul.

What's the plot?

Pluribus is set in Albuquerque, the same location where Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul took place. The plot follows Carol Sturka, a New Mexico author who is seemingly the only person unaffected by a mysterious global virus that creates the psychological effect of making everybody happy. Carol's troubles begin when she becomes the recipient of several strange messages, all alerting her by name.

Who's in the cast?

Seehorn headlines the series as Carol. Other cast members include Karolina Wydra as Zosia, Carlos Manuel Vesga as Manusos, Miriam Shor as Helen, and Samba Schutte in an undisclosed guest role.

Final Trailer

On Oct. 22, AMC released the final trailer for Pluribus, and it revealed more than ever about Carol's unique story. (Warning: spoilers!) In the two-minute video, Seehorn's character finds herself the only normal person in a world full of, for lack of a better term, happy zombies. "How do I reverse all this?" Carol desperately asks the infected Zosia. Later, a smiling political leader (played The Young and the Restless' Peter Bergman) tells her through the television, "Rest assured, Carol, we will figure out what makes you different ... so you can join us."

Video Teasers

Apple TV+ has released four short video teasers for Pluribus. The first one dropped on July 25 and focuses on a woman licking donuts next to a sign that reads, "Help yourself." Warning: don't watch this one if you get grossed out by wet, sloppy tongues! The clip generated significant buzz, leaving audiences intrigued by the genre elements Gilligan appears to be bringing to the screen.

On July 28, a video was unveiled featuring a woman whose face was not visible, though it's likely Seehorn's character. She walks over to a desk, sets down her walking cane, and picks up a phone receiver. A Washington, D.C., phone number flashes across the screen — (202) 808-3981 — so Gold Derby called it, of course! We were greeted with a woman's voice saying, "Hi, Carol. We're so glad you called. We can't wait for you to join us. Dial 0 and we'll get back to you via text message." Alas, we didn't receive any texts when we pressed 0.

On Aug. 19, a third sneak peek made its debut, this time showing Carol's face. The woman appears confused as she stumbles around outside wearing a white top that's splattered with fresh blood. "Hello, Carol," says an on-screen prompt. "We'll put things right. Sorry about the blood." She walks toward camera and out of the shot, and then the same D.C. phone number appears.

The fourth teaser debuted on Sept. 23 and tracks Seehorn's character in her car as she notices a "Welcome Carol" sign on the Westgate Casino and Hotel. The woman, clearly freaked out, hits the gas pedal and speeds away from the scene. The video ends with the Pluribus logo and the Nov. 7 premiere date.

Behind the scenes

Gilligan first pitched the new series in August 2022, securing a two-season order from Apple TV+ the following month. He serves as showrunner, writer, director, and an executive producer. After being temporarily interrupted by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, filming finally took place in Albuquerque from February to September of 2024. Additional writers include Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock, Ariel Levine, Vera Blasi, Jenn Carroll, and Jonny Gomez. Gilligan is credited with directing and writing the first two episodes.

Release Plan

Pluribus premieres its first two episodes Nov. 7 on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes streaming every Friday until the finale on Dec. 26. It will be eligible at the 2026 Emmys.

Originally published Oct. 2; updated Oct. 22 with the final trailer.