How Apple TV’s #1 Show Of All Time Took Over The World

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Vince Gilligan’s new show, Pluribus, has quickly become Apple TV+’s most popular show ever. It’s a huge success, earning a near-perfect 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and attracting more viewers than any other sci-fi series on the platform. Because of its popularity, Apple renewed Pluribus for a second season even before the first season finished airing.

It’s surprising that Pluribus has become such a global success. The show doesn’t have a star-studded cast beyond Rhea Seehorn, and as a new series, it didn’t start with a built-in fanbase. Some critics even found it slow-paced and unengaging. Despite these challenges, Pluribus became incredibly popular, and there are several factors that explain its success.

What Is Pluribus About?

Lewis Jacobs/©Apple TV/Courtesy Everett Collection

The success of Pluribus largely comes down to its compelling story. The series centers on Carol Sturka (played by Rhea Seehorn), a romance novelist who considers herself utterly miserable. She’s also one of the few people unaffected by a virus—created from a signal received from outer space—that transforms people into a single, collective consciousness. While those connected to the hive mind appear content and are always willing to help, Carol is immediately suspicious and dedicates herself to bringing back individual thought to humanity.

The basic idea behind Pluribus is intriguing, but it’s how the story develops that really captivated audiences. The show is a perfect example of slow-burn television, carefully revealing key details about the central mystery – the hive mind and what it wants. With each episode, viewers gradually learn more about Carol, the hive mind itself, and eventually Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga), creating a consistently suspenseful and engaging experience.

Pluribus Delivered A Massive Win For Apple TV

The compelling story of Pluribus contributed to its success, but the series has become a huge hit for Apple TV+. Apple announced that Pluribus is now their most popular series ever, surpassing shows like Severance and Ted Lasso. Although exact numbers haven’t been released, Pluribus remained at the top of the streaming charts for months and has quickly gained a global following.

It’s a major achievement for any show to become the most popular series ever on a streaming service like Apple TV+. Apple TV+ already has several successful shows, including Ted Lasso and Tehran. However, Pluribus quickly surpassed even those established hits in its first season. This makes the entirely original series a huge success worldwide.

How Pluribus Stood Out From Apple TV’s Other Sci-Fi Shows

Apple TV+ played a key role in the anticipation surrounding Pluribus. Thanks to shows like Severance, For All Mankind, Silo, and Foundation, the streaming service has become known for high-quality science fiction. When Pluribus was announced as an Apple TV+ original, that reputation immediately signaled to viewers that it would likely be another excellent sci-fi series.

Pluribus isn’t just a good fit for Apple TV+, it actually raises the bar. It stands out from the platform’s other science fiction shows. Unlike the bleakness of Silo or the optimism of For All Mankind, Pluribus feels very modern and relevant. While it shares some of the intrigue of Severance, its central character and the challenges they face are truly original.

Vince Gillian Has Created Another Masterpiece

A key factor in the potential success of Pluribus is its creator, Vince Gilligan. Gilligan is the mind behind critically acclaimed shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, which have earned him a dedicated fanbase and a strong reputation that helped build anticipation for Pluribus.

Gilligan’s previous success significantly boosted interest in Pluribus, both in terms of viewers and positive buzz. Like many complex science fiction shows, Pluribus unfolds gradually and can feel slow at times. However, the popularity of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul demonstrated that Gilligan’s shows are rewarding for patient viewers, making it easier for audiences to commit to Pluribus.

While building on the success of his previous work, Vince Gilligan has delivered another exceptional show with Pluribus. Now that the first season has concluded, it’s evident that Pluribus is a truly masterful series, comparable to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Gilligan once again proves that his creative vision consistently delivers a captivating and rewarding viewing experience. Simply put, Pluribus has become a global phenomenon because it’s a fantastic show.

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2026-01-14 01:28