Apple TV has had its best year ever, but it’s not done yet. Today’s highly anticipated premiere of Pluribus, a new sci-fi series from Breaking Bad’s creator, seems to somehow deliver on the hype Apple has been stoking for months.

Pluribus actually delivers on the hype Apple has built

It’s easy to build hype, but hard to deliver. With Pluribus, Apple seems to have accomplished on both fronts.

The new Apple TV sci-fi series has been running a mystery-heavy, Severance-style marketing campaign for months.

At creator Vince Gilligan’s request, the streamer released minimal information about Pluribus ahead of time. The official logline was one of the only tidbits:

The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.

But now Pluribus is here.

The first two episodes are available now, and reviews have dropped.

Critics saw all but the final two episodes of the season, and while those final episodes might change some opinions, praise so far has been universal.

Pluribus currently has a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Here are some quotes:

• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: ”Pluribus is the most original, unexpectedly thought-provoking and frequently funny series of 2025”
• Alan Sepinwall: “Vince Gilligan’s at the top of his game with Pluribus”
• The Times (UK): “Through what will surely be Seehorn’s first Emmy-winning performance and Gilligan’s trademark writing and direction filled with pregnant pauses and black humour, this show could hardly capture the zeitgeist more firmly.”

It’s rare to see a TV show get such across-the-board acclaim, but Pluribus seems to have truly earned it.

Pluribus looks a lot like Apple TV’s next Severance

I got to watch Pluribus last night despite Apple TV’s outages. I was excited, but also hesitant because my expectations were very high.

When The New York Times called Pluribus “as big as modern TV gets,” and one of my favorite critics said it was “riveting” and a “dazzling piece of entertainment,” it was pretty hard not to get hyped.

Yet despite all the anticipation, I immediately became enthralled by the series. Thursday nights will be appointment TV for the next seven weeks.

Apple TV has a strong track record with sci-fi shows, and Pluribus looks and feels like it might be the best yet—or at least, a worthy contender with Severance.

And considering how big a hit Severance has been, and early reception to Pluribus, I’d say Apple could have another massive breakout on its hands.

Have you watched Pluribus, and do you expect it to be a hit? Let us know in the comments.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month and features hit TV shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

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