Vince Gilligan's highly anticipated sci-fi drama Pluribus has achieved a remarkable milestone: Apple TV+ declared it the most-watched series in the platform's history after just seven episodes, surpassing icons like Ted Lasso and Severance.
The announcement came on December 12, 2025, timed with the release of episode 7, though Apple provided no specific viewership figures or exact methodology - typical for the secretive streamer. Earlier, the show's two-episode premiere on November 7, 2025, had already set a record for the biggest global drama launch, outperforming Severance Season 2 across over 100 territories.
Yet, beneath the triumph lies a growing divide. Critics have embraced Pluribus with near-unanimous praise, awarding it a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 148 reviews, lauding its originality, Rhea Seehorn's commanding performance as the miserable Carol Sturka, and Gilligan's masterful tension-building.
Audience scores, however, tell a different story: dipping to around 68%, with the primary complaint being the show's deliberately slow pace. Viewers accuse it of dragging, with episodes featuring minimal plot advancement amid extended character introspection and atmospheric buildup.
The Numbers Behind the Hype - and the Caveats
Apple's claims are impressive but opaque. The initial launch drew strong third-party corroboration: Luminate reported 6.4 million hours viewed in the U.S. for the first two episodes over seven days, landing it at #4 on streaming charts. By mid-December, cumulative viewership propelled it to the all-time top spot. Each of the nine episodes reportedly costs $15 million to produce - a hefty investment reflecting Gilligan's blank-check creative freedom post - Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
The show was greenlit with a rare two-season commitment back in 2022, securing its future early. However, production timelines suggest Season 2 won't arrive until late 2027 or early 2028, raising questions about sustaining momentum for a series criticized for its languid rhythm.
Slow Pace: Gilligan's Signature or a Liability?
Gilligan's style has always favored deliberate pacing - think the meticulous character arcs in Better Call Saul or the tension-building silences in Breaking Bad. In Pluribus, this approach immerses viewers in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is blissfully hive-minded, leaving Seehorn's isolated, curmudgeonly Carol to unravel the mystery.
Critics call it "genuinely original" and "hypnotizing," but audiences increasingly vent frustration: "Too slow," "nothing happens," and complaints that the intrigue overstays its welcome.
This critic-audience gap isn't new for prestige TV, but it's pronounced here. With only two episodes left in Season 1 (finale on December 24, 2025, moved early for Christmas), Gilligan faces pressure for a satisfying payoff. Will a major revelation redeem the buildup, or will viewer fatigue set in during the long wait for Season 2?
What It Means for Apple TV+ and Prestige Streaming
Pluribus' success reaffirms Apple TV+'s strategy of betting big on visionary creators, even in a crowded market. It joins hits like Severance and Silo in proving sci-fi's draw, but the pacing debate highlights risks in an era of binge-watching and short attention spans. If the finale delivers, it could cement Gilligan's return as legendary; if not, it might underscore why slow-burns struggle to retain mass audiences.
For now, Pluribus stands as Apple TV+'s crown jewel - record-breaking, divisive, and unapologetically deliberate. In a streaming landscape chasing instant gratification, its nuanced approach is both its greatest strength and potential Achilles' heel. Fans willing to savor the mystery are rewarded; those seeking quick thrills may tune out before the hive mind reveals its secrets.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
