Apple is expanding the rollout of its upcoming sci-fi series Pluribus with an official companion podcast set to launch alongside the show. The series, created by Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul showrunner Vince Gilligan, debuts this Friday on Apple TV, and the new podcast aims to offer audiences a behind-the-scenes perspective on the production.
Pluribus stars Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a character described as “the most miserable person on Earth,” who must somehow “save the world from happiness.” The premise suggests a near-future satire in which a mysterious “happiness virus” infects humanity, leaving Carol as the lone dissenter. The series marks another collaboration between Gilligan and Seehorn, whose previous work together on Better Call Saul drew widespread critical acclaim.
To accompany the show’s launch, Apple has announced Pluribus: The Official Podcast, an in-house production offering weekly discussions and commentary. Hosted by Pluribus editor Chris McCaleb, the podcast features writers, directors, cast members, and Gilligan himself in roundtable conversations that break down each episode’s themes, production choices, and creative process. Produced by High Bridge Productions and Sony Pictures Television, the series will release new podcast episodes in tandem with the show’s weekly installments.
The move reflects Apple’s growing strategy to integrate podcasts as part of its broader storytelling ecosystem. By pairing scripted television with companion audio content, Apple continues to blur the line between traditional entertainment formats and its expanding podcast network. This approach not only deepens viewer engagement but also gives fans additional context into how a series is built, a model that has worked effectively for franchises like The Last of Us and Succession in recent years.
Pluribus premieres November 7 on Apple TV, with new episodes of Pluribus: The Official Podcast available on Apple Podcasts each week. Whether the show connects with viewers remains to be seen, but Apple’s investment in cross-platform promotion suggests high expectations for its latest original series.
