Severance Apple TV+ has finally released the first teaser for Pluribus, the new mystery-drama from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Starring Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), the teaser offers more confusion than clarity — and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.
In just 45 seconds, we see Seehorn’s character, Carol, speaking to someone at the White House, getting offers of help, food, and medicine — yet nothing feels right. The moment she’s asked if she has any questions, Carol replies bluntly: “I guess to start with, what the
It’s unsettling, surreal, and darkly funny — and for fans of Severance, the tone might feel strikingly familiar.
Key Takeaways
- Rhea Seehorn leads Vince Gilligan’s mysterious new Apple TV+ series Pluribus.
- The teaser hints at government control, emotional manipulation, and scientific experiments involving happiness.
- The show’s logline describes a world where “the most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.”
- Peter Bergman, Karolina Wydra, and Carlos-Manuel Vesga co-star alongside Seehorn.
- Fans of Severance will find the same mix of satire, suspense, and psychological mystery.
The Scene: A White House Line of Trouble
The teaser opens with Carol answering a call from what appears to be a White House helpline. A kind voice promises help “in any way you need.” But something feels off. The overly formal tone and Carol’s blank expression create tension. By the time she drops her biting question — “What the f***?” — the viewer already knows something deeper is wrong.
Symbolism and Strange Imagery
Gilligan fills the teaser with unsettling symbolism: Carol in a police car flipping someone off, a scientist creating a smiley face in a petri dish, and flashes of an ordinary world turned inside out. The “smile” is key — representing forced happiness, the same kind of emotional programming that Severance explored through workplace conditioning.
The Premise: Saving the World from Happiness
The official logline for Pluribus calls it “a genre-bending original in which the most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.” That paradox makes it instantly fascinating. Like Severance, the series seems ready to question how much control people truly have over their emotions and choices.
Cast and Production Team
- Rhea Seehorn plays Carol, the unwilling hero.
- Peter Bergman voices the White House caller.
- Karolina Wydra and Carlos-Manuel Vesga co-star, with Miriam Shor and Samba Schutte in guest roles.
- Vince Gilligan writes and executive produces, joined by Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock, and others.
Apple TV+ ordered two full seasons back in 2022, showing major confidence in the project.
Why Severance Fans Should Watch
If Severance made you love uncomfortable silences, eerie humor, and the illusion of control, Pluribus is your next obsession. Both shows deal with emotional manipulation — one in the workplace, the other in the world itself. The teaser gives just enough to spark speculation, promising an unpredictable blend of science fiction, dark comedy, and existential drama.
People Also Asked
Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?
Apple TV+ has confirmed Severance Season 2 is coming soon, but an exact release date is still under wraps.
What is Severance about?
Severance follows office workers whose memories are surgically divided between work and personal life, exploring control, ethics, and identity.
Is Severance Season 3 happening?
While fans await official confirmation, creators have expressed interest in continuing the story beyond Season 2.
Where can I buy Severance merch?
Authentic merchandise can be found on Apple TV+’s official store and licensed partners online.
How many Severance episodes are there?
Season 1 has nine episodes, all available on Apple TV+. More are expected in the upcoming season.
Conclusion The Smile That Isn’t What It Seems
Pluribus might not explain itself yet, but that’s the beauty of it. The teaser sets the stage for a darkly comedic look at control, misery, and what it means to be human. For Severance fans, it’s the perfect mix of mystery, philosophy, and biting satire.
As Carol says, “What the f***?” might just become the question of the year.