In a stunning end-of-year upset, a new television masterpiece has officially dethroned some of streaming's biggest names to claim a historic title. The sci-fi drama Pluribus on Apple TV+ has been confirmed as the platform's most-watched series of all time, breaking a record previously held by acclaimed hits like Severance, Slow Horses, and The Morning Show.
A Triumphant Debut and Critical Acclaim
Created by Vince Gilligan, the visionary behind Breaking Bad, Pluribus debuted in November 2025 to immediate and widespread praise. It holds an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and audiences alike hailing it as the "next great TV show." Fans have flooded social media with accolades, describing the series as an "absolute triumph" and a "masterpiece" that reaffirms the power of prestige television.
The show stars Rhea Seehorn, also known from Breaking Bad, in the lead role of Carol. The story is set in a world transformed by an alien virus that has induced perpetual happiness in humanity, creating a euphoric collective consciousness. Carol, labelled the most miserable woman on Earth, becomes the unlikely hero fighting to restore the old world and its spectrum of human emotion.
Smashing Streaming Records
Apple TV+ made the record-breaking announcement on X (formerly Twitter) in the final days of 2025. The post featured an image of Seehorn's character Carol celebrating with a beer and a sparkler, accompanied by the message: "Pluribus is the most-watched show in Apple TV history. Congratulations, Carol."
This is not the first time Pluribus has outperformed Severance. The drama previously secured the platform's biggest drama launch, amassing a remarkable 6.4 million viewing hours in the United States alone during its opening week.
What Comes Next for the Hit Series?
While the first season's story is nearing its conclusion, fans have much to look forward to. The eighth and final episode of season one is scheduled to air on Boxing Day, Friday, 26 December, exclusively on Apple TV+.
Furthermore, Apple TV+ has already greenlit the show for a second season, ensuring that Carol's quest will continue. Although an exact release date for the new season remains under wraps, the confirmation guarantees the unique and bold world of Pluribus will return to screens.
This unprecedented viewership achievement marks a significant milestone for Apple's streaming service, proving that innovative storytelling from master creators like Vince Gilligan can captivate a global audience and redefine success in the competitive streaming landscape.
