The new series has been a hit with fans with some noticing similarities to Breaking Bad
A brand new series from the creator of the hit show Breaking Bad is making waves on Apple TV, with fans hailing it as a "must see" and a "masterpiece".
Pluribus, a psychological sci-fi drama, is being released weekly across nine episodes, with the finale set for 26 December. The show has already been greenlit for a second season.
The brainchild of Vince Gilligan, who also created Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, Pluribus sees him team up again with two-time Emmy nominee Rhea Seehorn, best known for her role as Kim Wexler in the Breaking Bad spin-off.
Apple TV's description of the show reads: "The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness."
But does this new sci-fi drama have any connection to Breaking Bad?, reports the Mirror. We've got the answer to that burning question.
In terms of plot, the answer is no, Pluribus is not connected to Breaking Bad. However, they do share the same creator and lead actress, and both are set in Albuquerque.
Vince Gilligan has confirmed that Pluribus is its own separate story within its own universe. Any references to Breaking Bad would be subtle nods or Easter eggs rather than shared plot elements.
Rhea Seehorn, of Breaking Bad fame, plays Carol, a best-selling author who finds herself immune to a virus that has indoctrinated the world into happiness.
Numerous fans have flocked to social media to express their views on parallels between the two programmes. One viewer commented: " I think there are a number of signs to indicate that Pluribus is actually canon to the Breaking Bad universe, and that Vince is hiding it until Season 1 comes out so the show can initially evolve as its own thing."
Nevertheless, following confirmation that the two weren't connected, many supporters continued to voice their theories about potential links.
One fan posted: "I understand that BB was a phenomenon. But Pluribus is something else entirely and if the premiere was any evidence, it will get even weirder in the coming episodes.
"I keep seeing articles and other threads where people are obsessively finding similarities between the two shows. Is it necessary? I feel people need to move past even a good show like BB and give new shows the standalone recognition they deserve."
Another commented: "Human nature. We love spotting similarities. Like when you see a car exactly like your own - you can't not make a mental or verbal note. And it's fun with fan faves like BB/BCS."
Gilligan's inventive genius didn't begin with Breaking Bad in 2008. Prior to this, he co-authored the Will Smith superhero film Hancock and also scripted episodes of The X-Files alongside several other forgettable programmes during his early career.
However, he has now risen to become one of America's most acclaimed television writers, with his latest release receiving rave reviews. With a current score of 99 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, the glowing reviews keep coming in.
One individual commented: "The best of all physiological thrillers."