A world that works better than it should
Pluribus is a dystopian science fiction series with strong narrative suspense and, from the very beginning, raises the question of whether Pluribus is worth watching, even though, at first glance, it almost presents itself as a functional utopia. The story begins with a global event that silently transforms the world: a virus spreads on a planetary scale and profoundly alters how people live, feel, and relate to one another.
The planet does not collapse. On the contrary. Conflicts decrease, violence fades, and human coexistence becomes more stable. Society keeps functioning, perhaps even better than before. It is precisely this appearance of normality that sustains the series unsettling tone. The discomfort does not come from chaos, but from efficiency.
The opening question of Pluribus is not what went wrong, but what humanity may have given up to achieve a “perfect” world.
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What kind of science fiction is Pluribus?
Anyone expecting explosive science fiction filled with constant action and detailed technical explanations may feel disappointed. Pluribus takes a different route. Science fiction is present in the main plot of the series. However, beyond that, it is slower and more contemplative. Still, this is the kind of contemplation that leaves viewers with questions, pushing them to read as much as they can between the lines.
In this context, suspense is built around the narrative, which introduces an idea and answers slowly. It grows out of prolonged observation, repeated behaviors, and a persistent sense of displacement. The scenes move at a measured pace. The dialogues avoid didactic explanations, and the series does not rush to answer the questions it raises. Instead, it invites the audience to stay inside the discomfort. On the other hand, the show explains what happened to the world right away. Even so, that explanation is not enough to address the details that keep echoing in our minds.
What the series is really trying to talk about
Behind the virus premise, Pluribus builds a debate about identity, collectivity, and large-scale ethical choices. The series asks what happens when human friction is reduced too much. When divergences, conflicts, and contradictions lose space, what remains of the individual?
In addition, the narrative puts two ideas in tension that rarely walk together: comfort and freedom. The world presented is not explicitly oppressive. It seems functional, organized, and emotionally more stable. The problem is that this stability does not come for free. It exists at the cost of human individuality.
Rhythm, tone, and the viewing experience
The rhythm of Pluribus is restrained. This rhythm shows up through clearly defined narrative choices. The series does not rush to move the plot forward, nor does it deliver quick answers. Silence carries weight. Repetition seems designed to respond to our questions little by little. As a result, with each new moment experienced by the protagonist, we learn a bit more about her or about the virus. In addition, the absence of a direct confrontation between the infected and the non-infected is part of the premise.
Consequently, this choice can divide audiences. For some, the slower pace creates involvement and reflection. For others, it may feel dragging. Still, it is coherent with what the series wants to explore: a world where everything seems calm, perhaps too calm.
Why does Pluribus divide opinions more than it seems?
At first glance, the numbers do not suggest rejection. With an average score of 8.1 on IMDb, Pluribus was well received by most viewers. Even so, the feeling of division persists, and it shows up less in the overall rating than in how that reception spreads across the season.
Episode ratings help explain it. The series starts strong, loses momentum in the middle, when the restrained pace fully settles in, and recovers some enthusiasm in the final episode. This movement is reflected in online discussions, where some viewers criticize the slowness and the lack of plot advancement, while others defend that same rhythm as essential to the experience.
Pluribus is compared by many to Severance because of its enigmatic narrative and its social pull. Even though the second season of Severance received similar criticism related to a slower pace, it held an 8.7 score on IMDb. Pluribus, on the other hand, still faces resistance from those who read its contemplation as stagnation. For some, episodes feel like filler. For others, they deepen atmosphere, ambiguity, and the protagonist sense of powerlessness.
In the end, the series does not divide audiences due to a majority rejection, but because it demands a specific kind of engagement. It separates those who accept a more open, sensory narrative from those who expect constant progression and frequent rewards. With many questions still unanswered, the conclusion of the story will likely be decisive for the show’s final reception.
Who the series works best for
Pluribus tends to work better for people who:
enjoy reflective science fiction
appreciate ambiguous narratives
do not mind a slower pace
prefer intriguing questions over immediate answers
If you value series that keep running in your head after the episode ends, there is a strong chance this one will pull you in.
Who it may not work for
On the other hand, the series may not appeal to those who:
want constant action
expect quick explanations
prefer fast-paced storytelling
get frustrated by silence and ambiguity
In that case, Pluribus may feel distant or overly restrained.
Is Pluribus worth watching?
If you enjoy stories that use science fiction as a tool to discuss human choices, Pluribus offers a consistent and thought-provoking experience. It is not a series to watch distractedly, and it is not one to binge while expecting constant catharsis.
It works best when watched with attention, accepting that not everything will be explained right away. If that proposition appeals to you, it is worth starting. Otherwise, it may be better to save it for another moment.
A lingering question
In the end, Pluribus does not insist on answers, but on a simple provocation: to what extent does a more functional world remain a desirable world? The series leaves that doubt with the viewer. And maybe that is one of the reasons it stays in our minds.
If, after watching, you want to dive deeper into the symbols, dilemmas, and narrative choices, there is a complete spoiler guide you can read here:
Where to watch Pluribus?
Pluribus is available to stream on Apple TV+.
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