Streaming service Apple TV has found itself at the centre of a heated fan debate, with viewers passionately arguing over which of its original sci-fi thrillers boasts the superior first season: the newly released Pluribus or the established hit Severance.
The Contenders: A Tale of Two Dystopias
Apple TV has built a formidable reputation for high-concept television in recent years, with Severance standing as a prime example. Created by Dan Erickson and brought to screen with Ben Stiller, the psychological thriller features Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, and Patricia Arquette. It explores a chilling corporate world where employees undergo a surgical 'severance' procedure to completely separate their work and personal memories.
Its new rival, Pluribus, marks the highly anticipated return of Vince Gilligan, the visionary creator behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Premiering in late December 2025, the series stars Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a pessimistic woman tasked with saving the world from a strange alien virus that spreads enforced happiness across humanity.
Fan Fury: The Online Debate Rages
The debate has ignited primarily on platforms like Reddit, where fans are dissecting the merits of each show. Supporters of Pluribus argue that Gilligan's latest project has a more immediate impact. One fan, ipascoe, stated that the new series "instantly hooked" them, while admitting Severance "took a while" to build momentum.
Others echoed this sentiment, praising Pluribus for its "great hook, original story and good pacing," as noted by user WelshIronman. Some conceded that the show's powerful pedigree was a major draw, with ivoiiovi commenting, "If it wasn't made by Vince Gilligan I doubt it would have anywhere near the audience or respect it has."
The Case for Severance
However, advocates for Severance are fiercely defending its layered narrative. Daganscribe69 argued that the show's first season "just got better and more intriguing with every episode," suggesting a depth that rewards patient viewing. This contrasts with critiques of Pluribus, where some fans felt it was "one good idea stretched out to fill a whole season."
The conversation also touches on the challenging production journey for Severance. The series was notably impacted by Hollywood's writing strikes, leading to significant delays for its second season. This pause led some viewers to abandon the show, as revealed in a recent Metro poll asking readers which series they 'loved' but gave up on due to filming delays.
Despite this, many fans, like Donald J Makin on Facebook, support the wait, preferring "something good than a rushed second series." They trust the creators took time to maintain quality rather than rushing back into production.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the rich and competitive landscape Apple TV has cultivated. With Pluribus being hailed by some as the "best of 2025" and Severance already considered a modern classic, subscribers are the real winners. Both series are available to stream in full on Apple TV+.
