- Rhea Seehorn stars in Apple TV’s hit Pluribus as Carol Sturka, one of the few unaffected by an alien hive mind.
- The role tested her emotionally; co-star Bob Odenkirk reportedly called to check on her after watching.
- Seehorn says the show’s moral complexity and public reaction have been intensely rewarding.
- Off-screen routines — from Lego therapy to crossword frustrations — help her manage the pressure.
How Pluribus puts Seehorn at the centre
Rhea Seehorn has emerged as the face of Pluribus, Apple TV’s surprise breakout. She plays Carol Sturka, a character untouched by an alien virus that subsumes most of humanity into a peaceful, hive-like collective. The series leans into moral puzzles: Carol must navigate restoring individuality while living under scrutiny from a world that responds to her every move.
Intensity on and off screen
Seehorn describes the production as the most challenging and rewarding work of her career. She says fans often stop her to discuss what the show provokes in them — a sign, she believes, that the series is doing what it set out to do.
The show’s emotional weight has had real-world effects. As the headline line-up suggests, Better Call Saul co-star Bob Odenkirk rang her after seeing Pluribus to check she was okay — a testament to how viscerally the series lands on viewers and peers.
The stakes of Carol’s choices
Pluribus complicates the hero’s journey. Carol’s apparent immunity makes her the locus of hope, but also of great responsibility. Seehorn notes that the series frames her decisions in stark terms — the narrative implies catastrophic consequences when she loses control. That moral tension is central to the show’s appeal.
Methods and routines: staying grounded
To cope with the role’s demands, Seehorn leans on small rituals. She mentions Lego-building as a form of “therapy” — a quiet, hands-on way to decompress after intense scenes. She also jokes about her struggles with the Guardian crossword, asking for tips to crack it. Those off-screen moments reveal how actors manage the psychological load that comes with inhabiting fraught protagonists.
Public reaction and critical success
Pluribus has become Apple TV’s most-watched show and earned strong critical praise. Viewers and critics alike have praised the series for its slow-burn storytelling and ethical dilemmas. Seehorn’s performance — gruff, complex, and unexpectedly human — is widely credited with anchoring the series.
Why it matters
Beyond ratings, Pluribus is resonating because it invites conversation. Seehorn welcomes that. For her, the reward is not only acclaim but the encounters with viewers who say the show made them rethink what they believe about connection, control and responsibility.
As the series continues to find a wide audience, Seehorn remains candid about the work it takes to bring Carol to life — and about the small comforts that keep her steady between episodes.
Image Referance: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/dec/26/rhea-seehorn-interview-making-pluribus