I’ve been completely hooked by Apple TV+’s new sci-fi series, Pluribus, and everyone’s already saying it feels a lot like The Twilight Zone – and honestly, the connection is deeper than just a vibe. The show, created by Vince Gilligan, centers around Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn, a writer who’s really struggling, and she’s one of only thirteen people who didn’t get affected by this alien virus. It turns out almost everyone else on Earth has been transformed into this blissfully happy, connected collective. Watching the first season – all nine episodes – feels like settling in for one long, incredible episode of The Twilight Zone. That show was always amazing at exploring strange, unexplained things, and Pluribus really captures that same spirit. But it’s not just a general similarity – there’s actually a direct nod to the original series woven into the story!
In a recent Apple TV interview, the creator of Pluribus shared that the surname ‘Sturka’ was inspired by a character named William Sturka from the classic Twilight Zone episode, “Third from the Sun.” He also confessed that The Twilight Zone is his all-time favorite TV show and highlighted the similarities between the two series. Clearly influenced by The Twilight Zone’s suspenseful mood and mix of genres, Pluribus has rapidly become a standout sci-fi show for today’s audiences.
Pluribus’ Carol Sturka Gets Her Name from The Twilight Zone
The classic Twilight Zone episode “Third from the Sun,” first aired 66 years ago, presents a compelling science fiction story with a surprising conclusion. William Sturka, played by Fritz Weaver, is a scientist who intends to steal a futuristic spacecraft to save his family from an impending nuclear war. After successfully navigating several challenges, the family launches into space. The episode’s twist ending reveals their destination is a planet remarkably like their own – Earth.
Despite being very different characters, William Sturka from The Twilight Zone and Carol Sturka from Pluribus have an interesting connection. In Pluribus, Carol tries to prevent an alien invasion, while William actually becomes the alien invader in his Twilight Zone episode. This clever reversal is a nod to the classic sci-fi show, and Pluribus offers a unique take on the “Third from the Sun” story. The creator of Pluribus used the name ‘Sturka’ as a tribute to that memorable Twilight Zone episode, and it’s well worth watching.
Vince Gilligan’s Love for The Twilight Zone Is Evident in Pluribus
Everyone knows Vince Gilligan for amazing shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but I was surprised to learn how much he did in sci-fi! Before those hits, he spent six seasons writing, producing, and directing on The X-Files – that’s where he really started making a name for himself. And you can totally see his love for The Twilight Zone in Pluribus. The episode is so mysterious, dealing with aliens and these really creepy things happening on Earth – it’s classic Gilligan!
The first episode of Pluribus is intensely frightening, showing people violently becoming infected and losing themselves to an alien intelligence. This ‘Joining’ is particularly devastating, as it includes the death of Carol’s wife, Helen. The season then follows Carol as she connects with others who are immune and the alien beings themselves, balancing moments of dark humor, suspense, and intricate storytelling. Pluribus Season 1 effectively creates a chilling atmosphere similar to classic Twilight Zone episodes like “To Serve Man,” where seemingly benevolent aliens have a sinister hidden agenda involving humanity.
Similar to an episode of The Twilight Zone, Pluribus slowly unfolds its mysteries, keeping viewers hooked. Throughout its first nine episodes, the series builds a fascinating and unsettling dystopian world, and develops a complex main character. It captures the spirit of Rod Serling’s classic show, while also exploring themes of individuality, loneliness, and the mysteries of life. Pluribus is a smart and original sci-fi series, and its connection to The Twilight Zone makes it even more captivating.
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2026-01-02 21:44