Rhea Seehorn: From Kim Wexler to Sci-Fi Hero in Vince Gilligan’s ‘Pluribus’
The name Rhea Seehorn has become synonymous with masterful, understated acting. For years, she was the brilliant, complex heart of Better Call Saul. Now, she’s leading television’s next great sci-fi saga. Her latest role as Carol Sturka in Apple TV+’s Pluribus marks a triumphant new chapter, proving Seehorn is one of the most compelling and versatile actors working today.
Created by Breaking Bad and Saul maestro Vince Gilligan, Pluribus is a critically adored post-apocalyptic drama that has earned Seehorn some of the best reviews of her career—and fresh award buzz. This is the story of her journey from a scene-stealing supporting player to the undeniable star of one of 2025’s most acclaimed series.
The Rise of Rhea Seehorn
Deborah Rhea Seehorn built a steady career in television for over a decade, but it was her casting as attorney Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul that changed everything. What began as a supporting role evolved into the moral and emotional core of the series. Her performance earned widespread critical praise and transformed her from a respected working actor into a household name for prestige TV fans.
Her work on Saul demonstrated a unique ability to convey profound depth with minimal dialogue, a skill she has carried forward. Beyond acting, Seehorn has expanded her creative reach as a co-creator, director, and executive producer of the series Cooper’s Bar, which earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination.
Award Recognition & Career Highlights
Seehorn’s nuanced performances have consistently attracted award attention, particularly for her defining role as Kim Wexler. The table below outlines key accolades from her recent work.
| Project | Role | Award/Nomination | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Call Saul | Kim Wexler | Critics’ Choice Award (Nominee – Best Supporting Actress) | 2023 |
| Cooper’s Bar | Co-Creator/Director | Primetime Emmy (Nominee – Outstanding Actress in a Short Form) | 2022-Present |
| Pluribus | Carol Sturka | Critics’ Choice Award (Nominee – Best Actress in a Drama Series) | 2026 |
Leading the New World: “Pluribus” on Apple TV+
In 2025, Vince Gilligan crafted a new series with his former Saul star specifically in mind. Pluribus is a genre-defying sci-fi drama set after an alien virus transforms humanity into a peaceful, collective hive mind. Seehorn plays Carol Sturka, a misanthropic novelist who is immune to the virus and finds herself utterly alone—and relentlessly pursued—in a world that wants to assimilate her.
“Genuinely original science-fiction fare from television veteran Vince Gilligan, Pluribus leads Rhea Seehorn through a brave new world with plentiful returns.” – Critical Consensus
The series has been met with “universal acclaim,” holding a Metacritic score of 87. Critics have hailed Seehorn’s performance as a tour-de-force, showcasing a different kind of intensity than Kim Wexler. As Carol, she embodies isolation, anger, and a desperate will to survive, all while grappling with whether her flawed humanity is worth saving.
What is “Pluribus” About?
For viewers looking to dive into Seehorn’s latest hit, here are the essential details of the series.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Pluribus (Stylized as PLUR1BUS) |
| Streaming Service | Apple TV+ |
| Creator | Vince Gilligan |
| Star | Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka |
| Genre | Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Drama |
| Setting | Albuquerque, New Mexico (primary filming location) |
| Premise | An immune author must survive in a world where an alien virus has turned everyone else into a content hive mind seeking to assimilate her. |
What’s Next for Rhea Seehorn?
With the first season of Pluribus concluded, speculation about Season 2 is already building. Seehorn has reflected on the “insurmountable” task facing her character Carol, teasing that the journey is far from over. Her performance has solidified her status as a leading actress capable of anchoring a major series, opening doors to even more diverse and challenging roles.
Fans can also revisit her filmography, with Better Call Saul and several movies available on streaming platforms like Netflix. Whether she’s navigating the moral gray areas of the law or the existential terror of a silent apocalypse, Rhea Seehorn continues to choose projects that showcase breathtaking depth and intelligence.
Common Questions
What is Rhea Seehorn’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing attorney Kim Wexler across all six seasons of AMC’s critically acclaimed series Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad.
What is the show Pluribus about?
Pluribus is an Apple TV+ sci-fi drama where an alien virus turns humanity into a peaceful hive mind. Rhea Seehorn stars as Carol Sturka, an immune and miserable author who must survive alone while being hunted for assimilation.
Has Rhea Seehorn won any awards for Pluribus?
As of early 2026, she has been nominated for awards, including a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Pluribus. The show itself has received widespread critical acclaim.
Where can I watch Rhea Seehorn’s other projects?
Better Call Saul is available on Netflix. Her new series, Pluribus, streams exclusively on Apple TV+. Various films and her series Cooper’s Bar are available on other platforms.