Happiness is Contagious: First glimpse at Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn’s new Apple TV+ show

Rhea Seehorn makes an intriguing return to Apple TV+ on July 22, 2025, with a new mystery that already has fans talking. Early this morning, Apple’s official X account shared a single image: a Petri dish holding a smiley face painted by a Q-tip, paired with the phrase Happiness is Contagious.

At first glance, it feels more like a simple science experiment than a TV ad. Yet this quiet tease has sparked curiosity by linking to a YouTube countdown set to reach zero on Friday, July 25, at 3 p.m. ET. Alongside that image, viewers spotted the familiar names of Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn, reuniting the Breaking Bad creator with his Better Call Saul star in what is being described as a “grounded genre drama.”

Rumors describe the series, currently untitled, as already having two seasons ordered, a vote of confidence in Gilligan’s new vision. Unlike his previous crime narratives, this project promises speculative ideas rooted in everyday life. Rhea Seehorn, known for her precise performance as Kim Wexler, steps into uncharted territory here, leading a cast built around character depth rather than suspenseful heists.

While details remain scarce, Apple TV+ has signaled its belief in the partnership by investing early. As the countdown ticks toward Friday’s reveal, viewers await clarity on how that simple smiley-face dish will tie into a story blending human emotion with subtle twists.

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The teaser offers a simple but puzzling image

Apple TV+ chose minimalism over spectacle. The only clue so far is that Petri dish, a nod to scientific study, paired with the phrase "Happiness is Contagious.” That teaser appeared on X moments after midnight Pacific time, immediately sparking fan discussion about what it might mean for the story’s world.

A live countdown on YouTube points viewers to Friday’s reveal, but beyond that, Apple remains silent. The name of Rhea Seehorn is the only cast detail confirmed, leaving us to wonder how her character will fit into this curious setup.

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The story moves away from crime drama

This new series is Gilligan’s first departure from pure crime narratives. In interviews, he’s stressed there will be “no methamphetamine,” and that the show will lean into speculative ideas grounded in real life. Apple ordered two seasons in 2022, signaling early faith in the project’s potential.

Rhea Seehorn, once again at the center of his writing, will lead a cast built around deep character moments rather than heists or drug deals. The phrase “grounded genre drama” hints at a balance of everyday emotions with unexpected twists.

In an interview with Deadline, Gilligan said,

“I’m excited for audiences to see Rhea play a very different character than the character she played on Better Call Saul,”

He continues by saying,

“She plays someone who’s trying very hard to be good. She’s a bit of a damaged hero, but she’s a hero nonetheless. And it’s just a pleasure to work with her because she’s just the best, and she is so sweet and kind and talented. I can’t say enough good about her.”

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Albuquerque remains the setting

Fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul will recognize the desert skyline. Reports confirm filming took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, throughout 2024. Gilligan seems drawn to the city’s stark beauty, using its wide horizons to reflect his characters’ inner lives.

Though this isn’t a direct spinoff, the new show, unofficially referred to in some circles as Wycaro 339, will unfold against familiar terrain. Rhea Seehorn returns to a place she knows well, but in service of a very different story.

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Rhea Seehorn leads the cast in a new role

The Emmy-nominated work of Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler set a high bar, and here she steps into uncharted territory. Early reports describe her character as a determined individual navigating a world that shifts in subtle but profound ways. Gilligan has said he built the concept around her talents, writing the role specifically with her in mind.

This collaboration suggests a level of trust and creative shorthand that could make for a deeply human sci‑fi tale. The natural expressiveness of Rhea Seehorn may be key to grounding the show’s speculative elements in real emotion.

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With the clock ticking toward Friday’s reveal, “Happiness is Contagious” teases more questions than answers. Rhea Seehorn and Vince Gilligan are back together, and Apple TV+ seems poised to introduce a story that blends everyday feelings with the unexpected. When the full trailer drops on July 25 at 3 p.m. ET, we’ll finally see how that simple smiley‑face dish ties it all together.