The Paley Center for Media kicked off PaleyFest LA 2026 with Apple TV’s “Pluribus” Opening Night at the Dolby Theatre, launching the festival with an exciting evening of red carpet arrivals, an exclusive screening, and a dynamic conversation. The event brought together stars Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos-Manuel Vesga, and Samba Schutte, alongside executive producer and writer Gordon Smith and co-executive producer and writer Jenn Carroll, with Yvette Nicole Brown moderating.
Fans packed the theater for a special look at the series, followed by an engaging discussion with the cast and creative team, who shared behind-the-scenes insights, character perspectives, and the creative vision driving “Pluribus.”
Gordon Smith, Jenn Carroll, Karolina Wydra, Yvette Nicole Brown, Rhea Seehorn, Carlos-Manuel Vesga, and Samba Schutte attend “Pluribus” during PaleyFest LA Opening Night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 4, 2026Credit: Courtesy of The Paley Center for Media
During the conversation, moderator Yvette Nicole Brown asked the panel to reflect on the meaning of ‘happiness,’ prompting a range of thoughtful responses. Seehorn shared that “happiness isn’t a state you stay in,” emphasizing purpose and growth, while Wydra highlighted that it’s about “stopping to smell the flowers, which brings you into the present moment.” Gordon Smith brought humor to the exchange, joking that happiness is simply getting to sleep in a little longer.
The panel also spoke warmly about working with Seehorn, with Wydra calling her “a true girl’s girl… you have everyone’s back and it’s such a blessing,” adding that she makes it a point to greet everyone on set. Jenn Carroll echoed that sentiment saying that Seehorn “requested crew call-sheets so she could memorize everyone’s names” and advocated for sustainable hours, emphasizing that “we need everyone around us to do their best work.”
HOLLYWOOD CA – APRIL 4: Moderator Yvette Nicole Brown with the cast and creatives of Pluribus at PaleyFest LA 2026 honoring Pluribus, presented by the Paley Center for Media, at the DOLBY THEATRE on April 4, 2026 in Hollywood, California. © Courtney McAllister
The conversation concluded with Brown asking for a tease of Season 2, with co-executive producers Smith and Carroll sharing, “We’re in the writers’ room, we’re having a great time. We really want you guys to love it. We hope to be back in production before the end of the year.”
PaleyFest—the nation’s premier media, television, and entertainment festival—brings audiences together with the brightest stars and biggest names at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for exclusive screenings and cast conversations that illuminate the creative process behind your favorite shows. Festival audiences share in the magic and experience an exciting screening specially chosen for the festival, followed by a conversation with the stars and a Q&A featuring hilarious anecdotes and breaking news scoops. Your festival ticket purchase helps support the nonprofit Paley Center for Media’s public and educational programming throughout the year and ensures the ongoing preservation of the Paley Archive, where the greatest moments in media history live on.
ABOUT THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA
Founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, The Paley Center for Media is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization that owns and operates the renowned Paley Museum in New York, recognized as the city’s “Best Museum” and “Best Children’s Party Place” for two years in a row. The Paley Center sparks dialogue on the cultural, creative, and social impact of media, sports, gaming, tech, and entertainment through dynamic programming and deep industry ties. Visitors can attend premier events in New York and Los Angeles and access the renowned Paley Archive at The Paley Museum in New York and at the Beverly Hills Public Library in Beverly Hills.
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