Rhea Seehorn Pushes Back Against Tarantino’s “Forgettable” TV Claims
Hollywood is abuzz with a spirited debate sparked by acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino’s recent comments suggesting that television is a “forgettable” medium compared to film. However, one of television’s most lauded actresses, Rhea Seehorn, has firmly disagreed with this assessment, championing the enduring power and impact of the small screen.
During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Tarantino, a celebrated Oscar-winning filmmaker, casually remarked on his preference for films, stating that while a good western movie can stay with him for a lifetime, television rarely achieves the same lasting resonance. This sentiment, however, did not sit well with Seehorn, an actress whose career has been largely defined by her impactful television roles.
Speaking with Rolling Stone’s Brian Hiatt at the SXSW film festival, Seehorn, 53, countered Tarantino’s assertion, arguing that the medium itself is less important than the quality of the storytelling. “I mean, there’s forgettable films just like there’s forgettable television and then there’s ones that stick with you,” she explained.
Seehorn, who garnered widespread critical acclaim for her role as Kim Wexler in the Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul, highlighted several television series that have profoundly impacted her. “Our shows, if I didn’t have the great fortune of being in them, really stick with me,” she stated. “I’m still thinking about The Leftovers. I’m still thinking about Six Feet Under. The storytelling is what sticks with you.”
She was joined in this sentiment by Vince Gilligan, the creative force behind Better Call Saul and the highly influential Breaking Bad. Gilligan, who also happens to be the creator of Seehorn’s latest project, Pluribus, acknowledged Tarantino’s reputation as a film enthusiast. “I met him once for 10 seconds, I don’t know Quentin Tarantino, but I betcha he’s telling the truth for him,” Gilligan commented, suggesting that Tarantino’s personal experience might not be universally applicable.
Gilligan further elaborated on his own enduring connection to classic television. “Like Rhea, I’m still thinking about The Twilight Zone; I’m still thinking about The Andy Griffith Show,” he shared. “I’m still thinking about MASH. I’m still thinking about WKRP in Cincinnati*.” These examples underscore his belief that compelling narratives, regardless of their broadcast format, can leave an indelible mark on audiences.
A Pattern of Provocative Commentary
This is not the first time Tarantino has courted controversy with his candid opinions. In late 2025, the Pulp Fiction director drew significant backlash for labelling actor Paul Dano as the “giant flaw” in the 2007 film There Will Be Blood. On an episode of The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Tarantino described Dano as a “weak, weak, uninteresting guy” and “the weakest f***ing actor in SAG [Screen Actors Guild].”
Tarantino’s harsh critique of Dano prompted a wave of support for the actor from fellow industry professionals. Several prominent actors, including Daniel Day-Lewis and Ben Stiller, publicly defended Dano, praising his talent and contributions to cinema. Ben Stiller, for instance, took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare, “Paul Dano is f***ing brilliant.”
Pluribus: A New Frontier for Seehorn and Gilligan
The discussion around television’s merit comes as Rhea Seehorn stars in Gilligan’s new science fiction series, Pluribus. The show, which premiered on Apple TV+ in November 2025, features Seehorn as Carol, a romance novelist tasked with saving humanity from a virus that transforms the population into a collective hive mind. The series also stars Karolina Wydra and Carlos Manuel Vesga.
Pluribus marks a significant reunion for Seehorn and Gilligan, who previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed Better Call Saul. Seehorn’s portrayal of Kim Wexler in the Breaking Bad spin-off, which ran from 2015 to 2022, opposite Bob Odenkirk, earned her widespread recognition and accolades.
Seehorn’s performance as Carol in Pluribus has already garnered significant attention. She was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in Television Series Drama at the 2026 ceremony, and industry insiders anticipate an Emmy nomination for her work later this year. These accolades further bolster the argument that exceptional acting and storytelling are thriving in the television landscape.
The enduring power of television, as championed by Seehorn and Gilligan, lies in its ability to foster deep connections with characters and narratives over extended periods. While film offers a concentrated cinematic experience, television’s episodic nature allows for a more gradual and often more profound immersion into worlds and lives, creating memories and impacts that can indeed last a lifetime. The debate, while sparked by a director’s personal preference, ultimately highlights the diverse and vital contributions of both film and television to the cultural fabric.
