🔗 Share this article

After a long break away from the science fiction genre, the celebrated showrunner is staging a comeback to where he began. Starting out with The X-Files Series, where he wrote 30 episodes, and even writing the screenplay for the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan has spent recent years immersed in the world of Breaking Bad. Now, with his new streaming project Pluribus, he’s coming back home toward sci-fi that launched his career.

A Mysterious Plot and Vague Trailers

The plot and premise of Pluribus are top secret. The trailers and teasers are intentionally vague. For example, a brief scene shows a female character by herself in an office after hours nonchalantly lifting pastries from a box labeled “Feel free!” and licking each one prior to returning them neatly back in its place. Critics aren’t allowed to say details about the show’s explosive premiere, except that the narrative begins when our modern world changes in a significant way.

The Creator’s Sci-Fi Watchlist

Since details about the plot or production were off-limits, the showrunner fielded an innocuous question: What additional sci-fi shows or movies should viewers watch to get ready for Pluribus?

“Each of the original and the remake versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers; that’s an excellent reference point,” Gilligan states. “The Twilight Zone, that’s forever my favorite. The Thing, the John Carpenter version. I enjoy both versions, though I especially like the John Carpenter version.”

An Homage for Sci-Fi Enthusiasts

For those who are an admirer of sci-fi or horror, you will probably recognize the stories that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly understated — which is the point. Gilligan says his aim with this series was to play with sci-fi tropes.

“I was thinking of all the sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could throw into this show, and then turn each one upside down,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what what tickled me.”

Put simply: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series aimed at sci-fi fans. Therefore, if you approach the show as a Breaking Bad superfan who’s never been much for science fiction, it’s wise to complete some preparation beforehand. The showrunner has now offered the essential watchlist.

---

Pluribus debuts November 7 on Apple TV.