Vince Gilligan Sets the Record Straight on a Pluribus and Breaking Bad Crossover

Vince Gilligan says Apple TV’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi Pluribus stands on its own, but Breaking Bad diehards should keep their eyes peeled—he’s teasing surprise cameos and familiar touches hiding in the rubble.

Vince Gilligan is back on TV with Pluribus, and he knows exactly what everyone is wondering: is this secretly a Breaking Bad reunion tour? Short answer: no. Longer answer: maybe a little.

The Breaking Bad question

On The Rich Eisen Show, Gilligan said Pluribus is its own thing — a post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama that doesn't need any Walter White baggage to stand up. That said, he's not allergic to a wink or two. He hinted there could be cameos and Easter eggs tucked in, even though he initially wasn't thrilled about setting another show in Albuquerque. If you're connecting the dots, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul popping up in a promotional teaser did not exactly calm the theories. But to be clear: no one is officially confirmed to show up in the actual series yet.

Pluribus is already Apple TV+'s biggest drama launch

Within weeks of its debut, Pluribus became the most-watched drama in Apple TV+ history. Led by Better Call Saul alum Rhea Seehorn, the show premiered with two episodes and quickly leapfrogged the previous record holder, Severance season 2, for the biggest global drama launch across Apple TV+ in over 100 territories, according to Deadline. Official Nielsen numbers are still pending, but early data points to heavy interest — think 6.4 million viewing hours in the U.S. during week one.

• Apple TV+ landed Gilligan's high-concept sci-fi series in 2022 with a rare two-season order.
• Two-episode premiere, record-setting global launch, and rapid word of mouth.
• Early U.S. stat: 6.4 million viewing hours in the first seven days.

About that hive mind and the AI chatter

Episode 3 takes the show's central hive consciousness to a creepy extreme. Whatever Carol (Rhea Seehorn) asks, the hive happily delivers. Viewers immediately drew lines to the ultra-agreeable vibe of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Gilligan says that was not the plan — or even on his mind.

"I have not used ChatGPT... Because as of yet, no one has held a shotgun to my head and made me do it — I will never use it. No offense to anyone who does."

He told Polygon the show's core idea predates modern AI by years — he started developing Pluribus a decade ago. He's also fine with people bringing their own read to it, saying he doesn't want to tell anyone what the show is about. Translation: interpret away, just don't assume it's an AI metaphor on purpose.

Where things stand

Four episodes are out now, with five still to go. The mystery keeps widening, and the Albuquerque setting is already inviting some fun speculation without tying Pluribus to any preexisting universe. If cameos do happen, consider them seasoning, not the meal.

Pluribus is streaming on Apple TV+. Seen the latest episode? Tell me what you think of that hive — unsettling or oddly comforting?