Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan initially planned for the Pluribus cast to be naked, but "we're not working for HBO"

Pluribus was one of our favorite TV shows last year. Vince Gilligan's bold science fiction series imagined a world where all of humanity, with the exception of 13 individuals, including the show's protagonist Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), is absorbed into a hive mind because of an alien virus.

The show was a critical and commercial hit for Apple TV, with our Pluribus season one review calling it "easily one of the year's best and most enjoyable US dramas, and a distinctive, singular vision." It could have looked very, very different, however...

While discussing the show on a panel at SXSW on March 14, Gilligan said he initially considered that the members of the hive mind should be naked throughout the season. "We talked about [how] they didn't need to wear clothes at all, but we're not working for HBO," he added, to laughter from the audience. "But then we thought, we can't do that to all these extras."

Explaining the slightly bizarre idea further, Gilligan added, "We figured, they strictly wear clothes for protection against the sun and against cold or whatnot."

For her part, star Rhea Seehorn seemed relieved that the show didn't go down this path, saying, "Oh my God, thank you … Can you imagine … if I had to try to act with 300 naked people?"

The show's costume designer, Jennifer Bryan, was also on the panel and went further into how the clothing that the hive mind do wear in the show changed over time. "Eventually, days pass, and obviously, people have to change clothes. And then all of those mores for clothing disappear. There's no reason for them to impress you with their clothes."

Pluribus season 2 is currently in the works, though it's not expected to land this year. At an Apple TV press day in February, Gilligan noted that, "It takes a long time to come up with these episodes. We are deeper into the process at this moment than I would like, considering how few episodes we have figured out. But it takes some time, just as it did in the first season. And we appreciate everybody's patience. But it ain’t gonna be The Pitt coming back every year. I wish it would be 'cause I think that's an awesome show."

While we wait for Pluribus season 2, why not fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best new TV shows to watch in 2026, and beyond.