A new Apple TV series, “Pluribus,” created by Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame, is making headlines for an unusual disclaimer in its end credits: “This show was made by humans.” The statement, placed just beneath a note about animal safety, serves as a bold declaration against the growing influence of generative artificial intelligence in Hollywood productions.
Gilligan, in an interview with Variety, reinforced the message with his trademark bluntness, saying, “I hate AI.” He criticized generative AI as “the world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine,” likening its output to “a cow chewing its cud — an endlessly regurgitated loop of nonsense.” His comments highlight a broader industry sentiment as filmmakers push back against the integration of AI in creative storytelling.
The creator’s pointed remarks come amid ongoing debates about the role of AI in entertainment, with many artists and writers demanding greater transparency and protection of human creativity. Gilligan’s disclaimer could set a precedent for other filmmakers seeking to reassure audiences that their work is authentically human-made, free from algorithmic generation.
“Pluribus” marks Gilligan’s return to the science fiction genre, reuniting him with Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn, who portrays a romantasy novelist entangled in an encounter with a mysterious alien force. The series underscores Gilligan’s signature blend of sharp writing and moral tension — this time with an added message about preserving humanity in an increasingly artificial world