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S1E1Full:We Is Us

Overview

Shownote

Highlights

Transcript

Chapters

Pins

S1E1Full:We Is Us

Pluribus: The Official Podcast

2025/11/07
Pluribus: The Official Podcast

Pluribus: The Official Podcast

2025/11/07
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Chris McCaleb sits down in the Pluribus writers’ room with show creator Vince Gilligan, star Rhea Seehorn (Carol), and co-executive producers Jenn Carroll and Trina Siopy to discuss “We Is Us,” the first episode of their new series for Apple TV. Vince brea...

Highlights

In the writers’ room of a bold new series, the creative minds behind 'Pluribus' pull back the curtain on how a long-gestating idea evolved into a genre-defying show rooted in joy, authenticity, and scientific curiosity.
00:05
The idea for 'Pluribus' started about eight years ago during lunch breaks while working on 'Better Call Saul'
05:25
Vince believed the coolest character introductions happen without dialogue, like in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
14:00
Pre-wrapped gum was used after finding Vince Gilligan's suggestion unrealistic.
23:38
Starting with close-ups protects the actor emotionally during heavy scenes.
28:46
The 'others' were made to sound more human by staggering their voices in the mix.
36:07
Darren Morgan proved The X-Files could be funny, showcasing tonal flexibility through honest acting.

Chapters

How did a lunchtime daydream become the foundation for a new kind of story?
00:00
What does authenticity look like—from casting choices to shooting on home turf?
05:25
Who made the escalator scene sing—and how was it pulled off?
12:39
When does strength show up as vulnerability—and how was it performed?
18:03
Why were the 'others' given voices one at a time—and what challenges arose?
26:12
Can a show be both funny and profound? How science and timing make it work.
36:07

Transcript

Chris McCaleb: Welcome to Pluribus, the official podcast, an intimate insider conversation about the making of the Apple TV series with the cast and creators behind the show. My name is Chris McCaleb. I'm one of the editors of Pluribus and the host of this...