Vince Gilligan's 'Pluribus' Declares 'Made by Humans, Not AI'

The creator of 'Breaking Bad' takes a firm stance against generative AI in his new Apple TV series.

Vince Gilligan, known for 'Breaking Bad,' explicitly states his new show 'Pluribus' was created without AI. This move highlights a growing debate in creative industries about the role of artificial intelligence. Gilligan criticizes AI as a 'plagiarism machine.'

Katie Rowan

By Katie Rowan

November 9, 2025

3 min read

Vince Gilligan's 'Pluribus' Declares 'Made by Humans, Not AI'

Key Facts

  • Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV show 'Pluribus' includes a disclaimer: 'made by humans, not AI'.
  • Gilligan explicitly called generative AI 'the world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine'.
  • He compared AI-generated content to 'an endlessly regurgitated loop of nonsense'.
  • 'Pluribus' reunites Gilligan with Rhea Seehorn, known from 'Better Call Saul'.
  • The show is a return to science fiction for the former 'X-Files' writer.

Why You Care

Ever wondered if the creative content you consume is truly human-made? As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly enters creative fields, this question becomes more important. Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed creator of ‘Breaking Bad,’ has made a bold statement. His new Apple TV show, ‘Pluribus,’ comes with an explicit declaration: it was “made by humans, not AI.” Why should this matter to you? This move could set a precedent for how creators communicate their integrity in an AI-driven world. It directly impacts the value you place on authentic human artistry.

What Actually Happened

The new Apple TV series ‘Pluribus’ includes a clear message at its conclusion. The show explicitly states it was “made by humans, not AI,” according to the announcement. This terse disclaimer appeared right below a note about animal safety. It offers a potential model for other filmmakers, the announcement indicates. They might want to highlight human involvement in their work. What’s more, creator Vince Gilligan expressed even stronger sentiments. He called generative AI “the world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine,” as mentioned in the release. Gilligan also compared AI-generated content to “an endlessly regurgitated loop of nonsense.” This firm stance underscores a significant industry debate.

Why This Matters to You

This strong declaration from a prominent creator like Vince Gilligan has practical implications. It provides a blueprint for how artists can differentiate their work. Imagine you are a filmmaker or writer. You could adopt a similar disclaimer to assure your audience of your human touch. This helps build trust with your viewers. How do you feel about consuming content where the human hand is uncertain? The company reports that Gilligan’s statement directly challenges the notion that AI can replace human creativity.

Key Creative Stances on AI Use

Stance CategoryCreator ActionPotential Impact for You
Explicit RejectionVince Gilligan’s ‘Made by Humans, Not AI’Assurance of human authenticity, higher perceived value.
Partial IntegrationUsing AI for specific tasks (e.g., editing)Efficiency gains, but potential questions about originality.
Full EmbraceAI-generated scripts, visuals, or musicNovel content, but ethical and quality concerns may arise.

Gilligan went on to describe the system as “the world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine.” This quote, as detailed in the blog post, highlights his deep concern. For your own creative projects, consider how you will address AI. Will you follow Gilligan’s lead? Or will you explore AI’s potential in a measured way? Your choices will shape audience perception.

The Surprising Finding

Here’s the twist: despite the growing push for AI adoption in media, a high-profile creator is vehemently rejecting it. Gilligan’s direct and blunt criticism is quite striking. He compared AI-generated content to “a cow chewing its cud — an endlessly regurgitated loop of nonsense.” This strong language challenges common assumptions about AI’s creative potential. Many in Silicon Valley envision AI as a tool for creation. However, Gilligan views it as a detrimental force. He even sarcastically thanked Silicon Valley for “f—ing up the world,” the team revealed. This surprising level of disdain from a seasoned industry veteran suggests a deeper, more widespread skepticism than often reported. It indicates a significant cultural divide emerging in the creative world.

What Happens Next

This explicit stance against generative AI could spark a trend in the entertainment industry. We might see more creators adding similar disclaimers to their work. Over the next 12-18 months, expect discussions around AI ethics in media to intensify. For example, imagine a streaming service launching a “Human-Made Content” badge. This would give viewers a clear choice. The industry implications are significant. It could lead to new certifications or standards for AI use. For readers, consider supporting content that aligns with your values regarding human artistry. You can actively seek out projects that emphasize human creation. This could influence future production decisions. This move by Vince Gilligan is a clear signal. It shows that the debate over AI in creativity is far from settled.

Ready to start creating?

Create Voiceover

Transcribe Speech

Create Dialogues

Create Visuals

Clone a Voice