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After a long break from the science fiction genre, Vince Gilligan is making a comeback to his roots. Launching his career with The Iconic X-Files, in which he penned three dozen installments, plus also writing the screenplay behind the superhero comedy Hancock, Gilligan devoted the past decade-plus immersed in the universe of Breaking Bad Universe. Now, via his new Apple TV project Pluribus, he’s coming full circle toward sci-fi which kicked off his career.

A Mysterious Plot with Cryptic Trailers

The plot and premise of Pluribus are top secret. The trailers and teasers have all been tantalizingly ambiguous. In one, a short clip shows a female character by herself at work at night calmly lifting pastries from a box marked “Help yourself!” then tasting each one prior to returning the treats carefully back in its place. Reviewers aren’t allowed to say details regarding the show’s thrilling first episode, beyond the fact the narrative begins when today’s society transforms dramatically.

Gilligan’s Sci-Fi Recommendations

Because details on the story or production could not be discussed, the showrunner fielded a simple inquiry: Which other science fiction series or movies should viewers see to get ready before Pluribus?

“Both the original and the remake versions of Body Snatchers; that's a good touchstone,” Gilligan explains. “Twilight Zone, that’s forever my go-to. The Thing, the John Carpenter film. I enjoy both versions, though I particularly love the John Carpenter version.”

A Love Letter for Science Fiction Enthusiasts

For those who are an admirer of science fiction or scary movies, you will probably identify the tales that influenced Pluribus. Its inspirations aren’t exactly subtle — which is exactly the idea. Gilligan notes his aim for the new show was to play with sci-fi tropes.

“My thought process involved of all the sci-fi clichés and horror-movie trope I could throw into this show, before flip each one onto their head,” Gilligan adds. “ That’s what what tickled me.”

Put simply: Pluribus serves as a science fiction series aimed at genre lovers. Therefore, if you’re coming the show as a Breaking Bad superfan who isn’t typically into sci-fi, you may want to complete a bit of homework beforehand. The showrunner just provided the curriculum.

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Pluribus premieres Nov. 7 on Apple TV.