The new sci-fi sensation on Apple TV, Pluribus, is captivating audiences, but many fans are curious about the real-world backdrop to its gripping story. The series, which comes from the acclaimed mind of Vince Gilligan, the creator behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has its visual roots firmly planted in a familiar and iconic American city.
The Primary Pluribus Filming Base
Much like Gilligan's previous legendary crime dramas, the primary setting for Pluribus is Albuquerque, New Mexico. The majority of the first season's production took place here, continuing the showrunner's long-standing relationship with the area. Gilligan himself confirmed this, stating, "We started in New Mexico because I have loved shooting there for years and I have a wonderful crew that I never want to do without."
The city is so integral to his work that a special cameo was included in the fourth episode. In a surprising moment, viewers see Albuquerque's real-life mayor, Tim Keller, portraying himself as one of the hive mind drones.
A Neighbourhood Built From Scratch
One of the most ambitious aspects of the Pluribus production was the creation of an entire neighbourhood. The impressive house where the protagonist, Carol Sturka (played by Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn), lives is located in a small cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Albuquerque.
This location was not found; it was constructed specifically for the series. Gilligan explained the massive undertaking: "They built a cul-de-sac from scratch in the middle of a field on the west side of Albuquerque... We leased it long term and built a real cul-de-sac with real concrete curbs and seven real houses. It was a big endeavour." The location was chosen specifically for its stunning view of the Sandia Mountains.
Global Expansions and Future Locations
While Albuquerque serves as the show's home base, the narrative of Pluribus has taken a more global turn. Filming has also occurred in several other key locations, demonstrating the show's expanding scope.
Additional filming sites include:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Big Sky, Montana
- Northern Spain
- The Canary Islands
The plot introduces other immune characters from around the world, such as the Paraguayan storage manager Manousos Oviedo. While the story hints at Paraguay, there is no confirmation that filming actually took place there. With four more episodes in the first season and a second season already confirmed, fans can expect to see if Carol's quest to save humanity leads the production to even more international destinations.
Pluribus continues to release new episodes every Friday exclusively on Apple TV+.
