Pluribus generated a lot of discussion with its first season finale. The science fiction series on Apple TV concluded its first season with a moment that surprised many. What initially seemed like a meticulously planned climax wasn't originally intended at all. It was only after a note from Apple that the season finale was significantly revised.
- Spoiler alert: The following article contains details about the finale of the first season of Pluribus.
The season finale of Pluribus marks a clear break with the series' previous tone. Carol realizes that the Others are trying to manipulate her against her will. Instead of giving in, she decides to take a radical step. She returns to Manousos to work with him on a project to save the world. Simultaneously, she has a nuclear bomb delivered to her house.
This scene feels like a deliberate end to the season. It picks up on earlier hints from the series and condenses them into a final image that lingers long after the credits roll.
Apple has demanded a different ending
As the Pluribus creative team explained in the official series podcast, this ending was not originally planned. In the early drafts of the script, the finale was much more subdued. Carol was simply supposed to return home and quietly demonstrate her cooperation with Manousos. No grand gestures, no open conflict, but a quiet show of solidarity.
Apple TV reacted cautiously to this version. Several submitted script drafts were flagged with the comment that the ending might not be big enough for a season finale. This feedback led Vince Gilligan and his team to completely rethink the ending.
In the podcast, the team describes how they ultimately came up with the idea of having Carol actively ask for an atomic bomb. This decision gave the finale a clear direction. The scene wasn't meant to explain everything, but to clearly show that Carol was taking control.
From a subtle ending to a clear break
Director Gordon Smith also confirmed in an interview with Alan Sepinwall for The Ringer that the first draft had a "much more subtle ending." Carol and Manousos had communicated without words, almost like a secret handshake. It would have been a silent signal: I'm on your side.
The final version deliberately avoids this restraint. The atomic bomb serves as a symbol of escalation, but also of self-determination. Carol sends a message that cannot be misunderstood.
According to the creators, it was ultimately a suggestion from Apple's production management that improved the ending. The new version is clearer, stronger, and more emotionally unambiguous.
Season two has been confirmed, but is still a long way off
Even before the first season aired, Pluribus was renewed for a second season. So the story will continue. However, it's unclear how long the wait will be.
Vince Gilligan explained to Alan Sepinwall that the production is very time-consuming. The series needs to be extremely precisely coordinated, possibly even more so than previous projects. "It's going to take a while," Gilligan said. This suggests a similar hiatus to what viewers have seen with series like Severance.
- Ted Lasso Season 4: Producers announce possible release date
- Apple TV cancels "The Last Frontier" after one season
- Apple TV expands Monarch universe with new spin-off
- Apple TV reveals five major premieres for early 2026
- Pluribus dominates Apple TV as the most-watched series
- Apple TV enhances its reputation with new AFI accolades
- Apple TV reveals new features for the F1 streaming experience
- Apple TV: Severance Season 3 with a new release schedule
- Apple TV surprises with release date for Tehran Season 3
- Apple TV expands its offerings with Your Friends & Neighbors S2
- Apple and F1 are already exploring new avenues of cooperation
- Apple strengthens its presence in sports through Real Madrid content
- Apple TV: Mysterious deletions raise new questions
- Apple TV will keep Friday Night Baseball free until 2028
- F1 The Movie: How realistic is a sequel really?
- Apple shortens MLS deal: New contract ends in 2029
- Apple TV will show all MLS games in 2026 at no extra cost.
- Sci-fi hit Monarch: Season 2 premieres in February 2026 on Apple TV
Pluribus ends with a decision, not with a solution
The finale of Pluribus' first season is the result of a deliberate course correction. A quiet, ambiguous ending has been transformed into a clear statement. Apple initiated this move, and the creative team developed it.
The atomic bomb wasn't originally part of the story, but it became a powerful finale that encapsulates the series' themes. Pluribus doesn't end with an answer, but with a clear decision. When and how the story continues remains open. The only certainty is that the second season must pick up exactly where this left off. (Image: Apple)
- Apple receives a reprieve from US tariffs on Chinese semiconductors
- Cyberattack on Apple supplier: Background and consequences
- Tesla is working on native car keys for smartphones
- Apple and the billion-dollar App Store ruling in the UK
- macOS Gatekeeper bypassed via two-stage malware chain
- Apple Intelligence must pass China's AI censorship test
- Ted Lasso Season 4: Producers announce possible release date
- Apple allows alternative app stores on iOS in Brazil
- iOS 26.3 receives praise from the EU for new features
- WhatsApp is testing a new quiz feature for channels
- Apple and China: Government-level meeting confirmed
- Apple under pressure: Italy imposes millions in fines
- Apple warns employees with visas against international travel
- Data retention: Government wants to store IP addresses
- Apple TV cancels "The Last Frontier" after one season
- Apple showcases new AI research on smartphone photography
- Apple indirectly forces iPhone users to update to iOS 26
- Samsung is entering the 2nm era earlier with Exynos 2600
- AirPods Pro 3: Background noise persists even after updates
- ChatGPT extends the chat history with an important new function
- Apple introduces UniGen 1.5: An AI model for all images
- A macOS bug has caused Studio Display to flicker for months
