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The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that Pluribus would turn into a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

With the first season of the popular series reaching its finale—and a second season officially in the works—the creative team recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.

Regarding the Overwhelming Fan Response

It would be easy to get swayed by the rampant praise and online debates about Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to ignore the noise.

“It feels like constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being in a state of bliss,” he explains. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. Not once have I Googled myself, nor do I ever want to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into and then I'd be never leaving the house from the hardware store and I'd rarely emerge from my living room.”

Regardless of trying to stay away, there’s it's impossible to ignore the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to take it in stride and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.

“It is not our goal to change the plot,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not changed by what people are saying.”

“Better to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.

The Central Mystery: Does the showrunner See the Conclusion of Pluribus?

Considering the creative staff aren’t being guided by public opinion, does it imply they have mapped out how Pluribus will finally conclude? The answer is yes… in a way.

“We have some interesting ideas about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan says. “yet we stand ready to discard a solid concept for a superior concept. That philosophy has guided us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we conceive of something superior and I expect we'll continue doing that.”

Then again, if plans fall through, director and writer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to serve as a last resort.

“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and the characters are inside it,” he says humorously, “but no one is buying it.”

Alternatively, one could always use the iconic TV endings?

“I'd love for Carol to wake up in bed beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.

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Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.