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The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would turn into a cultural phenomenon. “God bless the fans,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”

Now that Season 1 of the hit series reaching its finale—and a second season already in development—the writers' room reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.

On the Overwhelming Audience Reaction

It would be easy to get distracted by the constant speculation and audience predictions regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to steer clear of all that.

“It feels like an endless supply of something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he explains. “It's amazing, but I get wind of it anecdotally, and that's by design. I have never looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever want to. It's quite the opposite. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

Regardless of his concerted efforts, there’s it's impossible to ignore the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The most practical strategy is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.

“We don't try to change the plot,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not changed by online forums.”

“We prefer to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan concludes.

A Pressing Query: Does the showrunner See the Ending of Pluribus?

So if the creative staff aren't taking cues by fan response, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… with some caveats.

“We have some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” he states. “but we are always ready to abandon a decent plan for a superior concept. This approach has served 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 imagine we will be doing that.”

Then again, if all else fails, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to serve as a last resort.

“My recurring proposal is that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and the characters are inside it,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”

Then again, why mess with the iconic TV endings?

“My dream is Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.

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Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV+.