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The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that Pluribus would emerge as a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” Gilligan says. “I did not foresee the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

With the first season of the hit sci-fi show wrapping up—and Season 2 officially in the works—the writers' room reflected on the audience reaction and whether it will impact the narrative path of Pluribus.

On the Tremendous Viewer Reception

Anyone might to get swayed by the constant speculation and audience predictions surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to avoid both.

“The experience is akin to constantly eating your favorite dessert and being in a state of bliss,” he explains. “It's amazing, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. I have never looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would get lost in and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”

Despite trying to stay away, there’s it's impossible to ignore the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to take it in stride and try not to let it alter the course of the show.

“We don't try to tailor anything,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by audience chatter.”

“Better to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan adds.

The Big Question: Does the showrunner Have a Plan for the Finale of Pluribus?

Given that the creative staff aren’t being guided by audience theories, can we assume they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… with some caveats.

“We've developed some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to abandon a decent plan for a better idea. That philosophy has guided us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we get a better idea and I expect we'll continue doing that.”

Alternatively, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to serve as a last resort.

“I keep pitching that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”

Then again, why not reference the iconic TV endings?

“I want Carol to awaken next to Bob Newhart,” he jokes.

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Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.