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The acclaimed writer-producer never anticipated that Pluribus would emerge as a massive hit. “The viewers have been incredible,” he states. “I was surprised by the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

Now that Season 1 of the acclaimed series coming to an end—and Season 2 greenlit and underway—the creative team recently discussed the fan response and whether it will impact the storyline of Pluribus.

On the Tremendous Audience Reaction

It would be easy to get swayed by the constant speculation and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.

“It feels like constantly eating your favorite dessert and being in a state of bliss,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a deep trap I know I would fall into and then I'd be living in squalor from Home Depot and I'd never leave 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 dictate the story of the show.

“We make no attempt to tailor anything,” says Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not impacted by what people are saying.”

“Better to keep our noses to the grindstone,” he chimes in.

A Pressing Query: Does the showrunner Have a Plan for the Ending of Pluribus?

Considering the writers aren’t being guided by audience theories, can we assume they already know how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… in a way.

“We've developed some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to abandon a decent plan for a superior concept. That has held us in well 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.”

On the other hand, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to use as a backup.

“I keep pitching 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.”

Then again, one could always use the iconic TV endings?

“My dream is Carol to wake up in bed beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.

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Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.