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The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would become a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” Gilligan says. “It was unexpected the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

Now that Season 1 of the popular sci-fi show reaching its finale—and the next chapter already in development—the writers' room opened up about the viewer reception and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.

Regarding the Incredible Viewer Reception

One could easily to get distracted by the rampant praise and fan theories regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.

“It feels like constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he explains. “It's the greatest thing, but I get wind of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan to. It's quite the opposite. It's a deep trap I know I would disappear down and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

Despite his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The most practical strategy is to accept it graciously and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.

“We don't try to change the plot,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not impacted by what people are saying.”

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

The Big Question: Will the creator Know the Conclusion of Pluribus?

Given that the writers are not listening by fan response, can we assume they have mapped out how Pluribus will finally conclude? The answer is yes… with some caveats.

“We've developed some interesting ideas about how the story could conclude,” he states. “however, we remain prepared to discard a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we conceive of something superior and I imagine we will be doing that.”

Alternatively, if they hit a wall, Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to serve as a last resort.

“My recurring proposal is that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and the characters are inside it,” he says humorously, “but no one is buying it.”

Of course, why mess with the classics?

“I'd love for Carol to wake up in bed next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

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Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV+.