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The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would become a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “It was unexpected the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”

As the debut season of the hit program coming to an end—and a second season already in development—Gilligan and his team recently discussed the fan response and whether it will influence the narrative path of Pluribus.

About the Tremendous Audience Reaction

Anyone might to get swayed by the rampant praise and online debates surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.

“It's like being an endless supply of your favorite dessert and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's wonderful, but I get wind of it from others, and that's intentional. Not once have I Googled myself, nor do I ever plan to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a bottomless pit I know I would disappear down and then I'd be living in squalor from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

Despite trying to stay away, there’s no escaping the immensely favorable response to the series. The best he and his team can do 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 writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not influenced by online forums.”

“Better to keep our focus on the work,” he chimes in.

The Central Mystery: Has the creator Know the Ending of Pluribus?

Considering the writers aren't taking cues by fan response, does it imply they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… with some caveats.

“There are some potential directions about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a good idea for a more brilliant plan. This approach has served us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we get a better idea and I suspect we'll be doing that.”

On the other hand, if all else fails, executive producer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to use as a backup.

“I constantly suggest 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, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”

Of course, why mess with the iconic TV endings?

“I'd love for Carol to open her eyes with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

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Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.