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The creative mastermind never anticipated that Pluribus would turn into a cultural phenomenon. “The viewers have been incredible,” he states. “It was unexpected the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”

With the first season of the acclaimed series wrapping up—and the next chapter officially in the works—the creative team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will influence the future direction of Pluribus.

About the Incredible Viewer Reception

Anyone might to get swayed by the constant speculation and online debates surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to ignore the noise.

“It's like being constantly eating your favorite dessert and being tickled to death,” he says. “It's amazing, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. It's quite the opposite. It's a rabbit hole I know I would fall into and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”

Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the immensely favorable response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to take it in stride and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.

“We make no attempt to change the plot,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by what people are saying.”

“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” he chimes in.

A Pressing Query: Has the creator Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?

So if the writers are not listening by audience theories, does it imply they already know how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… in a way.

“We've developed some compelling concepts about the ultimate destination,” he states. “but we are always ready to abandon a solid concept for a more brilliant plan. That has held us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we find a more perfect path and I suspect we'll be doing that.”

Then again, if plans fall through, executive producer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny 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 we're in there,” he says humorously, “but no one is buying it.”

Alternatively, why not reference the classics?

“I'd love for Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.

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Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.