The Showrunner Shares He Has a Plan for How The Apple TV+ Show Might Finish... For Now.

The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that Pluribus would emerge as a breakout success. “The viewers have been incredible,” Gilligan says. “I did not foresee the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”

As the debut season of the acclaimed sci-fi show coming to an end—and Season 2 greenlit and underway—the writers' room recently discussed the fan response and whether it will shape the narrative path of Pluribus.

On the Incredible Viewer Reception

One could easily to get swayed by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is striving to steer clear of all that.

“It's like being force fed hot fudge sundaes and being in a state of bliss,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I hear about it through word of mouth, and that's on purpose. Never in my life 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 pooping in a five gallon bucket from the hardware store and I'd never leave my living room.”

In spite 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.

“It is not our goal to tailor anything,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by audience chatter.”

“Better to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan concludes.

The Central Mystery: Has the showrunner See the Finale of Pluribus?

So if Gilligan and his team are not listening by audience theories, does it imply they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… in a way.

“We've developed some potential directions about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to abandon a good idea 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 conceive of something superior and I suspect we'll be doing that.”

Alternatively, if plans fall through, 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 we're in there,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”

Of course, why not reference the iconic TV endings?

“My dream is Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” he jokes.

Pluribus is streaming now on the streaming service.