The Showrunner Discloses He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will Conclude... For Now.

The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would become 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 thrilled beyond words.”

Now that Season 1 of the hit series coming to an end—and the next chapter already in development—the writers' room recently discussed the viewer reception and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.

On the Overwhelming Audience Reaction

Anyone might to get distracted by the rampant praise and online debates about Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is striving to avoid both.

“It feels like constantly eating your favorite dessert and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's wonderful, but I hear about it through word of mouth, and that's on purpose. Not once have I 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 rarely emerge from my living room.”

In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the immensely favorable 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 adjust our writing,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by online forums.”

“It's wiser to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan adds.

The Big Question: Has the showrunner Have a Plan for the Finale of Pluribus?

Given that the creative staff aren't taking cues by public opinion, does it imply they have already decided how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… with some caveats.

“We've developed some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to abandon a decent plan for a superior concept. This approach has served us in good stead 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.”

Alternatively, if they hit a wall, director and writer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing 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,” he says humorously, “but no one is buying it.”

Of course, why mess with the iconic TV endings?

“I want Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV+.