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The creative mastermind could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would become a cultural phenomenon. “God bless the fans,” he states. “I was surprised by the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”

With the first season of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and Season 2 officially in the works—the creative team opened up about the fan response and whether it will shape the narrative path of Pluribus.

About the Overwhelming Viewer Reception

Anyone might to get sidetracked by the rampant praise and audience predictions regarding Pluribus. The creator is doing his best to steer clear of all that.

“It's like being force fed hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he says. “It's wonderful, but I hear about it anecdotally, and that's by design. Not once have I searched for my own name online, nor do I ever want to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would get lost in and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”

Despite trying to stay away, 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.

“We don't try to tailor anything,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by online forums.”

“Better to keep our heads down and working,” he chimes in.

A Pressing Query: Will the showrunner Have a Plan for the Ending of Pluribus?

Given that the writers are not listening by audience theories, does it imply they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… sort of.

“We've developed some potential directions about the ultimate destination,” he states. “however, we remain prepared to abandon a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. This approach has served us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we find a more perfect path and I expect we'll continue doing that.”

Then again, if they hit a wall, Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to fall back on.

“I keep pitching that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and that's where they've been all along,” he says humorously, “but no one is buying it.”

Of course, why mess with the legendary finales?

“I'd love for Carol to awaken next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

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Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.