🔗 Share this article

The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that Pluribus would turn into a breakout success. “I am so grateful to the audience,” Gilligan says. “I was surprised by the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

Now that Season 1 of the popular series wrapping up—and the next chapter already in development—the creative team opened up about the audience reaction and whether it will influence the future direction of Pluribus.

About the Overwhelming Fan Response

Anyone might to get swayed by the widespread acclaim and online debates regarding Pluribus. The creator is striving to steer clear of all that.

“It's like being force fed your favorite dessert and being laughing uncontrollably,” he describes. “It's the greatest thing, but I hear about it from others, and that's on purpose. Not once have I Googled myself, nor do I ever intend to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a bottomless pit I know I would get lost in and then I'd be living in squalor 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 overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to acknowledge it humbly 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 plot we develop is not impacted by what people are saying.”

“Better to keep our noses to the grindstone,” he chimes in.

The Big Question: Has the creator See the Ending of Pluribus?

So if the writers aren't taking cues by public opinion, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… in a way.

“There are some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” he states. “but we are always ready to abandon a decent plan for a superior concept. This approach has served us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we get a better idea and I imagine we will be doing that.”

Alternatively, if all else fails, Gordon Smith has a pretty funny 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 that's where they've been all along,” he says humorously, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”

Of course, why mess with the legendary finales?

“I want Carol to awaken next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

---

Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV.