🔗 Share this article

The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would turn into a breakout success. “The viewers have been incredible,” he remarks. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”

With the first season of the popular program wrapping up—and the next chapter officially in the works—Gilligan and his team recently discussed the fan response and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.

On the Overwhelming Viewer Reception

Anyone might to get swayed by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions surrounding Pluribus. He is doing his best to ignore the noise.

“The experience is akin to an endless supply of your favorite dessert and being tickled to death,” he explains. “It's amazing, but I hear about it from others, and that's on purpose. Not once have I Googled myself, nor do I ever plan to. Not because I don't care. It's a rabbit hole I know I would get lost in and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the immensely favorable response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it alter the course of the show.

“It is not our goal to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not changed by online forums.”

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

The Big Question: Has Vince Gilligan Know the Ending of Pluribus?

Considering the writers aren’t being guided by audience theories, can we assume they have mapped out how Pluribus will ultimately end? The answer is yes… with some caveats.

“We have some potential directions about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. This approach has served us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we find a more perfect path and I expect we'll continue doing that.”

Then again, if plans fall through, 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 nobody's taking me up on that.”

Alternatively, one could always use the iconic TV endings?

“I want Carol to wake up in bed beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.

---

Pluribus is currently available on the streaming service.