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The acclaimed writer-producer never anticipated that the Apple TV+ show would become a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”

With the first season of the acclaimed series reaching its finale—and a second season greenlit and underway—the writers' room recently discussed the fan response and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.

Regarding the Incredible Audience Reaction

Anyone might to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and fan theories about Pluribus. He is doing his best to steer clear of all that.

“It's like being constantly eating hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's the greatest thing, but I get wind of it through word of mouth, and that's by design. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into and then I'd be living in squalor from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

Regardless of Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to accept it graciously and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.

“We make no attempt to tailor anything,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not influenced by online forums.”

“We prefer to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan concludes.

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

So if the creative staff aren’t being guided by audience theories, does it imply they have mapped out how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… in a way.

“There are some interesting ideas about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan says. “yet we stand ready to discard a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. That has held 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 all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to use as a backup.

“I constantly suggest that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”

Of course, one could always use the iconic TV endings?

“I want Carol to open her eyes with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan says with a smile.

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Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV.