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The creative mastermind could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would turn into a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” Gilligan says. “I was surprised by the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

With the first season of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and the next chapter already in development—Gilligan and his team recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.

Regarding the Tremendous Audience Reaction

One could easily to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and fan theories about Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.

“It's like being constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being in a state of bliss,” he explains. “It's amazing, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. Not once have I searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a deep trap I know I would get lost in and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

Regardless of Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s it's impossible to ignore 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 don't try to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not influenced by what people are saying.”

“We prefer to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan adds.

The Central Mystery: Does the creator Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?

Given that the creative staff aren’t being guided by fan response, does that mean they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… sort of.

“We've developed some potential directions about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to throw out a good idea 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 change course when we conceive of something superior and I imagine we will be doing that.”

On the other hand, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to serve as a last resort.

“I keep pitching that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”

Of course, why not reference the legendary finales?

“I want Carol to wake up in bed next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

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Pluribus is streaming now on the streaming service.