Severance, Apple TV+’s workplace drama and sci-fi thriller, is arguably one of the best shows currently being produced, so why has nobody heard of it?
The plot follows four employees at a megacorporation who are uncertain about the nature of their work. These employees have agreed to a procedure that separates their personal memories from their work memories.
The entire first season of this show takes place in an LED-lit office, with very few scenes set outside of it. While many shows might struggle to convey a compelling plot and keep viewers engaged in such a limited setting, that is not a concern for those watching Severance.
With the majority of the show filmed in the office building, each episode of season two costs around 20 million dollars to produce, making it one of the most expensive television projects ever.
The first season was released in February 2022, and the second season was scheduled for release shortly after. However, due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, episodes only began releasing every Friday in January 2025.
The crew’s dedication and persistence, despite the show’s lack of popularity, depict the passion this one-of-a-kind crew has.
The actors who portray severed characters essentially play two different roles, which is a unique challenge. Adam Scott’s portrayal of Mark S. is captivating in every episode, it is hard to imagine another actor in this role. Britt Lower, who plays Helly R., delivers an outstanding performance, taking on one of the most challenging roles in the series.
Although the show was nominated for fourteen Emmys during its first season, it has not yet become a global phenomenon. However, season two has gained more recognition than the first, as fans shared theories online, capturing the interest of non-viewers. As a result, Severance will likely receive many more Emmy nominations this year, with many fans even predicting an “Emmy sweep.”
Given its high production value, original plot, and extremely talented cast, it raises the question of why more people are not tuning in. While Apple TV+ may seem like a substantial platform, only 11% of American households subscribe to it, which partially explains why Severance” has not gained the mainstream popularity it deserves.
This makes viewers wonder, if Severance chose a different streaming platform, would it finally get its well-deserved recognition? Would its intricate storytelling finally captivate a larger demographic? As the discussion around this show continues to grow, there is hope that Severance will become a staple in modern-day television.
