What if you could separate your work life from your personal one — not just figuratively, but surgically? This unsettling premise is at the heart of Severance, the hit Apple TV+ series that has captivated audiences since its debut in early 2022. Blending psychological thriller, dark comedy, and corporate satire, Severance resonates deeply with viewers, tapping into collective anxieties about workplace control, identity, and modern isolation. Its recent second season rekindles conversations about the show itself, alongside that of TV consumption nowadays generally.
The World of Severance
Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, Severance introduces viewers to Lumon Industries, an unsettling and cryptic corporation offering employees a radical solution to work-life balance. Through a procedure known as “severance,” workers undergo a surgical intervention that creates two distinct versions of themselves: an “Innie,” who exists only in the office, and an “Outie,” who knows nothing about their work life. This concept struck a nerve in an era where remote work has blurred the boundaries between personal and professional spheres, especially resonating in post-lockdown culture.
Severance thrives on its stellar cast. Adam Scott’s haunted Mark seeks solace on Lumon’s severed floor, while Patricia Arquette’s eerie Cobel, John Turturro’s tragic Irving, and Christopher Walken’s poignant Burt add multiple layers of emotional depth. With valuable performances from Britt Lower and Zach Cherry, the ensemble makes you root for their characters as they navigate Lumon’s uncanny workplace.
Subliminal Visual Storytelling
Stiller’s direction heightens the series’ tension through precise framing, sterile design, and disorienting angles, reinforcing Lumon’s claustrophobic, dreamlike feel. The show’s striking visual identity — on par with its cast — brands Lumon as a villain through its distinct colour palette. The typography, logo, and corporate design subtly convey meaning through subliminal visuals rather than explicit dialogue. Division and duality permeate every shot, mirroring both the literal severance and Mark’s internal conflict.
The sterile white hallways, minimalist office decor, and retro-inspired technology create an aesthetic that feels suspended in time — both futuristic and deeply nostalgic. Beyond visual symbols, production set designer Jeremy Hindle likens the mysterious, secluded office to a playground, carrying forward the idea that the severed employees are being raised like “little children.” Hindle worked closely with set decorator Andrew Baseman to grasp the threatening atmosphere of Lumon’s aesthetic. As he explains, “the managers are raising them in this work environment,” one that is evocative of mid-century American office designs by Dieter Rams, Marc Newson, or Ricardo Fasanello, with accessories that seem to outlive their time. Each element is thought through to spark the audience’s recognition of the object while twisting it enough to render it unfamiliar. Hindle notes, “We made a computer that, if it ever came out in the real world, no one would believe them. We recognize some aspects of it, and some not at all.” With both a touchscreen and a trackball, the computer’s contradictions are meant to baffle and amuse, for it to eventually “look like a toy,” Baseman adds. It creates the alluring “nostalgic novelty” of the series, weaving past familiarity into an uncanny future.
The Return of Weekly Episode Releases
Severance’s impact has been amplified by its weekly episode release schedule. At a time when binge-watching dominates the streaming landscape, Severance‘s deliberate slow-burn storytelling has reminded audiences of the unique power of anticipation. Like iconic series such as Lost (2004) or Breaking Bad (2008), Severance thrives on weekly discussions, theories, and social media buzz, allowing viewers to digest each twist and revelation without quickly moving forward.
This return to weekly scheduling has fostered a communal experience reminiscent of appointment television in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Viewers gather online to analyze plot points, dissect clues, and debate the show’s layered mysteries. The result is a heightened sense of engagement that binge-watching often bypasses. By ‘forcing’ viewers to wait, Severance leverages suspense as a powerful storytelling tool, extending its cultural impact far beyond the confines of each episode.
The Cultural Impact of Severance
Beyond its visual attraction and release strategies, Severance speaks to broader social anxieties, depicting corporate control, identity fragmentation, and emotional detachment. Its mirroring of contemporary struggles such as burnout, workplace surveillance, and the desire for escapism is evocative of the audience’s routine. As viewers grapple with these themes in their own lives, Severance offers a chilling yet oddly cathartic reflection on the costs of separating our professional and personal selves.
Thus, by blending sharp commentary with captivating storytelling, Severance has secured its place not just as a critical darling but as a cultural touchstone. As Apple TV+ continues to expand its presence, Severance stands as a powerful reminder that great television thrives on patience, intrigue, and the conversations that happen in between.
Apple TV+’s Growing Influence
Severance’s success is emblematic of Apple TV+’s strategic rise in the competitive streaming landscape. Since its launch in 2019, Apple TV+ has carved out a niche by focusing on prestige and story-driven content rather than sheer quantity. While Netflix and Amazon Prime continue to dominate in terms of volume, Apple TV+ has steadily built a reputation for high-quality originals that resonate with critics and audiences alike.
Shows like The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and Slow Horses have all earned critical acclaim, solidifying Apple TV+ as a serious contender. The platform’s emphasis on storytelling over content saturation has allowed it to cultivate a curated library of standout series. Recently, Apple TV+’s growing presence has been further cemented by major award nominations such as the BAFTAs or the Critics Choice Awards, even recording 72 Emmy Award nominations in 2024, becoming the best-ever Emmy showing in history. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 515 wins and 2,308 award nominations.
With Severance, Apple TV+ has tapped into a cultural zeitgeist, proving that meticulous storytelling can still thrive in an era defined by instant gratification. The show’s success highlights the platform’s ability to produce thought-provoking content that lingers long after the credits roll.