Severance: Where to watch? Episodes, Casts & Reviews
Discover the captivating world of Severance, a critically acclaimed psychological thriller that blends science fiction with corporate satire. This article explores the number of seasons and episodes, the intriguing plot, the talented cast, reviews from various platforms, and where you can stream this thought-provoking series online.
How many seasons and episodes does Severance have?
Severance currently features two seasons. The first season premiered on Apple TV+ on February 18, 2022, with nine episodes released weekly, concluding on April 8, 2022. The second season debuted on January 17, 2025, consisting of ten episodes, with releases scheduled weekly, ending on March 21, 2025. The series has been renewed for a third season, announced on March 26, 2025, though no release date has been set. With a total of 19 episodes so far, Severance continues to expand its unique narrative, captivating audiences with its slow-burn storytelling.
What is the plot/storyline of Severance?
Severance, created by Dan Erickson and directed primarily by Ben Stiller, is a psychological thriller that dives into the unsettling concept of memory division. Set at Lumon Industries, a mysterious biotechnology corporation, the series follows employees who undergo a surgical procedure called "severance," splitting their consciousness into two distinct identities: the "innie," active only at work with no memory of personal life, and the "outie," who recalls nothing of the job outside the office. The story centers on Mark Scout (Adam Scott), a team leader grappling with personal grief, who begins questioning this bizarre system when a former colleague mysteriously contacts him beyond the severed divide.
The plot unfolds across two seasons, blending dystopian intrigue with existential themes. Season 1 introduces Mark and his team—Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry), and Irving (John Turturro)—as they perform the cryptic task of "macrodata refinement" under the watchful eye of their eerie supervisor, Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman), and the cult-like oversight of Lumon’s founder, Kier Eagan. The narrative builds tension through Mark’s discovery of his friend Petey’s (Yul Vazquez) reintegration struggles and Helly’s resistance to her severed state, culminating in a cliffhanger that exposes deeper corporate secrets.
Season 2 escalates the stakes, exploring the aftermath of the first season’s revelations. Mark’s reintegration process begins, blurring the lines between his innie and outie selves, while Helly and the team uncover more about Lumon’s experiments, including the unsettling presence of goats and the return of characters like Ms. Casey and Cobel (Patricia Arquette). The season delves into the personal costs of severance, with subplots involving Irving’s romance and Dylan’s defiance, leading to a climactic confrontation that hints at rebellion against Lumon’s control. The series avoids traditional sci-fi tropes, focusing instead on psychological depth, corporate critique, and the loss of autonomy, enhanced by striking production design and a haunting score.
This slow-burn narrative challenges viewers to ponder identity, free will, and the dehumanizing effects of modern work culture. Drawing comparisons to Kafka and Orwell, Severance offers a fresh take on dystopia, balancing dark humor with suspense. As the story progresses toward its third season, it promises to unravel the full extent of Lumon’s machinations, making it a must-watch for those intrigued by complex character studies and societal commentary.
What are the casts of Severance?
Severance features a standout cast led by Adam Scott as Mark Scout, the conflicted team leader. Britt Lower plays Helly Riggs, a new recruit resisting her severance, while Zach Cherry portrays Dylan George, a loyal yet rebellious team member. John Turturro stars as Irving Bailiff, a devout Lumon employee, and Christopher Walken brings depth as Burt Goodman, Irving’s love interest. Patricia Arquette shines as Harmony Cobel/Mrs. Selvig, the enigmatic supervisor with a dual persona. Dichen Lachman recurs as Ms. Casey, and Tramell Tillman plays Mr. Milchick, Lumon’s eerie enforcer. Season 2 introduces Sarah Bock as a new character, with Gwendoline Christie, Alia Shawkat, and Bob Balaban joining the ensemble, adding fresh layers to the unfolding mystery.
What are the reviews of Severance?
Reddit Reviews
Reddit users praise Severance for its production quality and eccentric style, with many enjoying it as a unique viewing experience. Some appreciate the focus on characters and themes over mysteries, though a few find the slow pace challenging.
Douban Reviews
Douban reviews are limited due to regional access, but available feedback highlights the show’s originality and psychological depth. Some suggest it may require cultural context for non-Western audiences to fully appreciate its satire.
IMDB Reviews
IMDB users rate Severance highly, applauding its acting, direction, and innovative premise. Reviewers note the slow start but commend the season finales for their impact, with many calling it a potential masterpiece.
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes gives Severance strong approval ratings, with Season 1 at 97% and Season 2 at 94%, labeling it a “masterclass” in suspense and character study. Critics praise its thought-provoking narrative and performances, ranking it among top modern series.
Where to watch Severance online?
Severance is exclusively available on Apple TV+, where both seasons are streaming. A subscription starts at $9.99/month or $99.99/year in the US, £4.99/month in the UK, and AU$13.99/month in Australia, with a 7-day free trial for new users. Season 1 is also available on Blu-ray and DVD in select regions. International viewers can use a VPN like NordVPN for access. Check local listings, as the series remains an Apple TV+ original with no plans for other platforms.
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