"What Ben, Dan, Adam and the talented cast and crew behind 'Severance' have brought to the screen is undeniable magic," said Matt Cherniss, head of Apple TV+ programming. "We're so proud to be the home for this brilliant series and look forward to audiences experiencing what's in store for Season 3."
What began as a cult-favorite sci-fi thriller has evolved into Apple TV+'s most-watched series ever during its second season, according to the streaming service, which renewed the surreal drama for a third season, Variety reported. With the season two finale now in the can (read all of our episode recaps), the show's unique premise and stellar performances have captivated viewers and critics alike.
Created by Dan Erickson and directed/executive produced by Ben Stiller, Severance stars Adam Scott as Mark Scout, an employee who undergoes a procedure that completely separates his work and personal memories. While Mark's "outie" grieves his wife's death in his personal life, his "innie" exists in an entirely different reality within the mysterious Lumon Industries. As viewers soon discover, both Lumon and its experimental severance procedure harbor disturbing secrets.
The first season followed Mark and his colleagues Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry) and Irving (John Turturro) as they initiated a rebellion against Lumon by finding ways to activate their work consciousnesses in the outside world. Season two expanded the narrative as they confronted the unsettling truths about their external lives.
The cast also features Tramell Tillman, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock and Michael Chernus. They all received praise for their performances.
Despite a three-year gap between the first two seasons, Severance managed to build an impressively dedicated audience. In a promising development for fans concerned about the show's direction, creator Erickson previously told Variety that "a lot is mapped out" for Season three, adding that "there is an endpoint for the series as a whole, and we know more or less how many seasons we are going to do."
The production team includes executive producers Stiller, Erickson, Nicholas Weinstock, Jackie Cohn, Mark Friedman, Andrew Colville, Chris Black, John Cameron, Beau Willimon, Caroline Baron, Jordan Tappis and Scott. Fifth Season, Red Hour Productions, Westward and Animals & People produce the series.
Ben Stiller shared his excitement in a statement laced with the show's trademark humor.
"Making Severance has been one of the most creatively exciting experiences I've ever been a part of," he said. "While I have no memory of this, I'm told making Season three will be equally enjoyable, though any recollection of these future events will be forever and irrevocably wiped from my memory as well."
Adam Scott added his own playful comment: "I couldn't be more excited to get back to work with Ben, Dan, the incredible cast and crew, Apple and the whole Severance team. Oh hey also -- not a huge deal -- but if you see my innie, please don't mention any of this to him. Thanks."
And Erickson expressed his enthusiasm, as well.
"The idea of getting to make more Severance with the greatest cast and crew on Earth is more thrilling to me than all the world's finger traps combined," he noted. "I can't wait to continue spreading woe, frolic, dread and malice with these truly incredible people."