Watching Apple TV’s Emmy-winning show Severance unfold has been nothing short of a phenomenal ride. Its intricate storytelling, impeccable production, and mind-bending twists have kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Now, this widely celebrated series is taking its next big leap.
Apple TV’s flagship drama is moving fully in-house, with Apple Studios acquiring the show’s rights from indie Fifth Season in a deal reportedly just shy of $70 million. Fifth Season will remain involved as executive producer, ensuring continuity for the team that built its complex world.
The series, created and showrun by Dan Erickson with Ben Stiller serving as executive producer/director, has always been a high-wire act. Season 2, with its $20 million-per-episode budget, became Apple TV’s most watched show, and racked up 27 Emmy nominations, winning eight.
But getting there wasn’t easy. Production faced months of COVID-19 delays, extended Hollywood strike shutdowns, script overhauls that led to reshoots—all while juggling soaring costs and financing challenges.
Apple’s move to bring Severance fully under its wing reflects both creative and financial strategy. As first reported by Deadline, Apple can maintain its New York footprint by producing the show in-house, ensure established tax credits, and support the high-level production values fans have come to expect. It also ensures continuity for the creative team, including Stiller and Red Hour Films, who have been instrumental in the series’ cinematic approach to television storytelling.
Looking ahead, the team plans to start filming Season 3 this summer, while still finalizing the remaining scripts. Apple aims to prevent the setbacks that challenged Season 2 by finishing most of the writing before cameras start rolling. The studio has already confirmed Season 4, and the creators have hinted at a possible fifth season, spinoffs, prequels or international adaptations, leaving the Severance universe ripe for expansion.
With Apple now steering the ship, the Severance team will continue twisting minds and expanding its universe, cementing its status as one of television’s most ambitious dramas.
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