50 Facts About Severance (TV Series)

Concept and Creation

"Severance" is a unique blend of psychological thriller, dark comedy, and dystopian sci-fi. Let's explore its origins and the creative minds behind it.

1. Conceptual Origins: Dan Erickson wrote "Severance" five years before its 2022 release. Influenced by various sci-fi projects, he aimed to create something original and unique.
2. Initial Episode Structure: Originally, Mark was supposed to awaken to a new reality, not Helly. This change introduced diversity and new ideas, making Helly the instigator of change.
3. Cast and Crew Commitment: The cast and crew were deeply committed. Patricia Arquette noted the intricate layers of detail, making the show's world feel rich and immersive.

Production Insights

The production of "Severance" involved meticulous planning and creative decisions. Here are some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts.

4. Computer Terminals: The Macro Data Refinement team's computer terminals have no "escape" key, typical for the Data General Dasher D2 series.
5. Filming Locations: Primarily filmed at Bell Laboratories in Holmdel Township, New Jersey, adding to the show's eerie and industrial atmosphere.
6. Production Companies: Produced by Endeavor Content and Blumhouse Television, these companies played a crucial role in bringing the show's unique vision to life.
7. Runtime and Aspect Ratio: Each episode runs for 50 minutes and is shot in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, enhancing the show's visual impact.
8. Original Episode Count: Initially planned for 10 episodes, the first season ended with episode 9, creating a dramatic cliffhanger.
9. Directorial Choices: Ben Stiller used a mix of static and dynamic camera shots. In the finale, Steadicam shots made scenes feel fluid and dynamic.

Cast and Characters

The cast of "Severance" brings a rich tapestry of personalities and conflicts to life. Let's delve into their dynamics and development.

10. Cast and Character Dynamics: Featuring Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, and more, each character adds unique dynamics to the show.
11. Character Development: Mark and Helly's roles were initially reversed, but the change made Helly's rebellion central to the plot.
12. Devon's Role: Jen Tullock's character, Devon, remains outside Lumon Industries, concerned about her brother Mark's well-being.
13. Cobel's Complexity: Patricia Arquette's Cobel is initially an antagonist but is revealed to have more information than Mark, adding depth to her character.
14. The Waffle Party: The waffle party scene, initially a joke, evolved into a significant plot point, reflecting Lumon Industries' commodification of human expressions.

Inspirations and Influences

"Severance" draws inspiration from various sources, adding layers of depth and originality to its narrative.

15. Inspiration from Sci-Fi: Influenced by other sci-fi projects, "Severance" stands out for its originality and unique storytelling.
16. John Turturro's Suggestion: Turturro suggested Christopher Walken for the role of Burt G, adding to the show's chemistry.
17. Filming Out of Order: Shot out of order, this approach helped manage the complex storyline and intricate sets within a tight schedule.
18. Giant Handbuilt Stage: Every shot on the seventh floor of the Lumon Building was filmed on a giant handbuilt stage in the Bronx.

Season 2 and Beyond

The anticipation for season 2 is high, with fans eager to see how the story unfolds. Here are some insights into what's coming next.

19. Season 2 Delay: Initially set for October 2023, the release was delayed, but the wait promises deeper character exploration.
20. Cliffhanger Ending: Season 1 ends with a cliffhanger, setting the stage for season 2 to explore the aftermath of the characters' actions.
21. Major Plot Points: The finale reveals Mark's wife is a coworker, Irving's lover is married, and Helly announces the severance procedure is torture.
22. Dylan's Apprehension: Dylan is apprehended by Mr. Milchick, but his innie has already seen the Matrix, raising questions about his perception of the world.
23. Season 2 Themes: The second season will focus on altered perceptions, exploring the consequences of the characters' actions.

Fan Engagement and Reception

"Severance" has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Let's look at how fans and critics have responded.

24. Cast Reactions: The cast is excited about season 2, with Adam Scott mentioning deeper emotional journeys for the characters.
25. Directorial Vision: Ben Stiller aims to explore the characters' inner lives more deeply in season 2, using a mix of camera shots.
26. Production Timeline: Despite challenges, the crew is confident that season 2 will meet or exceed expectations.
27. Fan Engagement: Fans eagerly share theories and speculations, with the creators engaging with the community.
28. Creative Decisions: Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller's creative decisions have shaped the show's narrative, adding to its charm and complexity.

Visual and Sound Design

The visual and sound design of "Severance" play a crucial role in creating its unique atmosphere. Here are some key elements.

29. Visual Aesthetics: The use of static and dynamic camera shots, combined with the industrial setting, creates a visually stunning narrative.
30. Sound Design: Eerie music and sound effects enhance the show's atmosphere, making it feel more surreal and unsettling.
31. Themes and Symbolism: Themes like the commodification of human life and the blurring of reality and fantasy are explored, with effective symbolism.
32. Cultural Relevance: The show's themes echo the increasingly automated world we live in, raising questions about the future of work and relationships.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

"Severance" has received widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Let's highlight some of its achievements.

33. Critical Reception: With an 8.7/10 rating on IMDb, "Severance" has been praised for its originality and storytelling.
34. Awards: The show has won two Primetime Emmys and has been nominated for numerous other awards.
35. Fan Theories: Fans have developed theories about the show, adding to its mystique and encouraging deeper engagement.
36. Season 2 Speculations: Fans eagerly speculate about season 2, with theories about significant developments and character journeys.
37. Cast Interviews: Cast members have shared their experiences, with Adam Scott discussing his character's complexity and Patricia Arquette talking about Cobel's layers.

Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Behind-the-scenes moments provide insight into the making of "Severance" and add to its charm.

38. Filming Locations' Significance: Bell Laboratories' industrial setting adds to the show's eerie atmosphere.
39. Cast Chemistry and Dynamics: The relationships between characters add depth to the narrative, making it more engaging.
40. Character Development and Backstories: Each character's rich backstory is gradually revealed, adding suspense and believability.
41. Production Challenges and Solutions: Filming out of order and using a giant handbuilt stage presented challenges, but the crew's dedication ensured success.
42. Visual Aesthetics and Sound Design: The show's visual and sound design are key elements of its success, creating a visually stunning and immersive narrative.
43. Themes and Symbolism: Themes like the commodification of human life and the blurring of reality and fantasy are explored, with effective symbolism.
44. Cultural Relevance: The show's themes echo the increasingly automated world we live in, raising questions about the future of work and relationships.
45. Critical Reception and Awards: "Severance" has received critical acclaim, with an 8.7/10 rating on IMDb and numerous awards.
46. Fan Theories: Fans have developed theories about the show, adding to its mystique and encouraging deeper engagement.
47. Season 2 Speculations: Fans eagerly speculate about season 2, with theories about significant developments and character journeys.
48. Cast Interviews: Cast members have shared their experiences, with Adam Scott discussing his character's complexity and Patricia Arquette talking about Cobel's layers.
49. Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Behind-the-scenes moments provide insight into the making of "Severance" and add to its charm.
50. Production Companies' Involvement: The production companies involved in "Severance" have played a crucial role in bringing the show to life, ensuring high standards of quality and creativity.

Final Thoughts on Severance

"Severance" has quickly become a standout series on Apple TV+, blending psychological thriller, dark comedy, and dystopian sci-fi elements. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, the show explores the lives of office workers with surgically divided memories. From its unique conceptual origins to its intricate character dynamics, "Severance" captivates viewers with its rich storytelling and visual aesthetics. The cast's chemistry, combined with the show's thought-provoking themes, makes it a must-watch. With season 2 on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of this compelling narrative. Whether it's the eerie setting of Lumon Industries or the complex relationships between characters, "Severance" offers a fresh take on the future of work and human connections. Don't miss out on this critically acclaimed series that's redefining modern television.