Apple TV+’s Severance is one of the most watched TV shows out there— yet two seasons in and viewers are still wondering what it’s about.
Directed by Ben Stiller, Severance is a science fiction psychological thriller series best known for its shocking twists and stunning cinematography. So far, the show has received 14 Emmy nominations and worldwide critical acclaim, becoming Apple TV+’s most-watched show ever.
What is Severance about?
Severance takes place in a world where people can insert a microchip into their brain that separates their consciousness into ‘innies’— who go to work every day— and ‘outies’— who can enjoy their free time without worrying about work. The show follows Mark Scout, played by Adam Scott, who severed himself after the death of his wife, Gemma, so he could have a break from grieving her loss during the day. However, when Mark’s coworker Petey, played by Yul Vazquez, reveals that he is ‘reintegrating’, Mark’s outie begins to question what’s really going on during his work day at Lumon.
Inside the fictional company, Lumon, Mark’s innie— known as Mark S.— works alongside Irving B. (John Turturro), Dylan G. (Zach Cherry), and Helly R. (Britt Lower). They’re overseen by Mrs. Cobel (Patricia Arquette) and Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), and later Ms. Huang (Sarah Bock) who seem to know all about the secrets of Lumon.
What is Lumon?
Lumon is the company that Mark S and the rest of the innies clock in at each day. Mark, Helly, Irving and Dylan work in the ‘Macrodata Refinement’ department, although it’s never clear what data they’re actually refining.
All we know for sure is that ‘the work is mysterious and important.’ Lumon Industries is run by CEO Jame Eagan, a descendant of the founder Keir Eagan.
What are the biggest Severance twists?
Known for its twists and turns, so far, we’ve had plenty. It is revealed at the end of series one that Helly R.’s outie is Helena Eagan, the daughter of Lumon’s current CEO and next in line to run the company. As well as that, Gemma, the wife Mark has been grieving, is not only alive but known to his innie as Ms. Casey.
Aside from what Lumon actually do, there are still so many questions to be answered. Why is Gemma being tortured? How has Burt (Christopher Walken) been severed for twenty years when the program is only twelve years old? And what’s with the goats in the Department of ‘Mammalian Nurturability’?
Will there be a third series of Severance?
Although Apple has yet to confirm a third series, Ben Stiller has said that the writers are already working on series three of Severance. According to creator Dan Erickson, there will not be a three-year gap this time like there was between series one and two.