For those interested in the production side, a companion podcast featuring creator Ben Stiller and lead actor Adam Scott delves into behind-the-scenes details, including filming techniques.
Currently, Severance has gained widespread attention and awards for its cinematography, direction, and production design. However, its real impact lies in its reflection of societal dissatisfaction, particularly within the American corporate landscape.
The show explores themes such as the pitfalls of capitalism, work-life balance, corporate oppression, class divisions, and the dark side of technology. With its satirical yet unsettling storytelling, Severance has resonated with a broader audience beyond traditional sci-fi enthusiasts.
The marketing strategy surrounding Severance mirrors that of past cult classics like Lost, where online content became an integral part of the show’s mystery. Websites and digital tie-ins provided additional clues—similar to Lost’s Dharma Initiative.
However, unlike Lost, the creators of Severance have assured fans that they have a clear roadmap for the series and its conclusion, making the journey of following online hints all the more intriguing.
Expanding the Severance Universe: Official Content
Apple Books’ Severance: The Lexington Letter – This companion story follows Margaret "Peg" Kincaid, a severed employee at Lumon Industries, who uncovers disturbing truths about the company. The download includes an orientation booklet for new employees in Macrodata Refinement (MDR), featuring a Clippy-like AI assistant—but instead of a paperclip, it’s an anthropomorphized Severance chip.
Apple Books’ You Are You – In the show, this book is written by Severance character Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, Ph.D., and plays a role in awakening severed employees. The real-world version offers the first eight chapters as an eBook and audiobook, focusing on self-discovery and philosophical musings.
The Severance Podcast – Produced by Audacy, this official podcast includes cast interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the show’s production.
Lumon Industries’ LinkedIn Profile – An in-universe corporate profile introducing fans to founder Kier Eagan’s core principles—Vision, Verve, Wit, Cheer, Humility, Benevolence, Nimbleness, Decisiveness, and Will. It frequently posts recruitment efforts and corporate updates, blurring the line between reality and fiction in an eerie way.
Social Media & Promotional Content – Apple TV’s official accounts on Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok feature Severance promos, behind-the-scenes footage, and even cryptic clues, such as news posts in Morse code. The show’s marketing included a pop-up installation at New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
Reddit AMA with Creator Dan Erickson – While a few years old, this AMA remains a must-read for fans seeking “official” answers to their theories. Notably, Erickson dismissed the popular “simulation theory,” confirming that the Lumon office physically exists.
Roku’s Severance Experience – Roku partnered with Apple TV+ to offer a Severance fan experience featuring season two previews, behind-the-scenes content, and cast interviews.
Fan-Created Content & Online Theories
Beyond Apple’s official material, Severance has inspired a dedicated fanbase to create their own content:
- Unofficial Lumon Industries TikTok – An independent account posting retro-style footage of Kier’s town and excerpts from Lumon’s management program, offering eerie workplace advice.
- Fan Theories on Reddit – Communities like r/SeveranceAppleTV, r/SeveranceTVShow, and r/WelcomeToLumon are dedicated to discussing theories, while r/OBDSeverance is known for memes.
- Tumblr Community – A hub for fan art, blog posts, and discussions about Severance.
- Goodreads Reviews of You Are You – Fans have left in-universe reviews, some humorously claiming their copies keep getting stolen off their doorsteps.
- Fan-Made Lumon Website – Designed by programmer Daniel Shiffman and his YouTube community, this interactive website lets users pretend to be an MDR employee refining data. It even hides a small Easter egg referencing season two.
- AI-Generated Severance Quotes on Bluesky – Shiffman also created an AI bot that posts eerie philosophical musings inspired by Dr. Ricken Hale’s book.
- Severance Wiki – A comprehensive fan-made wiki documenting characters, episodes, theories, and lore.
Other Fan Creations
- A Severance-themed office for The Sims 4
- A virtual tour of Dr. Ricken Hale’s mid-century modern home
- Unofficial Severance merchandise – Since Apple doesn’t sell official merch, independent creators have filled the gap with items like Night Gardener and Defiant Jazz t-shirts.
Severance Season 2
Season two of Severance premiered on January 17, 2025, and will consist of 10 episodes, concluding on March 21, 2025. The show is now also available on Android devices.
Do you have a favorite Severance fan creation? Let me know at sarahp@techcrunch.com.
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