Severance Season 2: Everything We Know So Far
The severed worker bees of Lumon Industries are at last getting back to work.
After a nearly three-year layoff, Apple TV+’s acclaimed sci-fi thriller Severance is finally returning for its second season in January. We know it’s been a while since you clocked in, so we wanted to refresh your memory about where we left off — though memory is a tricky thing on Severance — and also give you the scoop on what’s coming up in Season 2.
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The series (which was officially renewed for Season 2 back in April of 2022) stars Adam Scott as Mark, an employee at the mysterious Lumon where employees have undergone a surgical procedure known as “severance,” separating their work memories from their home memories. While at work, Mark has no idea what’s happening in his personal life, and vice versa. But when a former coworker approaches him at home with questions about Lumon, Mark starts to dig into what exactly his company is up to.
Severance: 9 Burning Questions
Patricia Arquette co-stars as Mark’s Lumon boss Harmony Cobel, with Britt Lower as his rebellious new coworker Helly. John Turturro and Zach Cherry play Lumon employees Irving and Dylan, with Tramell Tillman as Cobel’s henchman Milchick.
Read on to learn everything we know about Season 2 so far, and check back for the latest updates.
Wait, where did we leave off with Severance Season 1 again?
Totally understandable question, since the Severance Season 1 finale aired way back in April 2022. In the finale, Dylan triggered the “overtime contingency” switch, allowing Mark, Helly and Irving to experience their lives outside of the Lumon office. Irving saw his beloved Burt getting cozy with another man, Helly discovered she’s actually the daughter of Lumon’s CEO… and Mark learned that his dead wife is actually alive and well as Ms. Casey, Lumon’s wellness advisor. Helly was yelling at a room full of swanky party guests about the horrors of the severance procedure when they were all yanked back to their “Outie” state. (For more details, check out our Season 1 finale recap.)
Why was Season 2 of Severance delayed so long?
The psychological thriller experienced a few bumps in the road in its journey back to production. It was reported in April 2023 that Severance’s second season was facing significant delays due to the alleged falling out between co-showrunners Dan Erickson and Mark Friedman. House of Cards creator Beau Willimon quietly joined to assist with Season 2 (and beyond), further fueling questions as to what was actually going down behind the scenes.
Stiller cleared the air at the time stating that Season 2 “is on schedule, the budget is the same as Season 1, Dan, Beau and Mark are all working together… [Beau] was hired for Season 3 and since they don’t have a traditional writers’ room, it made sense he would get involved in the current season as well.”
Shortly after, shooting was halted in May of 2023 as a result of the WGA writers’ strike. Once that ended, SAG-AFTRA was 74 days into a strike of its own, further delaying the Apple series from returning to work.
When will Severance Season 2 be released?
In July, Apple TV+ announced that Season 2 of Severance would premiere Friday, Jan. 17 on the streamer, with episodes airing each Friday after that through Mar. 21. We also got a quick teaser, which showed us quick flashes of the Lumon staffers in peril before a final shot of a mystery woman played by Game of Thrones vet Gwendoline Christie gravely telling Mark and Helly: “You should’ve left.” (Watch the teaser above.)
Who’s joining the Severance Season 2 cast?
An array of corporate drones has been added to Severance’s Season 2 roster. Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones) and John Noble (Fringe) are among eight new cast members that have joined the Apple TV+ series’ sophomore run.
The new hires also include Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), Merritt Wever (Unbelievable), Bob Balaban (The Chair), Robby Benson (the voice of Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, American Dreams), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Missing, NOS4A2) and relative newcomer Stefano Carranante.
Details for their characters remain scarce, but Christie plays someone who works “in a different department” of Lumon, Stiller hints: “There are people who are not in the white-collar aspect of what goes on at Lumon but who get their hands dirty and are working towards other ends.” Plus, Shawkat, Balaban and Carranante play rival macrodata refiners at Lumon who are placed there “in reaction” to Mark and his friends’ actions last season, according to Stiller: “Seeing new people at the desks would definitely bring up questions, especially for Mark.”
Is there a trailer for Season 2 of Severance?
There is, actually: In December, Apple TV+ released the official trailer for Season 2, with Mark and his Lumon colleagues still feeling the effects of last season’s rebellion. Cobel warns Mark, “There’ll be no honeymoon ending for you,” and we meet new deputy manager Miss Huang… who happens to be a child. (Press PLAY above for a sneak peek at Season 2.)
Where can I watch Season 1 of Severance?
Season 1 of Severance is currently available to stream on Apple TV+. It is comprised of nine episodes which range from 40-57 minutes long each.
Watch Severance on Apple TV+
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