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Severance

Severance

There's more to work than life.

2022–Ongoing2 seasonsRenewedSeason 3 upcoming25 episodes~50 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Severance?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Severance streaming on Apple TV.

Subscription

Highlights

What stands out about Severance?

Severance earns 8 badges, led by Top 5% of shows and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is Severance worth watching?

Severance's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all shows, from 442K ratings across 5 sources. 93% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of shows

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

85 /100

96th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 2020s

Critics 85 · Audience 85

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

Approval

How many liked it

93% liked it

97th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2020s
93% rated it 7–107% rated it 1–6

Critics 95% · Audience 80%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

99th percentile

441K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 13% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Severance is a slow-burn, meticulously crafted mystery that prioritizes atmosphere and philosophical questions over fast plot advancement.

Fans praised

  • original high-concept premise executed with precision
  • superb ensemble cast led by Adam Scott's career-best performance
  • unsettling atmosphere and meticulous production design

Detractors panned

  • glacial pacing with insufficient plot progression
  • mysteries pile up without meaningful resolution

What stands out

Atmosphere93

suffocating, eerie, immersive corporate dystopia

OriginalityDivisive92

highly fresh concept, described as unlike anything else on television

Acting91

exceptional performances across the cast, Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Tramell Tillman stand out

Cinematography90

striking minimalist visuals, sterile corridors, retro-futuristic aesthetic

CharactersDivisive85

well-written, layered innie/outie dualities; some detractors find them unrelatable

TensionDivisive85

slow-building suspense that pays off in finales; some find it unearned

Plot and storyDivisive62

intriguing mystery setup but many feel unanswered questions and filler drag the story

PacingDivisive35

extremely slow burn; praised by fans as immersive, panned by detractors as tedious

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2025 · 10 episodes · 8.0 average across 10 rated episodes

  • S2E1

    Hello, Ms. Cobel

    Jan 16, 202554 minTMDB rating 8.0
  • S2E2

    Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig

    Jan 23, 202549 minTMDB rating 7.9
  • S2E3

    Who Is Alive?

    Jan 30, 202557 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S2E4

    Woe's Hollow

    Feb 6, 202554 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S2E5

    Trojan's Horse

    Feb 13, 202550 minTMDB rating 8.0
  • S2E6

    Attila

    Feb 20, 202552 minTMDB rating 8.0

Watch experience

What is Severance like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and intense — a slow-burn watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseAbsurdContemplative
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Cold and cerebral · 6% of shows: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.SerializedNew arc each season
ToneThe show maintains a clinical, sterile atmosphere that juxtaposes its absurd corporate dystopia with a detached, cold precision, allowing the inherent horror to surface through subtle, almost deadpan delivery.
The rideThe series maintains a pervasive tension, punctuated by absurdist office-culture moments and contemplative silences, with the emotional and narrative weight building toward season finales.
StructureTold mostly chronologically with a season-long arc that builds to cliffhangers.
Episode formatThe series is a continuous, serialized story with each episode advancing the central mystery and character arcs, despite occasional self-contained reveals.
Season formatEach season presents a self-contained arc within the larger story: season 1 focuses on the innies' awakening and escape attempt, while season 2 shifts to the fallout and new challenges, with the same core cast.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingHaunting · 9% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe show leaves you with lingering questions about identity and freedom, while the eerie atmosphere stays with you long after.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryEnigma
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1% (this title)
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

8% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe series is primarily driven by the slow unravelling of the secret behind the severance procedure and Lumon's true purpose, making it a classic mystery with an investigative structure.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% (this title) · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4% (this title)
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

IdentityFreedom · 4% of showsMemory · 3% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe show interrogates what constitutes a person when a single body houses two separate consciousnesses, each with no knowledge of the other's life.
StanceThe show questions the nature of identity and freedom within a corporate system, presenting the innies' plight as a philosophical puzzle rather than celebrating or condemning outright.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalSuburbanStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicAmbientSupportive music · original score · Theodore Shapiro
SettingThe Lumon Industries office and the generic suburban town of Kier, PE
MusicThe score blends eerie, minimalist electronics with mournful strings, reinforcing the show's clinical yet emotional atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Severance okay for kids?

TV-MA

Severance is rated TV-MA. As of August 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (51/100), sexual content at mild (29/100), language at intense (70/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at intense (62/100). Overall it is heavier than 25% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 39 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18+
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • New Zealand16
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • ArgentinaSAM 16
  • BG16
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK16
  • Greece16
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaA
  • Israel18+
  • ItalyVM14
  • LTN-14
  • MexicoB-15
  • MY18
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesSPG
  • Poland16
  • Portugal16
  • PRTV-MA
  • RO15
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • SK15
  • South Africa16
  • Spain16
  • SwedenFrån 15 år
  • Taiwan15+
  • THน 18+
  • Türkiye18+
  • UA18+
  • VITV-MA
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 54% of all showsHeavier than 25% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 32%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 14%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 56%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 23%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 55%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what TV-MA shows usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Severance have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Severance: Gore or body horror (severe), Medical procedures (moderate), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Self-harm. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horror
ModerateMedical procedures
MentionedSelf-harm

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Severance?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Adam Scott
as Mark Scout
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Britt Lower
as Helly R
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Zach Cherry
as Dylan George
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Tramell Tillman
as Seth Milchick
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Jen Tullock
as Devon Scout-Hale
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Dichen Lachman
as Ms. Casey
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette
as Harmony Cobel
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Drama Series
Michael Chernus
as Ricken Hale
SAG nominee: Screen Actors Guild Award nomination — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
John Turturro
as Irving Baliff
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Christopher Walken
as Burt Goodman
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.

More like this

What are shows like Severance?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Severance include Emergence (2019), Mr. Mercedes (2017) and The Institute (2025).

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What other shows share a tag with Severance?

191 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.