Severance is an American science fiction psychological thriller television series created by Dan Erickson and executive produced by Ben Stiller for Apple TV+. The series follows employees of the fictional biotech corporation Lumon Industries â which uses a "severance" program in which their work and personal memories are separated â and stars an ensemble cast including Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette. The first season premiered on February 18, 2022, running for nine episodes, with a following season of ten episodes debuting on January 16, 2025.
Both seasons have received critical acclaim, with particular focus on the cinematography, setting, soundtrack, direction, and performances. Severance has been the recipient of numerous accolades; between the 74th and 77th Primetime Emmy Awards the show received 41 nominations and 10 wins â including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Tillman as Seth Milchick and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Lower's performance as Helly R.. Severance also won consecutive submissions for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series and Outstanding Main Title Design. Scott's performance as Mark Scout earned him two nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, two Television Critics Association Award nominations, and one Golden Globe Award nomination.