"This is how I feel at work with managers watching cameras 24/7": Fans crack up as Severance cast pops up in NYC

When the actors of the popular Apple TV+ series Severance unexpectedly showed up in New York City, the internet was giddy with anticipation. One tweet aptly captured the sentiment of the fans, who immediately connected the sighting to their own professional life:

"This is how I feel at work when I know managers watch the cameras 24/7"

When the comment was shared with a video of the Severance cast, it swiftly gained momentum as a call to action for workers everywhere who are unable to avoid the constant surveillance at work.

(Post via X/@FilmUpdates)

The hilarity was further enhanced by the parallel between the dystopian office setting of the program and actual employment challenges. The public seems to strangely relate with Severance, which, after all, takes workplace alienation to a new level by bizarrely dividing people's personal and professional lives.

The pop-up event generated countless online conversations, memes, and comments, in addition to bringing fans closer to the cast.

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Fans relate their workplace struggles to the pop-up appearance of the Severance cast in NYC

Social media lit up as fans shared their excitement (and snark) over the Severance cast’s appearance in NYC, with Grand Central Terminal playing host to this unexpected event. One fan gushed, attaching a meme of Martin Scorsese declaring “absolute cinema,”

“performance art for marketing. television is so back.”

The level of excitement was high, but not everyone was on board.

“Man it’s been so long I actually don’t care what happens next,” said one unimpressed viewer.

They seemed to have lost some steam waiting for the show’s second season. Others, though, couldn’t hold back their enthusiasm for the spectacle.

There was also speculation about the filming location, with one tweet exclaiming,

“Filmed at Grand Central Terminal.”

While another added a quip that only New Yorkers would understand:

“They should’ve filmed at Joe’s pizzeria.”

(Post via X/@sueshaldistens)

The event’s location drew mixed reactions, but it certainly helped build momentum around the pop-up. A sarcastic fan pointed out the disproportionate promotion, tweeting,

“apple has never cared this much about any other show god damn.”

Meanwhile, others were envious of those who witnessed the event firsthand.

“So jealous I would have diiiiieeedddd,” wrote a particularly excited fan.

Of course, not all comments were so kind, with one user taking a jab at the city’s current job market:

“Too many unemployed people in that city.”

Despite the buzz, some fans were skeptical about the impact of this grand effort. One user highlighted the disconnect between big marketing stunts and actual viewership,

“And people still won’t watch it 😂"

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Behind the pop-up: The bigger picture

Fans were buzzing about the Severance cast's pop-up appearance, but this marketing campaign has a larger significance. Since its 2022 premiere, the program has received high praise from critics for its distinctive take on psychological drama and workplace interactions. It gained a devoted following quite fast. However, some fans are annoyed by the lengthy break between seasons.

Before the highly anticipated return of Severance, the marketing team has gone all out to rekindle the excitement. Apple TV+ is obviously doing all in its power to keep up with the increasingly intense competition in the streaming market.

Companies are attempting to immerse potential viewers in a real-world version of their imaginary worlds as part of a broader experiential marketing trend, including this NYC pop-up.

Fans are making analogies to their own professional life, which makes sense given the show's dismal themes and the well-planned event. Furthermore, it's evident from the internet chatter that Severance has made an impact on its audience both within and outside of the workplace.