Severance Season 2 is finally around the corner. The thriller is hitting Apple TV+ on January 17. But it’s been a long, agonizing three years since Season 1 left us hanging. So, what caused such a massive delay? Let’s find out.
Creator Dan Erickson and executive producer Ben Stiller recently spilled the beans. There were creative challenges as well as Hollywood strikes that made the road to Season 2 anything but smooth.
There were reports of behind-the-scenes conflicts between Erickson and co-showrunner Mark Friedman. Though Apple insists the show remained on schedule.
So, read on to know why Severance Season 2 took a whopping three years to get here.
Severance: The creative tug-of-war
One big reason for the delay was the intricacies of Severance itself. Erickson explained to Vanity Fair that the show is no walk in the park. He shared:
"On a practical level, it’s a very intricate show. Each character has two lives – essentially, two personalities – and we are expanding.”
And then there’s the scrapping of ideas mid-production. Erickson also shared:
"For me, the writing was the most painstaking part of the process because there were so many ways we could go. And sometimes we would come up with something that worked perfectly well on paper, and then it wouldn’t be until we got there and we’re shooting it that we realize: This isn’t quite it. We were never willing to let that turn it into something that wasn’t perfect."
Hollywood strikes and production hiccups
As if creative challenges weren’t enough, Hollywood had its own curveballs to throw. Production for Season 2 began in October 2022 but hit a massive roadblock with the 2023 Hollywood strikes.
Stiller revealed they had completed seven of the planned 10 episodes when everything came to a screeching halt in May. He shared with Vanity Fair:
“...we had to regroup after the strike. It takes us a while to prep the show. And so, we didn’t start shooting until January [2024]. Then we shot from January to May to finish the last three episodes.”
Erikson added:
“[We had] entire locations that we were planning to go to. We had already built or partially built them when we realized, ‘Oh, that’s not going to work.’ Those aren’t always fun calls to have with the studio, where you’re. like, ‘Hey, you know that thing you put a lot of resources into? Well, we’re not going to do it now, or we’re going to do something that’s totally different.’ But again, at the end of the day, it’s worth it.”
Every frame in Severance is packed with symbolism, detail, and emotional weight. So, this kind of disruption is no small deal.
The stakes are higher for Season 2
Season 2 has a lot riding on it, especially after that Season 1 finale. If you remember, the “innies” were seconds away from a major breakthrough before being pulled back into their corporate nightmare.
Based on the trailers, Mark (Adam Scott) is back at Lumon Industries. But this time, he’s surrounded by unfamiliar faces. New cast members like Bob Balaban, Gwendoline Christie, and Alia Shawkat are set to shake things up. They will be adding fresh dynamics to an already complex story.
Of course, introducing new characters to an established show is always a gamble. We do not know if they will enrich the story or upset the balanced dynamics that made Season 1 a gripping watch. Only time will tell.
Also read - Severance Season 2: Release date, plot, cast, and more about the sci-fi thriller on Apple TV+
Apple’s big bet
If there’s one thing working in Severance’s favor, it’s Apple’s belief in the show. With a reported $200 million budget for Season 2, it’s clear that Apple isn’t cutting any corners.
This kind of investment speaks volumes about the studio’s confidence in Erickson, Stiller, and the rest of the team.
Also, long gaps between seasons are practically a streaming tradition at this point. We can take for example Stranger Things or Bridgerton.
Judging by those shows, taking extra time usually means better quality. And Severance is aiming for nothing less than perfection.
Severance will be back with its new season on January 17, 2025.
Also read: Top 5 best shows to binge on Apple TV+ this holiday season, explored
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