Apple Acquires ‘Severance’ Series: 4-Season Run and Universe Expansion

Apple has recently acquired the rights to the Emmy-winning series “Severance” from Fifth Season for just under $70 million. This deal finalized late last year and will see Apple Studios taking over production. “Severance” is known to be a high-end drama that costs about $20 million per episode for its second season, consisting of 10 episodes.

This acquisition aligns with Apple’s strategy of bringing popular series in-house, following the success of shows like “Your Friends and Neighbors,” “Stick,” “Sugar,” and “Palm Royale.” Apple TV initially started by leasing series from external studios to ramp up quickly after its 2019 launch, which remains a part of their strategy. Hits like “Ted Lasso,” “The Studio,” and “Pluribus” are some examples of shows that originated from outside studios.

Looking ahead, Apple TV plans to have “Severance” run for at least four seasons, with the third season already renewed. Both Stiller and Erickson, the creators, have expressed their vision for the series to last 3-4 seasons, with four being the target for Apple. The team behind the show is considering potential spin-offs to bridge the gaps between seasons, as shooting for the third season might not start until the summer.

Overall, this move by Apple positions “Severance” as a key title in their portfolio and sets the stage for potential universe expansion and franchise growth. Stay tuned for more updates as this captivating series continues to evolve.