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April 9, 2025

Why is Everyone Telling Me to Watch Severance and Should I Watch It? (No Spoilers dw)

Why is Everyone Telling Me to Watch Severance and Should I Watch It? (No Spoilers dw)

If you've scrolled through your group chats or doomscrolled Twitter lately, there's a good chance someone has passionately told you:
"You have to watch Severance."

At first, it might sound like another one of those cult-favorite shows that critics love but your brain is too fried to commit to. But then you see another post. And another. And suddenly, it's not just your film-nerd friend recommending it—it's your coworker, your cousin, and even that one chill friend who never recommends TV.

So... what's the deal with Severance? And more importantly—should you watch it?

What Even Is Severance?

Severance is a psychological sci-fi thriller on Apple TV+ (yep, another streaming service). Created by Dan Erickson and executive produced by Ben Stiller, the show dropped in 2022 and has been steadily gaining momentum thanks to word-of-mouth and a dedicated fan base.

Here’s the pitch:
Imagine a world where you could surgically divide your work memories from your personal life. At work, you don't remember your outside life. Outside of work, you don't remember what happens inside. You're literally two different people—an “innie” and an “outie.”

Wild, right?

That’s the premise behind Severance. It follows Mark (played by Adam Scott), a grieving office worker who agrees to undergo this procedure. But as you might guess, things start to unravel—mysteries deepen, and the line between autonomy and control gets seriously messed up.

Why Is Everyone Obsessed?

Here are a few reasons this show has become a phenomenon:

1. It’s Dystopian, But Not in a Boring Way

We’ve had a lot of dystopian content—Black Mirror, Westworld, Handmaid’s Tale. Severance brings something fresh. The world feels eerily familiar: fluorescent office lights, beige carpets, awkward team-building exercises. It’s not far-off sci-fi—it’s next-door sci-fi.

2. It Taps Into Real-Life Anxiety

Ever feel like your job is sucking the life out of you? Like you're two different people—your work self and your real self? Severance takes that feeling and turns it into literal horror. It’s deeply relatable, in a “maybe I need to quit my job” kind of way.

3. It’s Visually Haunting

The production design is minimalist, sterile, and weirdly beautiful. The office feels like something out of a dream—or a nightmare. Add in the eerie score and slow-burn pacing, and you’ve got a vibe that sticks with you.

4. The Cast Is Stacked

Adam Scott proves he’s more than just Ben from Parks and Rec. You also get Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken (!), and some breakout performances that are chef's kiss.

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