series

Severance

Psychological thriller series exploring corporate control and identity through employees undergoing a procedure that surgically divides work and personal memories.

Type
series
Year
2022
By
Dan Erickson / Apple TV+
Publisher
Apple TV+

Severance follows Mark Scout, an employee at the mysterious Lumon Industries who undergoes a procedure called "severance" that surgically divides his consciousness—his work self and personal self are completely separated, with no memory overlap. At work, he has no recollection of his outside life; at home, he remembers nothing of his job. As Mark navigates this strange arrangement alongside colleagues who share his condition, he begins to uncover disturbing truths about the procedure, the company's intentions, and the nature of identity itself.

The series blends corporate thriller, science fiction, and psychological drama, examining themes of work-life balance, corporate exploitation, autonomy, and what it means to be human. Created by Dan Erickson and starring Adam Scott, the show premiered on Apple TV+ in February 2022 and became a critical and commercial success, praised for its originality, atmosphere, and philosophical depth. It has generated significant cultural discussion about labor, consciousness, and the boundaries between professional and personal identity.

Last updated 31 August 2026