Apple Studios now oversees production of future seasons of the hit series Severance. The company acquired the show’s intellectual property and all associated rights from Fifth Season in December through a deal valued at approximately $70 million.
Shift in Production Control
Fifth Season continues as an executive producer, but Apple Studios assumes full responsibility for the series. Severance joins Apple’s flagship lineup, including Owen Wilson’s Stick and Kristen Wiig’s Palm Royale. This follows Apple’s earlier acquisition of the sci-fi series Silo after its debut season.
Reasons Behind the Acquisition
Escalating production costs strained Fifth Season’s budget, prompting requests for advances from Apple. The studio explored relocating filming from New York to Canada for tax incentives. Apple also assisted with financing and advertiser negotiations. Season 2 of Severance emerged as the platform’s most-viewed series, justifying Apple’s decision to fully integrate the production and maintain its New York base without financial limitations.
Expansion Prospects
Plans call for four seasons total. Showrunner Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller now eye potential spinoffs as viable options under Apple’s stewardship.
