‘Severance’ fans praise season two: “Peak television is back”

17 January, 2025

'Severance' season two

Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the debut of the second season of Severance, describing it as “peak television” and having them “locked in”.

The sci-fi thriller has taken three years to follow up on its sensational first season, and arrived with a bang with first episode Hello, Ms. Cobel. Directed by Ben Stiller, it picks up five months after the first season, set in a company where highly classified work is kept secret be separating the consciousnesses of employees. Lead character Mark (Adam Scott) starts this episode finding himself in a new office with a completely different team to work with.

For many fans, the new season had them hooked from the first scene. On X (formerly Twitter), one wrote: “soon as the episode opened with this one take sequence, I knew this show was gonna have me locked in again”. Another remarked: “The first scene alone made the almost 3-year wait for S2 worth it. Peak television is back”.

One fan, appearing to have caught up recently in anticipation of the new season, said: “Just finished Severance and I’m shaking ohmygod how did ppl wait for 3 years”. Another pointed to the show’s concept meaning the same characters can fulfill different dramatic roles, saying: “Severance writers deciding to put their hero and antagonist in the same body”.

This positive reception has extended to critics, with NME giving the new season five stars. Reviewer James Mottram called the show “the smartest thing on TV”, encouraging viewers to “enjoy the ride and let this unique show tease and titillate your brain until you finally submit”.

Recently, a publicity stunt for the new season went viral when cast members recreated their in-show office at New York’s Grand Central Station. New episodes of Severance will be released weekly on Apple TV+ from January 16 to March 21.

The post ‘Severance’ fans praise season two: “Peak television is back” appeared first on NME.