Apple Studios has signed a $70 million deal to buy the rights to its hit sci-fi series Severance from Fifth Season. The agreement allows Apple to produce the show in-house while addressing production delays. Season 3 filming is set to begin this summer.
Apple TV's Severance has become the streamer's most-watched program ever, surpassing Ted Lasso in global viewership during its second season. The dystopian thriller also earned widespread critical acclaim, including numerous Emmy nominations and technical awards.
Previously, Fifth Season handled the intellectual property and production, separate from Apple's distribution role. This arrangement led to challenges, including costs estimated at $20 million per episode for season two. According to Deadline, Apple has now acquired full rights for $70 million, shifting development and production in-house. Fifth Season will continue as an executive producer.
The deal addresses a key issue: long gaps between seasons. The three-year wait between the first and second seasons stemmed from labor strikes and creative tensions. With Apple's deeper financial resources, production can proceed more efficiently, avoiding past pressures like seeking tax incentives.
Apple has decided to keep filming in New York, reversing Fifth Season's plan to move to Canada for tax benefits. This ensures visual consistency. While only season three is confirmed, Apple is planning a four-season arc and may film future episodes back-to-back to minimize delays.
The acquisition opens possibilities for expansion, such as spinoffs. Co-creator Ben Stiller has mentioned ideas for exploring Lumon Industries' history and the Eagan family. These could maintain fan engagement between main seasons.
Season three production starts this summer, potentially accelerating the series' timeline.
