Apple TV+’s Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Show Is Finally Back After A 3-Year Hiatus, And It Was Totally Worth The Wait

It's been nearly three years, but Severance is finally back for season 2 on Apple TV+. Okay, technically, only two years and nine months have passed, though it feels like at least three years since we've seen the Severance cast in new episodes. There's no question that Apple TV+ has been crushing it with its sci-fi shows in recent years. Severance, however, stands out through its blend of psychological thriller elements. Unfortunately, the aspects that leave you on the edge of your seat while watching make patiently waiting for new episodes that much harder.

Severance season 1's ending was released in April 2022 and revealed what actually happened during the "Overtime Contingency" protocol activated by the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) team. Once activated, the Innie versions of Mark, Helly, and Irving woke up in the outside world. Helly, in particular, was able to publicize how Lumon Industries controls its severed employees through subjugation. Mark also discovered Mrs. Selvig's true identity and the fact that his wife, Gemma, was still alive. Now, the consequences of Mark and his team's actions will be on full display in Severance's new episodes.

Severance Is Finally Back For Season 2 On Apple TV+ - What To Expect

Ben Stiller Directs Severance Season 2's Premiere Episode

Adam Scott as Mark in Severance season 1, episode 7, looking at someone off-camera.

Severance season 2 officially begins on January 17, 2025, with the release of episode 1, "Hello, Ms. Cobel," on Apple TV+. Severance season 2's episode list consists of 10 episodes, which is one more than the debut installment, and will run through the end of March 2025. In doing so, the follow-up installment will technically hit the full three-year mark between seasons, but based on the continued quality of the show, all will be forgiven regarding required wait times.

Despite the mess they caused with their Outies and the Overtime Contingency, Mark, Helly, Dylan, and Irving are suspiciously brought back to Lumon.

Severance season 2's story picks up mere months after the events of season 1, following Mark and the rest of the MDR team reuniting at Lumon Industries. Despite the mess they caused with their Outies and the Overtime Contingency, Mark, Helly, Dylan, and Irving are suspiciously brought back to Lumon. Still, things have changed at Lumon, including Milchick's role and Ms. Cobel's presence. There are still plenty of mysteries to be solved, including Gemma being alive and Helly's hidden connection to the Eagan family.

Why Severance Season 2 Took Three Years To Release

Apple TV+ Hasn't Released New Episodes Of Severance Since 2022

Miss Huang speaking to Mark Irving Dylan and Helly in the hallway in Severance season 2

Severance season 2 got renewed a few days before the season 1 finale was released on Apple TV+. By then, it was already being pushed as one of the best new shows of 2022. After season 1's production dealt with COVID-related challenges while filming, season 2 encountered its own set of issues, delaying the development process. Despite the fact that filming began in late 2022, Severance season 2 didn't wrap filming until April 2024, nearly a year after expectations.

Severance season 1 was nominated for 3 Golden Globe awards and 7 Emmy awards.

The reason for Severance season 2's delay stemmed from Hollywood labor strikes in 2023. First, there was the WGA strike, which halted production on season 2 before resuming. Then, the SAG-AFTRA strike put another pause on Severance's production, and it didn't start back up again until January 2024. Considering the labor disputes were linked to working conditions, job security, compensation, and AI, many instantly linked the disputes to Severance's premise, making the strikes' effects on the show ironic.

Why Severance Season 2 Is Worth The Wait

Severance Picks Up From Where The Show Left Off

For those who haven't been fond of the lengthy wait time between seasons, rest assured with the update that Severance season 2 will be absolutely worth waiting for. At the time of writing, Severance season 2 currently has 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, just a few ticks under the sci-fi thriller's impressive score for the debut season. That said, reviews for Severance season 2 have been overwhelmingly positive. The consensus highlights the show's writing and extraordinary cast performances, claiming it's on par and, in some cases, better than season 1.

Severance season 2 also wastes no time diving into the fallout of season 1's "MDR incident." There won't be a delayed reunion with the main Lumon team or dancing around the massive reveals that were uncovered at the end of season 1. The Apple TV+ show jumps right back into the mysteries, with Mark, Helly, Dylan, and Irving wanting answers just as much as viewers do. If Severance season 3 happens, we surely hope there won't be another lengthy delay, but at least we know the quality won't diminish if another wait is in store.