Apple Buys ‘Severance’ Rights: Future of Hit Apple TV+ Show Secured

Apple has taken full ownership of its critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, “Severance,” acquiring the intellectual property and all associated rights from Fifth Season in a deal valued at just under $70 million. The move, finalized late last year, signals a significant shift in Apple’s content strategy, bringing the production of future seasons entirely in-house under Apple Studios. Fifth Season will continue as an executive producer on the series.

The acquisition mirrors a previous arrangement Apple made with AMC Studios for the sci-fi drama “Silo,” transitioning production from an external studio to Apple’s internal operations after the first season. This strategy reflects Apple’s increasing commitment to building a robust in-house studio capability, now responsible for roughly half of the content on Apple TV+, more than six years after the platform’s launch.

“Severance,” a high-concept psychological thriller, has proven to be a major success for Apple TV+. The second season became the platform’s most-watched series to date and garnered an impressive 27 Emmy nominations in 2025, winning eight awards. The show’s popularity and critical acclaim have positioned it as a key pillar of Apple’s streaming service.

However, the path to season two wasn’t without its challenges. Production was significantly hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood labor strikes, and substantial script revisions that necessitated reshoots and the scrapping of entire sets. These delays led to escalating production costs, reportedly reaching as much as $20 million per episode for the ten-episode second season. The financial burden on Fifth Season was compounded by waiting for New York tax credits and funding reimbursements.

Facing rising borrowing costs and production complexities, Fifth Season reportedly sought financial advances from Apple and even explored relocating production to Canada to take advantage of more favorable tax incentives. Apple’s decision to acquire the series outright appears to have been driven by a desire to better manage the show’s lengthy production timelines and maintain its established filming location in New York. Owning the IP provides Apple with greater control over the creative and financial aspects of the production.

Looking ahead, Apple intends to develop “Severance” into a long-term franchise. A third season is already in the works, with production tentatively scheduled to begin this summer. A fourth season is considered highly likely, and creator Dan Erickson and executive producer Ben Stiller have expressed openness to expanding the universe with prequels, spin-offs, and even international adaptations.

To avoid a repeat of the production issues that plagued season two, Apple and the creative team are prioritizing a fully completed script before commencing filming on season three. Currently, six scripts have been finalized, with additional episodes still under development. This approach aims to minimize costly disruptions and reshoots during production.

The acquisition of “Severance” underscores Apple’s evolving strategy in the streaming landscape. Initially, Apple TV+ relied heavily on licensing content from external studios to quickly build its library. While this approach remains part of the strategy – evidenced by continued partnerships for shows like “Ted Lasso” – the company is increasingly focused on developing and owning its own intellectual property. This shift allows Apple to exert greater creative control, manage costs more effectively, and build long-term franchises like “Severance” that can anchor its streaming service for years to come.

The success of “Severance” also highlights the growing demand for high-quality, thought-provoking content in the streaming era. The show’s complex narrative, compelling characters, and exploration of themes related to work-life balance and identity have resonated with audiences and critics alike. Apple’s investment in the series demonstrates its commitment to delivering premium programming that sets it apart from competitors.