As fans of Severance linger on the edge of uncertainty after that heart-stopping cliffhanger from season two, anticipation grows for what’s next. This summer, production on season three is set to ignite, albeit without the guidance of Ben Stiller in the director’s chair. Meanwhile, murmurs of a fourth season linger, promising to wrap up this intricate tapestry of narratives—though Apple TV has yet to make it official.
This intriguing development comes from a Deadline article revealing that Severance now falls fully under the purview of Apple Studios, although its original production partner, the indie Fifth Season, remains a key executive producer. There’s buzz about budgets and logistics, but the heart of the matter lies in the vision of Dan Erickson, the series creator and showrunner, who is also among the executive producers alongside Stiller.
Production is eyeing a summer 2026 start date for season three, but here’s the catch: all scripts will be completed before cameras roll. Kogonada, known for his work on After Yang, will step in as the producing director.
Rumblings of a fourth season are clear. It’s woven into the fabric of Apple Studios’ planning, with Stiller and Erickson envisioning a run of about 3 to 4 seasons—four is their target, and Apple is fully in sync with this vision.
That said, the possibility of a fifth season remains uncertain—it’s a conversation between Erickson and Stiller, one without immediate plans. Simply put, while they’re open to exploring the Severance universe further—think prequels, spin-offs, or even foreign adaptations—the immediate focus is firmly on concluding the main story.
Deadline points out a critical insight: fans are weary of waiting years for new episodes, particularly following the success of season two, which captured new viewers en masse. Yet, Apple Studios recognizes that haste could hollow out the very essence of Severance: “Due to the series’ dense mythology, adjustments in the writing process are not trivial. A twist in episode eight could ripple back and alter episode two. Fixing this while in script form is straightforward, but changes made in already filmed episodes could mean costly reshoots.”
As we grapple with our anticipation for the next twist, one thing remains clear: the creative team values quality above all else. What are your thoughts on the planned four-season arc for Severance? Will that satisfy your craving for resolution?
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.