Severance Season 1 Review: A Corporate Nightmare Wrapped in Sci-Fi

Imagine if your work self had no idea what your home self did—and vice versa. That’s the core nightmare Severance Season 1 brings to life. Apple TV’s psychological sci-fi thriller, directed by Ben Stiller and starring Adam Scott, takes corporate culture to its most terrifying extreme. But does Severance Season 1 justify the slow-burn approach, or does it get lost in its own mystery? Let’s dive in.

The Premise: Work-Life Balance Gone Horribly Wrong

At Lumen Industries, employees undergo a controversial “severance” procedure, surgically dividing their consciousness into two: their “innie” (work persona) and “outie” (home persona). Once they step into the office, their outie ceases to exist, and vice versa. Mark (played by Adam Scott), a grieving widower, finds himself in the thick of a corporate conspiracy that slowly unravels over nine eerie episodes.

Performances That Hit Harder Than a Mandatory Team-Building Exercise

The cast delivers top-tier performances across the board. John Turturro and Christopher Walken bring unexpected depth to their characters, creating one of the most compelling relationships on the show. Meanwhile, Patricia Arquette is terrifyingly enigmatic as the company’s cold and calculating boss. And let’s not forget Zach Cherry’s Dylan—a character who steals every scene he’s in.

The Slow-Burn That Tests Your Patience

If Severance has one major flaw, it’s the pacing. The show takes its time unraveling the mystery, sometimes too much time. While the last two episodes deliver jaw-dropping reveals, much of the season inches forward at a deliberate, almost frustrating pace. If you’re someone who thrives on instant gratification, Severance might test your limits.

Sharp Satire with a Side of Dystopian Dread

What makes Severance stand out isn’t just its mystery—it’s the way it skewers corporate culture. The show brilliantly satirizes soul-sucking office life, from meaningless rewards (waffle parties, anyone?) to oppressive company policies. If you’ve ever had a manager say, “We’re a family here” while denying you a raise, this show will hit uncomfortably close to home.

A Finale That Delivers (Almost) Everything

For those who stuck it out, the season finale is the payoff. Major revelations about Helly’s true identity, Lumen’s sinister agenda, and Mark’s tragic past hit hard. The final moments leave us on an intense cliffhanger, setting up Season 2 in a way that almost makes up for the slow pacing. Almost.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch?

If you love mind-bending sci-fi with an eerie, corporate twist, Severance is a must-watch. But be warned: it’s a slow burn that requires patience. Stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most unique shows on television.