Apple has been consistently working to broaden the universe of the Apple TV+ series "Severance" through various forms of media, including online content, e-books, podcasts, and more. By leveraging its platform authority, the technology company headquartered in Cupertino has effectively distributed auxiliary materials that enhance the show’s storytelling, providing viewers with additional insights into the enigmatic employer at the center of the series, Lumon Industries, and other characters.
Additionally, for those invested in the production, a companion podcast featuring the show’s creator Ben Stiller and star Adam Scott explores the filming process and offers behind-the-scenes content.
Currently recognized as the most popular series on Apple TV+, "Severance" has garnered attention and awards for its cinematic techniques, direction, production design, among others, while also resonating with audiences due to its commentary on certain societal discontents in America.
The show addresses topics such as the detriments of capitalism, the pursuit of work-life balance, corporate oppression, classism, and the darker facets of technology, allowing it to reach a more diverse audience than typical sci-fi productions.
The marketing strategy for the "puzzle box-style" series, which incorporates online content into the show’s narrative, draws parallels to earlier efforts seen with the cult classic "Lost," where additional clues about the series’ mysteries were provided through website tie-ins like those involving the Dharma Initiative.
However, unlike "Lost," the creators of "Severance" have assured that they have a clear direction and conclusion for the series, making exploration of online clues more engaging for fans.
Below are some of the supplementary materials that broaden the world of "Severance" and suggest future developments.
Official Companions
"Severance: The Lexington Letter," available through Apple Books, is a companion story narrated by a former employee of Lumon Industries, Margaret “Peg” Kincaid, who uncovers some of the dark secrets about her employer.
The "Macrodate Refiner’s Orientation Booklet" is included in the download and is aimed at newly severed employees, portraying a Lumon version of Microsoft’s Clippy as an anthropomorphized severance chip rather than a paperclip.
"The You You Are," another publication by Apple Books, is authored by the "Severance" character Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, PhD, and plays a role in the awakening of severed employees. This companion book, available as both an e-book and a narrated audiobook, includes the first eight chapters focused on self-discovery and peculiar anecdotes.
The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott, produced by Audacy, offers official recaps and behind-the-scenes insights alongside actor interviews.
Lumon Industries’ LinkedIn profile, which could be encountered when researching jobs on the platform, introduces fans to the beliefs of founder Kier Eagan, including his nine core principles. The page often features exaggerated corporate rhetoric, resembling real-world corporate communication.
An AMA session with "Severance" creator Dan Erickson on Reddit offers limited official responses to fan inquiries.
Roku’s Free Fan Experience, in collaboration with Apple TV+, provides “Severance” fans with a Season 2 preview, character introductions, and exclusive interviews with the cast.
Lumon Industries on TikTok, a page featuring video content related to the series, along with social media accounts on platforms such as X, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube, though not officially managed by Apple.
- Fans discuss theories and share views on Reddit communities such as r/SeveranceAppleTVPlus and r/SeveranceTVshow, and engage with related content on platforms like Tumblr and Goodreads.
Fan-Made Experiences
A Lumon Industries website, developed by Daniel Shiffman and participants from his YouTube series, simulates the experience of being a Macrodata Refinement employee.
The You You Are bot on Bluesky and X automatically shares excerpts from Dr. Ricken Hale’s book, with the source code available on GitHub.
The fan-created Severance Wiki provides a comprehensive resource for information on characters, music, locations, episodes, and more, with additional wikis on platforms like Fandom and Wikiwand.
- A fan-built Lumon office is also available for the Sims 4 game.
The second season of "Severance" is now available on Apple TV+, with its service recently expanded to Android mobile devices. The season premiered on January 17, 2025, and consists of 10 episodes, concluding on March 21, 2025.
