Apple has been consistently working to extend the universe of the Apple TV+ series "Severance" through various online materials, e-books, podcasts, and additional content, alongside active contributions from the show’s fans. Leveraging its robust platform capabilities, the Cupertino-based tech company has effectively distributed supplementary material that enhances the series’ storytelling, providing deeper insights into the enigmatic employer Lumon Industries and other characters central to the show.
For enthusiasts of the production, a companion podcast featuring creator Ben Stiller and star Adam Scott explores the intricacies of scene filming and other behind-the-scenes content.
Currently the most popular Apple TV+ series, "Severance" has captured the audience’s attention and received awards for its cinematic techniques, direction, and production design. The show resonates with viewers by addressing certain elements of dissatisfaction within American society.
With its near-absurdist approach to subjects like capitalism’s challenges, the pursuit of work-life balance, corporate domination, class division, and the ethical concerns surrounding technology, "Severance" appeals to a wider audience than typical sci-fi viewers.
The marketing strategy for the "puzzle box-style" TV series involves integrating online content as part of the show itself. This approach is reminiscent of strategies used for the cult classic "Lost," which involved website tie-ins offering additional clues regarding the show’s mysteries, such as the Dharma Initiative.
Unlike "Lost," the creators of "Severance" have assured audiences of their clear direction for the series’ development and conclusion, enhancing the experience of exploring online clues.
Below is a list of supplementary materials expanding the universe of "Severance" and providing insights into upcoming developments.
Official Companions
"Severance: The Lexington Letter," published by Apple Books, is a companion story narrated from the perspective of Margaret "Peg" Kincaid, a severed Lumon Industries employee who uncovers unsettling truths about her employer.
- The download also includes the Macrodate Refiner’s Orientation Booklet for newly severed employees, featuring a Lumon-themed version of Microsoft’s Clippy, appearing as an anthropomorphized severance chip.
"The You You Are," published by Apple Books, is a companion book penned by "Severance" character Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, Ph.D., and plays a role in awakening severed employees. The e-book, available as a narrated audiobook, provides the first eight chapters of Ricken’s work focusing on self-discovery and peculiar anecdotes.
"The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott," produced by Audacy, recaps and reveals behind-the-scenes details alongside actor interviews.
Lumon Industries’ LinkedIn profile offers information on Lumon’s founder Kier Eagan’s concepts, including his core principles, and frequently posts content related to corporate fulfillment and self-improvement, alongside recruitment attempts for the fictional town of Kier.
An interaction with "Severance" creator Dan Erickson’s Reddit AMA offers limited official responses to fan queries, such as dismissing the "simulation theory."
Roku’s Free Fan Experience, in partnership with Apple TV+, provides "Severance" fans with a free Season 2 preview, character introductions, and exclusive cast interviews.
Lumon Industries on TikTok features video content produced by Lumon and showcases the fictional town of Kier along with excerpts from the Lumon Management Program.
Social media accounts related to Lumon Industries are present on X, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube, though they are not verified or run by Apple.
Reddit communities such as r/SeveranceAppleTVPlus allow users to explore theories and ideas, while Tumblr users can follow blog posts and fan-made art in the dedicated "Severance" community.
- The "You You Are" book can be reviewed on Goodreads.
Fan-Made Fun
The Lumon Industries website, created by programmer Daniel Shiffman and his YouTube viewers, simulates the experience of being an MDR employee, complete with some creative Easter Eggs.
The "You You Are" bot on Bluesky and X, developed by Shiffman, posts excerpts from Dr. Ricken Hale’s book. The source code is available on GitHub.
The "Severance Wiki," a fan-made resource, provides comprehensive information on characters, music, locations, episodes, events, and theories related to "Severance."
- A fan-created Lumon office is available for The Sims 4 game.
Season 2 of "Severance" is currently airing on Apple TV+, having premiered on January 17, 2025. The season will include ten episodes, concluding on March 21, 2025.
