Apple is actively broadening the universe of the Apple TV+ series, “Severance,” by utilizing online materials, e-books, podcasts, and other forms of content. The company leverages its platform to distribute supplemental materials that enhance the show’s narrative, providing viewers with additional insights into Lumon Industries, the enigmatic employer at the story’s core, and other characters.
In addition, a companion podcast featuring the series’ creator Ben Stiller and star Adam Scott explores the intricacies of the production process, including scene creation and other behind-the-scenes elements.
Currently holding the title of the most popular series on Apple TV+, “Severance” has garnered attention and accolades for its cinematic techniques, direction, and production design. It resonates with audiences by echoing a certain discontent within American society.
The show incorporates a somewhat absurdist perspective on topics like capitalism’s dangers, the extremes of seeking work-life balance, corporate control, classism, and the perils of technology, thereby attracting a diverse audience beyond typical sci-fi viewers.
The marketing strategy for this puzzle box-style series mimics earlier work on the cult classic “Lost,” where online content offered clues about the show’s mysteries. Unlike “Lost,” however, the creators of “Severance” have promised a clear direction for the series’ conclusion, enhancing the allure of chasing online clues.
Supplemental materials that expand the universe of “Severance” include various official companions. “Severance: The Lexington Letter,” available on Apple Books, tells the story of a severed Lumon Industries employee who unveils her employer’s dark secrets. The download also includes a Macrodata Refiner’s Orientation Booklet with a Lumon version of Clippy, an anthropomorphized severance chip.
Another official companion, “The You You Are,” is also published by Apple Books. Written by the series character Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hale, PhD, this book plays a significant role in the employees’ awakening within the series and is available as both an e-book and an audiobook.
Additional content includes “The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott,” which provides episode recaps, behind-the-scenes details, and actor interviews. Fans can also explore Lumon Industries’ presence on LinkedIn and TikTok, where they find retro-style video footage and corporate messages with eerie undertones.
Fan communities for “Severance” include Reddit, Tumblr, and Goodreads, where users discuss theories, share artwork, and review the books associated with the series. Fan-made experiences further enrich the show’s universe, with a website designed by Daniel Shiffman allowing users to simulate working as an MDR employee and a bot posting excerpts from Dr. Ricken Hale’s book on social media.
Wikis dedicated to “Severance” provide detailed information about the series, and a fan-created Lumon office is available in the Sims 4 game. “Severance” Season 2 is currently airing on Apple TV+, including 10 episodes running until March 21, 2025.