Severance Season 2 Review: The Workplace Thriller Returns Sharper Than Ever

What’s It About

After what felt like an eternity of waiting (cheers for that, production delays), Severance is finally back — and crikey, was it worth the wait.

For the uninitiated, Severance is set in a world where employees of the mysterious Lumon Industries undergo a procedure that surgically divides their memories between work and personal life. Your “innie” only exists at the office. Your “outie” has no idea what happens during the workday. It’s a bonkers premise that Season 1 used to explore questions about identity, autonomy, and the soul-crushing nature of corporate life.

Season 2 picks up right where that jaw-dropping Season 1 finale left off. Mark Scout (Adam Scott) and his colleagues on the severed floor are dealing with the fallout of their brief taste of freedom during the “overtime contingency.” Lumon is scrambling to contain the damage, the innies are more determined than ever to understand their situation, and the mysteries of what Lumon actually does grow deeper and stranger with every episode.

Without spoiling anything, the new season expands the world significantly. We see more of Lumon’s operations, meet new characters who add fascinating dimensions to the story, and finally start getting answers to some of Season 1’s biggest questions — while naturally opening up entirely new ones.

The Verdict

Severance Season 2 is that rare beast: a sophomore season that improves on an already brilliant first outing. The show has levelled up in virtually every department.

The performances remain absolutely stellar. Adam Scott continues to do extraordinary work playing what are essentially two different characters, and the subtle differences in how he carries himself as innie Mark versus outie Mark are a masterclass in physical acting. Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, and John Turturro are all fantastic as the severed floor team, each bringing new depth to their characters as the stakes escalate.

Patricia Arquette’s Ms. Cobel is even more compelling this season, and the addition of several new cast members (no spoilers, but there are some cracking performances) enriches the world beautifully.

Visually, the show remains stunning. The antiseptic corridors of Lumon, with their retro-futuristic aesthetic, remain one of the most distinctive settings on television. Director Ben Stiller (yes, that Ben Stiller) brings a meticulous eye to every frame, and the show’s use of symmetry, colour, and negative space continues to create an atmosphere of beautiful unease.

The writing is where Season 2 really shines. The pacing is tighter, the mysteries are more rewarding, and the emotional core hits harder. There are moments this season that are genuinely devastating — not because of shock tactics, but because you’ve come to care so deeply about these characters and their impossible situation.

If there’s any criticism, it’s that the season occasionally juggles one too many plot threads, and a couple of mid-season episodes take their time getting where they’re going. But the payoffs are worth the patience, and the final three episodes are some of the best television you’ll see this year.

Who’s It For

If you watched Season 1, you already know you need to see this — it delivers on everything the first season promised and then some.

For newcomers, you absolutely need to watch Season 1 first (it’s only nine episodes, so you can knock it over in a weekend). If you enjoy thoughtful science fiction that uses its high concept to explore genuinely human themes, this is your show. Think Black Mirror’s ambition meets The Office’s workplace dynamics, filtered through a David Lynch sensibility.

It’s also catnip for anyone who loves a good mystery box show but has been burned by ones that never deliver answers. Severance respects its audience enough to provide satisfying revelations while keeping you hungry for more.

Where to Watch in Australia

Severance is streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ in Australia. Apple TV+ costs $12.99/month, and they’re generally good about offering a free trial if you haven’t had one before. You also get it free for three months when you buy a new Apple device, which is handy.

Our Rating

9/10 — Severance Season 2 is exceptional television that cements the show as one of the defining series of this era. Smarter, bolder, and more emotionally resonant than its predecessor, it’s the kind of show that makes you grateful for the medium. Essential viewing, and further proof that Apple TV+ consistently punches well above its weight.