Apple has acquired full rights to Severance, is watching the expansion of the franchise

Apple has taken full control of its hit workplace drama series Severance paywhich has acquired all intellectual property and rights from production studio Fifth Season in a deal worth just under $70 million, according to a new report. This increases the likelihood of more seasons of the popular show – and spinoff series.

Buying Apple can provide Severance pay franchise expansion

The deal, which was completed late last year, means Apple Studios will now produce the Emmy-winning sci-fi psychothriller. Period. Fifth Season will step into the role of executive producer. The move mirrors a similar handover that took place with Apple’s other hit TV, Siloafter its first season. So much more than the third season Severance pay may be on the way. And that could include another season or two of another new spinoff show expanding the show’s universe.

From ‘outie’ to ‘innie’ production

Severance paywhich can cost up to $20 million per episode for the 10-episode second season, represents a significant addition to Apple Studios’ portfolio. The acquisition gives Apple more control over one of its most recognized and watched series. It became the streamer’s most-watched show at the time of Season 2’s release, and in 2025 received 27 Emmy nominations and won eight awards.

The deal reflects Apple’s continued strategy to build its own manufacturing capabilities. While the company launched Apple TV in 2019 by licensing content from outside studios to scale quickly — a strategy that produced hits like Ted Lasso — Apple is constantly developing its studio operations. More than six years later, Apple Studios now produces about half of the platform’s slate.

Production problems led to the decision

Severance pay Season 2 production proved particularly challenging for the fifth season Period. Filming began in October 2022 and did not end until April 2024. Costs escalated due to extended COVID-19 protocols, an eight-and-a-half-month shutdown during the Hollywood strikes, and extensive filming following script changes.

Complex storytelling, massive sets, and extensive visual effects make production complicated and expensive. Executive producer and director Ben Stiller brings a feature film mentality to the show that demands precision in every detail. Severance pay movies in New York to take advantage of the tax breaks, but payment delays combined with rising rental costs — from 1% to 5.5-6% — created financial pressures during the long gap between seasons.

Apple concluded that as an owner it could better manage these financial burdens, including waiting for tax breaks without the pressure to move production to Canada for faster cash flow.

Plans for seasons 3, 4 and beyond

Season 3 has officially been renewed, with a fourth season considered a certainty. Creator Dan Erickson and Stiller have publicly discussed the idea of ​​a 3-4 season arc, which is in line with Apple’s plans. A fifth season remains a possibility, depending on the vision of the creators.

More importantly, Erickson and Stiller are open to extensions Severance pay universe through prequels, spinoffs, or international releases. With three-year gaps between seasons, Apple sees potential in releasing smaller spin-offs to keep fans engaged – a similar strategy to breaking Bad fathered Better call Saul.

Apple hopes to begin filming Season 3 this summer, though the timeline remains tentative. Six scripts have been completed and several more in development. Learning from the challenges of Series 2, plans call for all scenarios to be completed before production begins to avoid costly downtime and reshoots.

Severance pay Franchise Expansion: A Broader Strategy

Tea Severance pay the acquisition is an example of Apple’s evolving approach to content ownership. Sure, the company plans to continue licensing series from outside studios. This will ensure that top talent like Bill Lawrence will continue to bring projects to the platform. But owning shows provides more flexibility in negotiating, scheduling and managing the budget.

Apple Studios has now produced 17 series and 10 movies, including recent hits like F1: The Movie. It became the highest-grossing sports feature of all time and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

For Apple TV users, the investment signals the company’s commitment to premium, distinctive programming and hints that the strange, immersive world of Lumon Industries may extend far beyond the cutaway floor.

Watch Severance pay on Apple TV

You can watch the first two seasons Severance pay on Apple TV. It is available for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it through any level of Apple One subscription package. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV free.

In November 2019, Apple TV “became the first all-original streaming service to launch worldwide, premiering more original hits and winning more awards faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original movies, documentaries and series have been honored with 682 wins and 3,115 award nominations and counting,” the service said.