Apple TV+ has a new top performer—Severance. The psychological thriller has now overtaken Ted Lasso to become the platform’s most-watched series. Thanks to its gripping storyline, unique premise, and weekly episode releases, the show has gained immense popularity.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Unlike traditional binge-worthy hits, Severance has successfully revived the “watercooler show” format. This means fans eagerly discuss each new episode, keeping engagement high. The show blends psychological thriller elements with science fiction and dark comedy, making it a genre-defying experience. As a result, its compelling mystery and corporate dystopian theme have sparked conversations worldwide.
Breaking Records and Drawing Viewers
Apple rarely shares viewership data, but this time, it confirmed Severance had the highest number of unique viewers from January 17 to February 17. Moreover, the series landed on Nielsen’s Top 10 Originals chart, securing the fourth spot with 589 million minutes watched in the U.S. Notably, a significant 28% of that total came from the Season 2 premiere.
Star Power and Strong Writing
Several factors contributed to the show’s success. Directed by Ben Stiller and featuring an ensemble cast led by Adam Scott, Severance keeps audiences hooked with its intriguing storyline. Additionally, creator Dan Erickson has revealed that his personal experience working in a monotonous corporate job inspired the series. Because of this, the show’s depiction of office life—split between work and personal identity—resonates deeply with many viewers.
Boosting Apple TV+ Popularity
The show’s success isn’t just about viewership numbers. Many new subscribers signed up for Apple TV+ specifically to watch Severance. Furthermore, Apple’s strategy of releasing episodes weekly instead of dropping entire seasons at once has helped maintain steady engagement. As a result, more viewers have started exploring other Apple TV+ content.
Severance has now cemented itself as a must-watch, surpassing Ted Lasso, which had long been Apple TV+’s flagship series. With its growing popularity and critical acclaim, it is likely to remain one of Apple’s biggest streaming successes for years to come.
