At the SXSW festival, Severance executive producer Ben Stiller and Apple’s Eddy Cue reflected on the show’s success and Apple’s role in its development. Since its debut, Severance has become Apple TV+’s most-watched show, surpassing Ted Lasso and gaining mainstream recognition.
During their discussion, Stiller highlighted the creative freedom Apple provided throughout production. Despite Apple’s reputation for maintaining tight control over its projects, Stiller noted that the company never interfered with the show’s development.
“I’ve never once gotten a note or anything from Apple about what we do,” he said. “They gave us a lot of creative freedom.”
Apple’s Commitment to Quality Storytelling
Eddy Cue emphasized Apple’s hands-off approach, stating that when a series performs well, the company is willing to trust the creators. He compared Severance to classic television, where audiences eagerly awaited new episodes each week.
“This reminds me of shows back in the day when you’d tune in at a particular time, and everyone was excited all week for the next episode,” Cue shared.
Apple’s investment in Severance has paid off, with the show earning widespread critical acclaim and even being parodied on network television.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Budget Concerns
Stiller also joked about budget concerns, mentioning how he sometimes worried whether Apple could handle production costs. Cue, however, reassured him that Apple was financially secure despite any over-budget instances.
Additionally, Cue revealed that the Tim Cook cameo in a Severance promo video was not filmed on the show’s actual set. This detail underscored Apple’s strategic marketing efforts in promoting the series while keeping its production separate.
What’s Next for Severance?
With Severance continuing to dominate Apple TV+’s streaming charts, fans eagerly anticipate the next season. Apple’s commitment to high-quality, creator-driven storytelling ensures that the show will likely maintain its critical and commercial success.
For now, Severance remains a defining series for Apple TV+, proving that the company can compete with established streaming giants.
