Apple Stages a Playful ‘Severance’ Promotion at Grand Central Terminal!

Juli Clover, MacRumors:

In anticipation of the season two launch of the acclaimed series Severance, Apple
is promoting the show with an engaging Severance pop-up at Grand
Central Terminal in New York City.

Apple has constructed a glass cube featuring workstations that mirror the arrangements utilized by Lumon employees on the show,
including actors “working,” practicing yoga, playing catch,
launching paper airplanes, enjoying coffee, and engaging in other
activities showcased in Severance.

At 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Severance director Ben Stiller made an
appearance at the event, joined by several of the show’s actors.
Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, and
Tramell Tillman were present and mingled in the temporary
office environment, with the actors embodying their characters as their “innies.”

Such an enjoyable concept. Season 2 premieres on Friday.

My spouse and I viewed season 1 when it debuted three years back, and we both truly enjoyed it. I’m more inclined towards sci-fi than she is. I frequently find pleasure in shows where the ingenious premise itself is the primary attraction; she doesn’t. However, while Severance undeniably has a smart fundamental premise, it’s not the core appeal of the series. It’s essentially a character-driven ensemble mystery. The cast is exceptional, each portraying captivating and compelling characters. And the direction — particularly the five episodes helmed by Ben Stiller — is outstanding. Fantastic cinema.

Anyway, after season 1 concluded in 2022, my spouse and I immediately concurred that we’d re-watch before season 2. We initiated that re-watch just after New Year’s, and wow was I reminded how much I don’t just appreciate but adore this series. If they maintain the same caliber for several seasons, Severance will definitely end up on my short list of all-time favorite shows. It’s that remarkable.

One genuine measure of an excellent series is its ability to be enhanced upon a second viewing. This was certainly true for Severance season 1 — having some answers from the initial watch made it even more rewarding. The first viewing leaves you as in the dark as the main characters. On the second viewing, you possess knowledge they do not, adding an element of sustained suspense. It’s masterful storytelling.

My secondary measure of a successful series is whether, when pondering my favorite character, I not only struggle to choose, but I also find it tough to eliminate characters from consideration. Several superb principal characters, along with numerous supporting characters who are so intriguing I wish they had larger parts.

(The only three series I’ve watched in their entirety more than twice: The Larry Sanders Show, The Sopranos, and Mad Men. Each of those series passes both my evaluations with outstanding results.)

★ Wednesday, 15 January 2025