After nearly three years of anticipation, 'Severance' creator Dan Erickson opens up about the pressure and complexity of crafting the hit show's second season for Apple TV+.
The acclaimed workplace thriller, which debuted its season two premiere on Friday, has already garnered a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But getting there wasn't easy for Erickson, who wrote the original pilot back in 2012 while working an unfulfilling office job.
"I know the big answers," Erickson reveals about the show's central mysteries. "The really big stuff I've known from the beginning." However, he acknowledges the delicate balance required in storytelling, describing it as "a tightrope" between over-planning and maintaining spontaneity.
The production of season two brought its own unique challenges. While COVID-19 protocols gradually eased during filming, the experience was markedly different from season one. For Erickson, who had never been on a TV set before 'Severance,' it offered a fresh perspective on production dynamics.
The show's themes have evolved to reflect real-world events, including pandemic-era workplace changes and labor movements. "Those things make their way into the text of the show kind of organically," Erickson explains, noting how recent workplace discussions influenced season two's narrative direction.
One standout example of the show's ambitious production is the season two opening sequence, which took five months to film. The scene, featuring Adam Scott's character Mark running through Lumon's white hallways, required complex technical coordination and multiple filming techniques.
As viewers dive into the new season's mysteries, Erickson promises satisfying revelations while maintaining the show's signature intrigue. "Every answer opens a new door," he says, "and there are new wonders to explore."