Apple has made a significant transfer that might redefine the way forward for one among TV’s most talked-about collection. The tech giant has acquired the complete mental property rights to “Severance” in a deal valued at roughly $70 million USD, formally bringing the cult sci-fi thriller in-house to Apple Studios and opening the door not only for a 3rd season however a deliberate fourth and potential spin-offs.
The acquisition marks a shift from the present’s earlier preparations, through which Apple licensed “Severance” from producer Fifth Season (previously Endeavor Content material). Now, with Apple proudly owning the IP outright, future manufacturing and inventive selections are firmly below the corporate’s umbrella, a strategic guess on a collection that has already develop into a standout hit.
Apple’s Large Wager on a Large Present
Apple has acquired ‘Severance’ (together with the IP and all of the rights) from manufacturing firm Fifth Studio.
The collection is ready to run for “a minimum of 4 seasons” and will develop with prequels, spinoffs, and overseas variations.
(https://t.co/6tRLvkEKLp) pic.twitter.com/jBZ4XPIcIY
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 11, 2026
“Severance” first premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022 and rapidly grew to become one of many streamer’s flagship properties. The collection blends surreal sci-fi with office satire, exploring the ethically fraught idea of surgically separating staff’ work recollections from their private lives.
Its second season, delayed by pandemic-era disruptions and different manufacturing challenges, arrived in early 2025 and went on to develop into Apple TV+’s most-watched collection on the time, securing a number of Emmy nominations and awards throughout main classes.
Regardless of — or maybe due to — its complexity and ingenious storytelling, the present has impressed deep fan engagement and widespread vital reward. For Apple, that cultural cache makes Severance price investing in past the same old licensing association.
However manufacturing realities have additionally performed a task.
Season 2 reportedly price as much as $20 million per episode, a determine that strained Fifth Season’s sources and raised questions on how future seasons may proceed on comparable phrases. Apple’s acquisition alleviates that stress, permitting manufacturing to stay in New York — the place the present has constructed its aesthetic — and giving the tech firm extra management over budgeting and scheduling.
Season 3 Is Coming — and Season 4 Is “Locked”
Whereas no official launch date has been introduced, a number of studies verify that Season 3 is focusing on a summer time 2026 manufacturing begin, with scripts considerably accomplished and rewritten behind the scenes.
Higher nonetheless for followers apprehensive about the way forward for the story, inside planning at Apple Studios sees a fourth season as all however assured. Creators Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson have publicly hinted that the narrative arc may span a number of seasons, and Apple’s acquisition underpins that ambition.
In keeping with trade sources, the collaboration between Apple and the unique manufacturing group — with Fifth Season remaining hooked up as an govt producer — positions “Severance” for an extended life on the platform. There’s even speak of potential prequels, spinoffs, and worldwide extensions of the universe to maintain audiences engaged between predominant seasons.
What This Means for the Franchise
Apple simply spent ~$70M to completely personal Severance — shifting it from licensed collection to in‑home franchise.
Season 3 begins filming this summer time, a fourth season is reportedly already locked, and spinoffs or prequels are on the desk.
In a streaming panorama crowded with disposable… pic.twitter.com/jiWjRTgOE9
— Cosmos (@cosmos_culture) February 12, 2026
For viewers who’ve waited years between “Severance” seasons — together with a virtually three-year hole between Seasons 1 and a pair of — the information of Apple’s buyout brings each pleasure and cautious optimism.
Followers on dialogue boards have already reacted to the thought of a four-season run and broader franchise universe, with some celebrating the dedication and others cautious of overexpansion.
However from a manufacturing standpoint, the acquisition makes sensible sense. With full rights in hand, Apple can stabilize a collection that has confirmed each formidable and costly to make. The choice additionally displays a broader development in streaming, the place main platforms more and more want to personal premium content material outright relatively than license it episodically.
Trade analysts see the transfer as Apple doubling down on star properties that may outline its service in a crowded streaming panorama — and “Severance” suits that profile. It’s sensible, conversation-driven tv that has sparked evaluation, memes, theories, and actual emotional funding from its viewers.
A Longer Highway Forward For Severance and Apple
As Apple prepares for Season 3 manufacturing in 2026, the corporate can also be laying the groundwork for a narrative that stretches past a single continuation.
Apple hasn’t introduced official launch dates, solid particulars, or season construction but, and it’s unlikely we’ll see new episodes till a minimum of late 2027. However with 4 seasons now a part of the plan and extra universe-building on the desk, “Severance” seems poised to reward affected person followers with a deeper dive into its unsettling, sensible world.
The acquisition confirms one factor: Apple is betting that “Severance” isn’t only a present — it’s a franchise.
Featured picture: Apple Television+
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