Apple Gains Complete Control Over the Hit Series “Severance”
Apple has successfully acquired full intellectual property rights and ownership of the critically acclaimed series “Severance”, previously held by its original producer, Fifth Season. This deal, valued at approximately $70 million, enables Apple’s in-house studio to take charge of producing future seasons while Fifth Season remains involved as an executive producer.
Strengthening Exclusive Content Thru Strategic Acquisitions
This move follows a similar strategy Apple employed with AMC Studios for the sci-fi drama “Silo”, where Apple assumed production duties after season one. By internalizing popular shows like these, Apple is doubling down on exclusive content that boosts subscriber retention and platform loyalty.
The Financial Challenges Behind Producing “Severance”
The rising costs of creating “Severance” had pushed Fifth Season’s budget beyond manageable levels. The studio sought financial support from Apple and even considered relocating filming from New York to Canada to benefit from more favorable tax credits and quicker production timelines.With apple’s substantial resources, it was a logical step for them to take full control over the series’ ongoing development.
“Severance”: A Pillar of Apple TV+ Programming
The show has emerged as one of Apple TV+’s flagship offerings alongside titles such as Your Friends and Neighbors and Stick. Its second season became the most-watched program on the platform at that time and earned more Emmy nominations in 2025 than any other show available on Apple TV+.
“The triumph of ‘Severance’ highlights Apple’s dedication to investing heavily in original narratives that deeply connect with audiences worldwide.”
A Roadmap for Growth: Upcoming Seasons and Franchise Expansion
The current plan envisions four seasons of “Severance”,with possibilities for spin-offs,prequels,and international versions designed specifically for diverse global markets. This strategy reflects broader industry trends where prosperous franchises evolve into expansive universes across multiple formats-similar to how Amazon Prime extended its hit series into region-specific spin-offs recently.
The Wider Implications for Streaming Industry Ownership Models
This acquisition exemplifies how streaming platforms are increasingly securing IP rights directly from external studios to simplify production workflows while ensuring long-term control over valuable content assets. Recent statistics reveal that global investments in original streaming programming surged by 18% during 2025 alone amid fierce competition among services striving for exclusive hits.
