Severance Breaks Records As Apple TV+ Most-Watched Series Ever

Cupertino, California – Apple TV+ has announced its groundbreaking sci-fi thriller, Severance, has shattered records to become the platform’s most-watched series in history. The series, which returned for its second season on January 17, 2025, has seen significant viewer engagement, according to Apple.

Following its highly anticipated premiere, Severance gained momentum, achieving the #1 spot in unique viewers from January 17 to February 17, 2025. Data from Nielsen places the series at #4 on its Top 10 Originals chart for the week of January 13, bolstered by 589 million minutes viewed across all episodes, with 28% of that coming from the Season 2 opener.

Apple’s emphasis on Severance’s promotion has undoubtedly paid off, with new subscriber registrations increasing by 126% from January 1 to January 19, 2025, compared to the previous month. This surge coincides with a promotional free weekend from January 3 to 5, designed to attract non-subscribers by highlighting the new season.

Through its first season and the initial episodes of Season 2, Severance has already surpassed viewership numbers of other Apple TV+ hits, including the acclaimed Ted Lasso, becoming the top series globally on the platform in key markets such as the U.S., UK, and Canada. Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+, remarked, “We have long admired Ben’s extraordinary gift for original and immersive storytelling, and with he and Dan at the helm, Severance has proven to be an extraordinary success and a cultural phenomenon.”

While the series’ success is significant, it comes at a cost. The budget for Season 2 has reportedly escalated to $20 million per episode. However, research indicates the first season alone generated over $200 million for Apple. This financial investment underscores the series’ strategic importance to Apple TV+ as it expands its viewership and subscription base.

Severance, created by Dan Erickson and produced by Ben Stiller, has captivated audiences with a story that intricately explores the division between work and personal life through its protagonist, Mark Scout, portrayed by Adam Scott. The series places Mark in a corporate setting where non-work memories are surgically separated from work memories, creating a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged.

The cast of Season 2 includes Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, and Christopher Walken among others, contributing to the rich tapestry that fans have come to love. New episodes of the series continue to drop weekly, maintaining the audience’s interest.

As Severance solidifies its position within pop culture through dialogue and engagement, Apple TV+ plans to sustain viewership momentum with ongoing promotions and discussions surrounding the series. The finale of Season 2 is set to air on March 21, following a riveting season packed with twists and revelations.