Dan Erickson Teases Season 2 ‘Severance’ Twists: MDR Reunion and Helly’s Deep Secrets!

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‘Severance’ Creator Dan Erickson On “Relief” Of MDR Reunion In Season 2, Helly’s “Ultimate Shame” And Outside Context That “Seeps In”

WARNING: This discussion reveals spoilers from the first episode of Severance Season 2.

Severance creator Dan Erickson reflects on the unique timing of Season 2’s release.

The second season of Apple TV+’s corporate thriller, Severance, premiered on January 17, nearly three years after its initial season launched on February 18, 2022. The first season was released as the COVID pandemic was winding down, while Season 2 emerges after the Hollywood strikes that dominated the latter half of 2023 caused delays.

“It wasn’t a deliberate choice to reflect these events in the season, but it’s inevitable that they influence it. And they definitely will affect how viewers receive the show during this specific period,” Erickson shared with Deadline. “It’s always fascinating to see how the context of the world impacts the viewer experience.”

Watch on Deadline

In the interview below, Erickson discusses the journey of creating Seasons 1 and 2, and how the concept of the “Severance” procedure continues to play a vital role in the new season, alongside Helly’s external identity as an Eagan.

DEADLINE: Was the gathering of Mark, Dylan, Irving, and Helly planned to extend beyond the first episode?

DAN ERICKSON: Ultimately, they are the core of the series. We did consider extending their reunion over more time. I recall the moment we filmed their first scene together; it was so compelling that we joked about an alternative version of the show centered on their dynamics. However, as much as we enjoy their chemistry, the reunion scene brings a sense of closure because these characters are beloved, and we wanted to deliver that to the audience without delay.

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DEADLINE: In the first episode of Season 2, Helly isn’t entirely honest about what she discovered in the finale of Season 1. Can you hint at why they are sorting this data? What is being sorted?

ERICKSON: Yes, there’s definitely more to the story with Helly and the Night Gardener. We explored the idea of shame—how each of the characters who ascended during the finale faced revelations that profoundly impacted them. Helly’s discovery that she’s an Eagan represents a profound personal crisis. She needs time to process this before she can share it with others, fearing judgment and isolation from her friends once they learn the truth about her identity. It was a complex scene to develop and shoot.

L-R: Adam Scott, John Turturro, Zach Cherry and Britt Lower in ‘Severance’ Season 2

Courtesy of AppleTV+

DEADLINE: What insights from creating Season 1 of Severance did you want to bring into Season 2?

ERICKSON: The interplay between the comedic and dark sci-fi thriller elements of the show became clearer after watching the first season. It appeared as a comedy upfront, with a thrilling undercurrent, where mundane office debates about group photos and erasers subtly hint at a darker, looming threat. Understanding this dynamic helped shape the writing for Season 2. However, replicating the success of the first season brought its own pressures, making the process simultaneously easier and more challenging.

DEADLINE: Given the significant events that occurred between the two seasons, were there particular themes or experiences you wanted to include in the show?

ERICKSON: Interestingly, Season 1 debuted as people were reevaluating their work-life balance, with some opting not to return to traditional office spaces. This set an unexpected backdrop for the show. Since then, movements like the Great Resignation have prompted many, particularly younger individuals, to question the traditional role of work in their lives. Meanwhile, the industry-wide strikes raised significant questions about the relationship between employers and employees and the sacrifices workers should make. These discussions deeply influenced the thematic exploration in Season 2.

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RELATED: ‘Severance’ Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Land On Apple TV+?

DEADLINE: How do the blurred memories of ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ identities play into the first episode? Is it intended to confuse viewers?

ERICKSON: The ambiguity is not meant to confuse but to provoke thought. What truly crosses the severance barrier? Basic knowledge like language and everyday objects pass through, but what about emotions like love? If you encounter a loved one while severed, would you recognize them, or sense a connection? These questions challenge our understanding of nature versus nurture and the essence of personal identity. They are central to the ongoing narrative of the series.

RELATED: Ben Stiller Compares ‘Severance’ to Current Hollywood Dynamics: “Constraints and Safer Choices”

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