Critics express their approval of Severance season 2 by giving it a nearly perfect Rotten Tomatoes score ahead of its release
The highly-anticipated Severance season 2 has created a huge buzz days before its premiere on January 17, 2025, on Apple TV+. The second season of the sci-fi series has scored an almost perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, during its early screening by critics. Created by Dan Erickson, the award-winning series returns almost 3 years after its season 1 premiere in 2022.
Severance season 1 aired its nine episodes from February 18, 2022, to April 8, 2022, on Apple TV+. The season ended on a shocking cliffhanger and fans have been eager to follow the story of Mark Scout and his colleagues as they try to uncover the sinister workings of Lumon Industries and find out the truth about their controversial severance program.
Apple has described the synopsis of Severance season 2 as follows:
"Mark and his friends learn the dire consequences of trifling with the severance barrier, leading them further down a path of woe."
What did the critics say about Severance season 2?
As of this writing, Severance season 2 holds a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 44 critic reviews, a slight drop from the initial 100% score from 40 reviews a few days ago.
Almost all critics have given glowing reviews for the show's latest season, with the exception of RogerEbert.com's Brian Tallerico. He wrote in his review that he felt the show's "balance and the scales are out of whack" as compared to Severance season 1.
Nevertheless, Cameron Frew of Dexerto called Severance season 2 "an astounding achievement" and praised the show's "flawless showcase of craft, performance, and taut, compulsive storytelling." Additionally, Jeremy Mathai of Slashfilm said that the latest season "defies expectations in the best possible way."
Also, Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone said in his review that the series "has still got it," adding that season 2 is as "exciting, surprising, darkly funny, and distinct as before." While TV Insider's Matt Roush said the season is "mesmerizing in its strangeness" and the show's second outing "only gets wilder and weirder."
Alison Herman from Variety stated that the second season does a great job of dramatizing "the arbitrary rules and compartmentalized nature of modern work" and commended the show for showcasing it "better than anything else on air." Carly Lane of Collider called Severance season 2 possibly "one of 2025's best shows."
What to expect from Severance season 2?
On December 31, 2024, the show's creator Dan Erickson shared that viewers will learn more about the powerful Eagan family, the mastermind behind Lumon Industries and the severance program, in the show's second outing. He told GamesRadar's SFX Magazine that the family's "plans and machinations" will be revealed in the upcoming season of the psychological thriller series.
"We're going to see some of their plans and machinations coming to fruition, or nearing fruition. It was vitally important that we (the writers) know them, and that we know them well. I have what has become a many, many page document that's essentially a show bible for us, that keeps the lore of the show," he said.
The show's second season includes 10 episodes that will be released weekly from January 17, 2025, until March 21, 2025. Ben Stiller has directed five episodes, while Sam Donovan, Uta Bresiewitz, and Jessica Lee Gagné have directed the remaining five episodes.
Season 2 will also feature new cast members like Gwendoline Christie, Alia Shawkat, Bob Balaban, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, John Noble, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, and Merritt Wever in addition to the show's main cast.
Also Read: Severance season 2 complete release schedule: All episodes and when they arrive
Apple cancels the premiere event of Severance season 2
Due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, Apple TV has canceled the premiere event for Severance season 2. The event was scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. In their statement released to TheWrap on January 9, 2025, Apple TV+ said that "safety" was their "first and foremost priority."
"As devastating wildfires continue to impact the Los Angeles area, and with safety as our first and foremost priority, we have made the decision to cancel Monday’s Severance season two premiere event."
Furthermore, Apple also pledged to donate "to support the relief efforts on the ground."
Stay tuned for the episode reviews of Severance season 2 from January 17, 2025, onwards.
