Severance as a Franchise for Apple TV? That’s a Big No From Us

After Severance proved to be the breakout hit for Apple TV last year, it’s no surprise that the streamer is banking on this sci-fi for more success.

Recently, Apple TV acquired the rights to the show and announced plans to develop spinoffs and expand it into a franchise.

While we all look forward to the new season of Severance, the prospect of watching this beloved series decline in quality to fit a franchise is disheartening.

The answer isn’t always to make more of popular shows – instead, we should let them rest in peace once they’re over.

So, let’s dive into all the reasons why Severance should remain a standalone show instead of an Apple TV franchise.

Spinoff Fatigue Is Real

Lately, it feels like we’re in an era where spinoffs and reboots feel increasingly popular for beloved shows.

These series also carry the problem that major franchises such as Star Wars and DC have been facing.

TV viewers are growing tired of their favorite shows being artificially revived to boost streaming service subscriptions.

For example, The Boys has gained significant popularity, prompting Prime Video to capitalize by announcing another spinoff set to take place after its final season.

This example proves how streaming services and studios try to extend the lifetime of an IP, but even as a huge fan of The Boys, I doubt I’ll be tuning in.

And even if I do, I will be doing so with a forced enthusiasm rather than the same eager excitement that kept me awake for new episodes of The Boys at 3 in the morning.

I have a feeling that the same disillusionment will happen with Severance and its inevitable spinoffs.

Additionally, compared to other streamers, Apple TV isn’t built for franchises in the same way that Disney+ or HBO Max are.

One of the closest things to an expansive Apple TV franchise was Mythic Quest.

But even after four seasons of the beloved sitcom, two special episodes, and a four-episode spinoff series, Apple TV decided to end it.

It would be a shame to watch a critically acclaimed show fall victim to the same fate.

We Need Original Content Now More Than Ever

What got audiences hooked on Severance was the original concept and incredible worldbuilding.

So, to mine the same concept for new ideas feels almost like a disservice to the show.

The creators and brilliant minds behind Severance would no doubt handle the expansion of the world with care.

But even if the new spinoffs further open up the world of Lumon, part of what makes Severance so fun to watch is uncovering the mystery of the world.

So, the alternative to franchising this series and letting it end when it ends would encourage viewers to remember the show through rewatches and unpacking details to draw new conclusions.

That seems like a better option than stretching the content too thin and having the show overstay its welcome.

In an era when the world of television is jam-packed with book adaptations and revivals, shows like Severance are a refreshing breath of fresh air.

We only hope that Severance will be remembered for being an innovative show, rather than going down in history as another show mined for mass-produced franchise content.

What do you think about the possibility of Severance spinoffs?

Are there any shows on Apple TV that you’d like to see expanded?

Comment your thoughts below!