- Primary Subject: Apple’s full acquisition of the Severance IP and the resulting multi-year franchise roadmap.
- Key Update: Apple has purchased the total rights to Severance, mapping a franchise plan for the hit series.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Apple now owns Severance outright, targeting a four-season main arc with Season 3 filming this summer and exploring future spin-offs to build a major franchise.
Apple has mapped out its franchise plan for the hit series Severance after officially acquiring the rights from its original production company owner.
The workplace thriller has been one of the biggest hits on Apple TV, garnering multiple Emmy wins and nominations, and is reportedly one of their most-viewed original shows of all time. Following the massive success of the second season last year, fans have been wondering what to expect for the future of the series.
What is Apple's Franchise Plan for Severance?
Deadline reported that Apple Studios has acquired the IP and rights to Severance from Fifth Season, the production company that developed and produced the series in the first two seasons.
As a result of this deal, moving forward, Apple will now be the show's main studio starting in the third season, with Fifth Season becoming an executive producer.
The studio is also mapping its franchise plan for the hit series. It is now set to have a four-season run, which is currently the main target of executive producers Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson.
A fifth season is also a possibility, depending on whether Stiller and Erickson will decide to extend beyond the four-season plan, but for now, it is unlikely for it to run longer.
They are also exploring the idea of expanding the Severance universe and turning it into a major franchise for Apple with a prequel, spin-offs, and foreign versions. However, nothing is official for now as they are focused on the third season, which has yet to begin filming.
With the show's immense popularity on the streamer, it's not surprising to hear that Apple is targeting to expand the Severance universe, and it will be interesting to see whether they will move forward with the idea later on.
When is Severance Season 3 Coming Out?
As mentioned, the third season of Severance has not started filming, so it's still too early to speculate on its release window. There are plans to start rolling the cameras this summer, depending on whether the scripts will be finished.
According to Deadline, six scripts have been finished, with the seventh episode in an outline stage and a couple more to go. The current plan is to finish all the scripts before production begins, even if it could lead to a slight delay.
Kogonada, who directed episodes of Pachinko, is slated to become the main director/producing director of the third season when it begins filming.
For now, stay tuned for updates regarding the development of the third season in the coming months.
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