Apple Spends $70M to Acquire Severance IP, Plans Four More Seasons
Apple Studios acquired Severance rights and IP from Fifth Season for $70 million, making the series in-house and moving Fifth Season to an executive producer role. The eight-Emmy–winning show has two seasons, season three begins filming this summer, plans four more, and viewership doubled from season one to two.
1. Acquisition Details
Apple Studios struck a roughly $70 million deal to acquire full rights and intellectual property for Severance from Fifth Season, transitioning Fifth Season to an executive producer role while bringing all future production in-house.
2. Series Performance
Severance has completed two seasons, earned eight Emmy awards, and doubled its audience from season one to season two. Season three will begin filming this summer, with a fourth season locked in and potential spinoffs or prequels under discussion.
3. Strategic Implications
Apple TV+ has operated at a loss since its 2019 launch, funded by other business segments. By internalizing Severance production and leveraging its award success and growing viewership, Apple aims to cut acquisition costs and target streaming profitability in season three.