Apple Acquires Full Rights to 'Severance' Series, Transitions Production In-House

12.02.2026

Apple has successfully acquired the intellectual property and complete rights to its critically acclaimed series 'Severance' from the original production studio, Fifth Season. The transaction, valued at approximately $70 million, marks a significant shift in the show's production structure, with Apple's internal studio assuming responsibility for all future seasons.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fifth Season will maintain its role as an executive producer while Apple takes operational control of the production pipeline. This acquisition follows a similar strategic move Apple executed with AMC Studios for the science fiction series 'Silo' following its inaugural season.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Acquisition

'Severance' now joins Apple's portfolio of flagship content, alongside popular titles such as 'Your Friends and Neighbors' and 'Stick'. Industry sources indicate that production costs for 'Severance' had escalated beyond Fifth Season's financial capacity. The studio had previously requested advance payments from Apple and was evaluating a potential relocation of production operations from New York to Canada to leverage more substantial and expedited tax incentive programs.

Given Apple's substantial financial resources and strategic interest in the property, the company opted to assume full ownership and production control rather than continue the existing partnership model.

Performance Metrics and Future Roadmap

The acquisition is strategically significant for Apple's streaming platform, as 'Severance' Season 2 achieved the distinction of becoming Apple's most-watched series at the time of its release. The show also garnered the highest number of nominations at the 2025 Emmy Awards, demonstrating both critical acclaim and audience engagement.

According to industry reports, the series is projected to run for four seasons, with Apple exploring additional content opportunities including:

• Potential spin-off series
• Prequel content
• International adaptations and localized versions

This acquisition represents Apple's continued investment in premium original content and its commitment to vertical integration of production capabilities for its streaming platform.

Sources:
Deadline - Apple Acquires Severance

Tags: streaming Apple content production IP Acquisition Entertainment Tech

Share: VK Telegram Twitter