Severance (Apple TV+): What Do Critics Think About Season 2? - Belles and Gals

As the clock ticks closer to January 17, anticipation is building for the debut of Season 2 of Severance on Apple TV+. The hit series captured audiences worldwide with its hauntingly surreal exploration of work-life balance in its first season, and fans are eager to see where the story goes next. With early reviews from critics now in, let’s dive into what’s being said about this much-anticipated second chapter.

A Bold Premise Returns for Season 2

In case you missed the buzz surrounding the first season, Severance follows Mark Scout (played by Adam Scott), who leads a team at Lumon Industries—a company conducting an extreme experiment in separating professional and personal memories. The concept of this “surgical work-life balance” becomes increasingly sinister as Mark unravels a dark mystery that forces him to confront the true nature of his work and his identity.

For Season 2, the stakes are raised even higher. Mark and his allies face the consequences of pushing the boundaries of Lumon’s memory-severing procedure, setting them on a dangerous and unpredictable path. Apple TV+ promises that this season will delve even deeper into the unsettling world of Lumon Industries, and fans are ready for the ride.

Critical Acclaim—and a Few Doubts

With the first few episodes already in the hands of critics, the verdict is starting to come in. So far, it’s a mostly glowing reception. On Metacritic, the second season boasts an impressive score of 85, while Rotten Tomatoes currently rates it at a stellar 100%. These numbers suggest that Severance is maintaining its grip as one of the most talked-about shows in streaming.

Variety describes the new season as a continuation of the show’s uncanny brilliance, stating:

“As long as Severance can deliver its moments of sublime strangeness, it’s easy to suspend disbelief and revel in its exploration of the arbitrary rules and compartmentalized nature of modern work. Wherever Severance is heading, the journey remains a compelling commentary on the absurdities of corporate life.”

The Daily Beast echoes the praise, calling it a masterfully constructed puzzle:

“This is a meticulously crafted enigma, with glimpses into characters’ pasts and their mysterious circumstances. It’s both revealing and confounding, always hinting at deeper conspiracies lurking just out of sight.”

However, not all reviews are glowing. In France, Les Numériques expressed disappointment with the second season, citing its reliance on adding more mysteries without addressing key questions from Season 1:

“Burdened by its lengthy development, this much-anticipated second season falls short of expectations. Frustrating writing choices prioritize piling on more enigmas over delivering answers to the fascinating questions raised in its debut. Already one of 2025’s biggest disappointments.”

What Can Fans Expect?

While opinions vary, the consensus among many critics is that Severance continues to deliver its signature mix of psychological tension and thought-provoking themes. If you were captivated by the show’s eerie portrayal of modern work culture in Season 1, chances are you’ll find Season 2 just as gripping—even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.

As viewers count down the days until the new episodes drop, speculation is rife about how Mark and his team will navigate the mounting chaos at Lumon. Will the show’s slow-burn mysteries pay off in the end? For now, fans can only watch and hope that Severance sticks the landing.

Are you as excited for Season 2 of Severance as we are? Let us know your thoughts and theories!