Tim Cook and Ben Stiller Confirm Severance Is Back For Season 3

Gabrielle Maria

Severance Balloons

Great news for Severance fans: Apple TV+ has officially renewed its breakout workplace thriller for Season 3. The announcement dropped earlier today (March 21, 2025), just hours after the highly anticipated Season 2 finale aired—giving audiences plenty to talk about. Apple CEO Tim Cook and executive producer Ben Stiller both took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the news, sharing a cryptic but exciting teaser that features the now-iconic Lumon Industries aesthetic, accompanied by a simple “3.”

A Renewal That’s No Surprise

While the renewal may have been expected, it’s still a massive win for Apple TV+. Severance has grown into one of the platform’s most acclaimed and talked-about series since its debut in February 2022. Critics have lauded the show for its unsettling atmosphere, sharp social commentary, and standout performances—especially from Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette. On Rotten Tomatoes, both seasons hold high scores from critics and audiences alike, with the show earning a dedicated fanbase known for dissecting its every detail and hidden message.

The Season 2 Journey—and What Comes Next

Season 2 had a rocky path to completion. Production faced delays due to the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, and behind-the-scenes reports suggested creative tensions between Stiller and co-executive producer Mark Friedman. However, those issues appear to have been resolved, resulting in a season that fans are calling worth the wait. The second season expanded the Lumon world significantly, introducing new departments and unraveling more of the company’s sinister secrets. It ended on another cliffhanger, setting the stage perfectly for a third season.

Stiller recently told Polygon that the writers’ room for Season 3 is already underway and that they’re aiming to avoid another years-long gap between seasons. “We’re conscious of how long people had to wait between seasons 1 and 2,” Stiller said. “We want to make sure Season 3 gets to audiences much sooner.”

What We Know About Season 3 So Far

While plot details are tightly under wraps, Stiller hinted that the new season will further explore the psychological and ethical implications of Lumon’s severance procedure. There’s also speculation that Season 3 could delve into the origins of Lumon Industries and the Eagan family legacy, something fans have long theorized about.

The core cast—Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette—is expected to return. Arquette teased in a recent interview with Variety that Helly’s storyline will take a “dark and surprising” turn in Season 3.

Severance’s Impact on Apple TV+

Severance has been a major success story for Apple’s streaming service. It became Apple TV+’s most-watched drama in early 2024, even surpassing Ted Lasso at its peak. The series has picked up multiple Emmy nominations and wins, including Best Drama Series and Best Director for Stiller.

Its success has paved the way for Apple TV+ to lean more into genre storytelling, with upcoming series like Dark Matter (based on Blake Crouch’s novel) and Constellation hoping to capture similar buzz.

When Will Season 3 Premiere?

No release date has been announced, but given the earlier start in the writers’ room and Stiller’s comments about an expedited process, a late 2026 premiere seems likely. Fans can rest assured they won’t be waiting another three years.

For now, both seasons of Severance are streaming on Apple TV+, and with the confirmation of Season 3, there’s never been a better time to catch up—or rewatch for all the clues you may have missed.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV+ has renewed “Severance” for a third season immediately following the season two finale on March 21, 2025.
  • The writer’s room is already working on season three, with Ben Stiller continuing as executive producer and director.
  • The workplace thriller has built a dedicated following due to its unique premise about work-life separation and compelling storytelling.

Renewal Announcement and Initial Details

Apple TV+ has officially renewed “Severance” for a third season. The announcement came on March 21, 2025, immediately following the season two finale, which reportedly broke viewership records for the streaming platform.

Renewal Confirmation and Release Timeline

The renewal of “Severance” for Season 3 was announced just hours after the Season 2 finale aired. This quick decision reflects the show’s tremendous success, as it became the most-watched series on Apple TV+. The timing suggests Apple’s strong confidence in the show’s future.

While specific release dates remain unconfirmed, production is expected to begin later this year. Industry insiders note that the gap between seasons may be shorter than the extended break between Seasons 1 and 2, which faced delays due to production challenges.

Apple executive Tim Cook expressed enthusiasm about the show’s renewal, highlighting its critical acclaim and growing audience as key factors in the decision.

Creative Team and Production Insights

Ben Stiller, who directed multiple episodes of the first two seasons, will return as executive producer for Season 3. Creator Dan Erickson continues as showrunner and primary writer, maintaining his vision for the series’ distinctive workplace thriller elements.

Star Adam Scott has confirmed his return as Mark Scout, with all major cast members expected to reprise their roles. Scott shared his excitement about the renewal on social media, noting that the scripts for the new season contain “the most surprising developments yet.”

Production will return to the same New York locations that have become synonymous with the show’s distinctive visual style. The filming schedule is reportedly being arranged to accommodate the cast’s other projects.

Cast and Characters

The acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Severance” features a talented ensemble cast that has brought the mysterious world of Lumon Industries to life. With the official renewal for Season 3, fans are eager to see which familiar faces will return and what new characters might join the dystopian workplace drama.

Returning Cast Members

Adam Scott leads the cast as Mark Scout, the troubled employee whose “innie” and “outie” versions navigate very different realities. The core cast is expected to return, including Britt Lower as Helly R., John Turturro as Irving, and Zach Cherry as Dylan. Patricia Arquette will likely reprise her role as the intimidating Harmony Cobel.

Tramell Tillman, who plays Milchick, has become a fan-favorite character whose eerily calm demeanor masks sinister intentions. Dichen Lachman’s role as Ms. Casey (revealed to be Mark’s supposedly deceased wife Gemma) remains pivotal to the storyline.

The series has earned critical acclaim for its performances, with several cast members receiving Emmy nominations for their nuanced portrayals of characters living split lives.

Potential New Faces

Season 3 is expected to expand the world of Lumon Industries and Cold Harbor, potentially introducing new characters from different departments or outside the company entirely.

While no official casting announcements have been made for new additions, industry insiders suggest the show might bring in established actors to play key roles as the conspiracy deepens.

The writers’ room is reportedly already at work on the new season, crafting characters that will challenge the existing dynamics within Lumon. Previous seasons have strategically introduced characters like Ricken (Michael Chernus) and Rebeck (Sydney Cole Alexander) to expand the narrative scope.

The show’s creator, Dan Erickson, has hinted at exploring more of the town of Cold Harbor and its relationship with Lumon, which could bring fresh faces to the cast.

Character Development

The third season will likely delve deeper into the dual identities of the severed employees, especially after the dramatic revelations of previous seasons. Mark Scout’s character arc remains central, as his “innie” discovered that his wife Gemma may not actually be dead.

The psychological exploration of the “innies” versus “outies” has been a storytelling strength, showing how essentially different personalities develop despite sharing the same body. This identity struggle will undoubtedly continue to evolve.

Irving’s investigation into Lumon’s past and Dylan’s connection to his family represent compelling character threads that need resolution. Helly’s complex relationship with her powerful “outie” family promises further development as the resistance against severance grows.

Each character faces the existential question of identity—whether they are whole people or merely fragments—driving much of the emotional weight behind the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

The renewal of Severance for a third season has generated excitement and many questions from fans. Here are answers to the most common inquiries about the upcoming season.

When is the release date for Severance season 3?

Apple TV+ has not announced an official release date for Severance season 3. The renewal was just confirmed on March 21, 2025.

Production may move faster than it did for season 2, as Ben Stiller mentioned that much of season 3 was written during the filming of season 2. This could potentially lead to a shorter wait time between seasons.

Fans can likely expect the new season sometime in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on production timelines.

Who are the cast members confirmed for Severance season 3?

The main cast is expected to return for season 3, including Adam Scott as Mark Scout, Britt Lower as Helly R., and Zach Cherry as Dylan.

Other returning cast members will likely include Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, and Tramell Tillman in their respective roles.

No new casting announcements have been made yet following the renewal announcement.

How many episodes will be included in the third season of Severance?

The exact episode count for Severance season 3 has not been confirmed by Apple TV+ or the show’s creators.

Previous seasons consisted of 9 episodes each. It’s reasonable to expect that season 3 will follow a similar format.

Any changes to the episode count will likely be announced closer to the release date.

Will there be any new characters introduced in the upcoming season of Severance?

While specific character details haven’t been revealed, new characters are expected to join the cast in season 3.

The expanding storyline and the mysteries of Lumon Industries provide ample opportunity to introduce new faces.

Casting announcements for new characters will probably be made in the coming months as production begins.

What can viewers expect from the plot of Severance season 3?

Season 3 will likely address the aftermath of Mark, Helly, and Dylan’s actions at the end of season 2.

The series is expected to delve deeper into the mysteries of Lumon Industries and the severance procedure.

Ben Stiller has indicated that the writing team has ambitious plans for the new season, with much of the storyline already mapped out during season 2’s production.

Where can fans watch the official trailer for Severance season 3?

No official trailer for Severance season 3 exists yet, as the season was just renewed.

Trailers typically release a few months before the premiere date. Fans should watch Apple TV+’s official channels for updates.

When released, the trailer will be available on Apple TV+’s website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.