The first season of Apple TV+ drama “Severance” was a critical darling, nearing the top (and in some cases making the top spot) on many ‘Best of Year’ TV lists last year along with scoring multiple award nominations.
The series follows the inner workings of a mysterious biotech company whose employees undergo a procedure that divides their memories between their work and personal lives.
A second season was understandably greenlit and work has been underway on the new run for a while. Now though, conflicting reports have emerged suggesting the new run may be facing delays due to behind-the-scenes turmoil.
The story began with Puck News claiming there has been a falling out between first-time series creator Dan Erickson and seasoned writer-producer Mark Friedman who serve as co-showrunners.
The outlet alleges that the pair “ended up hating each other” before the first season had even finished – resulting in a ‘toxic’ work environment.
They add Friedman wanted to exit but fellow executive producer Ben Stiller couldn’t find a suitable replacement. Thus the issues have carried onto the second season and is causing havoc, resulting in script problems and ballooning budgets.
They add that with Apple already considering two additional seasons, “House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon has been quietly brought onboard to assist with the show’s second season.
That report has since been followed up by TV Line with their source disputing the facts, saying the series is “is on schedule, the budget is the same as Season 1”.
Their source does confirm Willimon is onboard though, saying: “Dan, Beau and Mark are all working together… [Beau] was hired for Season 3 and since they don’t have a traditional writers room, it made sense he would get involved in the current season as well”
Reps for Apple TV+ declined to comment to TV Line. As it’s still in production, there is currently no air date set for the show’s second season.
Source: TV Line
