Severance Becomes Apple TV+’s Most Watched Show

Apple TV+ has reached a significant milestone with its hit series Severance, as the sci-fi drama’s second season becomes the platform's most-watched show to date. The series, which debuted its highly anticipated second season on January 17, 2025, has broken Apple TV+’s viewership records, surpassing even the massively popular Ted Lasso in global audience numbers.

Record-Breaking Performance: Severance Becomes Apple TV+’s Most-Watched Show

A month after the launch of Severance Season 2, Apple TV+ has revealed that the series now holds the title of the platform's #1 series in history, based on the number of unique viewers from January 17 to February 17, 2025. The performance of the show during this time has surpassed previous leaders, including the three seasons of Ted Lasso, marking a major achievement for the streaming service.

Severance also made waves in independent viewership rankings, landing at the #4 spot on Nielsen's Top 10 Originals chart for the week of January 13, which included the first three days of Season 2’s availability. With 589 million minutes watched across all episodes of the series, 28% of those minutes were dedicated to the Season 2 opener, demonstrating strong viewer engagement. These numbers are expected to rise as new episodes of the season continue to roll out weekly.

Surge in Subscriptions Following Severance’s Return

The success of Severance is not limited to viewership figures. Apple TV+ also saw a significant boost in its subscriber base following the premiere of the second season. From January 1 to January 19, 2025, the platform experienced a 126% increase in new subscriptions compared to the previous month. This surge was partially fueled by Apple TV+'s January 3-5 free weekend promotion, allowing non-subscribers to experience the platform’s original content, including Severance, at no cost.

This increase in subscribers has reinforced Severance's role as a key driver for the growth of Apple TV+, positioning it as a major contender in the highly competitive streaming market.

A Global Phenomenon: Severance Tops Charts Worldwide

With Severance now the most-watched show on Apple TV+ globally, it has become a cultural touchstone across various regions. The series has garnered top rankings in multiple markets, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, and France. The series’ compelling premise and thought-provoking narrative have captured the attention of international audiences, adding to its global appeal.

Apple TV+ head of programming Matt Cherniss praised the show’s success, attributing it to the creative collaboration of creators Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller. "We have long admired Ben’s extraordinary gift for original and immersive storytelling," said Cherniss. "With Severance, the show has become an obsession for audiences all over the world."

Severance’s Impact Beyond the Screen

Beyond the impressive numbers, Severance has made a significant impact in popular culture. The show’s unique premise—centered around Mark Scout (played by Adam Scott), an employee who participates in a program that separates his work and personal memories—has sparked widespread conversation. The blend of sci-fi and corporate critique has resonated with viewers, resulting in ongoing online discussions and a growing fan base.

The success of the series has also positioned Apple TV+ as a strong player in the premium drama market, with Severance continuing to fuel interest and engagement in the platform’s other original content.

High Production Value and Strong Returns for Apple TV+

Despite its substantial budget, estimated at $20 million per episode for Season 2, Severance has proven to be a wise investment for Apple TV+. According to research from Parrot Analytics, the first season of Severance generated over $200 million in value for Apple, making it a profitable venture for the tech giant.

With the second season still unfolding, it’s clear that Severance is not only a ratings success but also a valuable asset for Apple TV+ as it seeks to grow its subscriber base and maintain its position in the competitive streaming landscape.

A Stellar Cast and Future Prospects

The series features a star-studded cast, with Adam Scott leading the way as Mark Scout. Season 2 also sees the return of Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, and Christopher Walken, with new additions including Gwendoline Christie and Alia Shawkat. This talented ensemble has contributed significantly to the show’s success, helping to elevate the complex narrative and create a truly immersive viewing experience.

Looking ahead, Severance is set to continue its run with weekly episode releases, ensuring that its success will likely extend well into the year. As more viewers engage with the series and its mind-bending plot twists, Severance will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of streaming conversations.

In conclusion, the success of Severance underscores Apple TV+’s commitment to producing high-quality, original content that resonates with audiences worldwide. With strong viewership numbers, increased subscriptions, and a lasting cultural impact, the series has firmly established itself as a landmark in the streaming landscape.