Apple has finalized a deal worth nearly $70 million to acquire the rights to its acclaimed series Severance from Fifth Season, transitioning production to its own studio, Apple Studios. This change marks a significant shift as Apple seeks to enhance its in-house content capabilities, reflecting a strategy similar to that seen in the transition of the series Silo.
Severance, which has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including eight Emmy wins, is known for its intricate storytelling and high production costs, reportedly nearing $20 million per episode for its second season. The series has become a flagship title for Apple Studios, which now produces approximately half of Apple TV's offerings.
Previously, Apple TV relied heavily on external studios for its programming after its launch in 2019, with successful shows like Ted Lasso originating from outside partners. However, with the leadership of Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht, Apple Studios has steadily built its internal production capabilities over the past six years.