From the moment Mark Scout descended into Lumon Industries, a transformation complete with a single elevator ride,Severancecaptivated audiences. Over two seasons, Ben Stiller’s sci-fi satire masterfully dissected corporate culture, the weight of trauma, and the elusive nature of memory—or its absence. The season two finale, “Cold Harbor,” delivered a conclusion that resonated long after the credits rolled.
Now, a year later, with no official word on a third season, a void remains for those craving that unsettling blend of bleakness, mystery, and profound human observation. If you’ve already explored similar shows, allow yourself to be immersed in a collection of equally compelling books, films, video games, and podcasts that will fill that space in your mind.
Severanceis rich with literary echoes, adding layers of subtext to every storyline. Jo Harkin’sTell Me an Endingexplores a similar premise: a corporation offering memory erasure, forcing individuals to grapple with the consequences of a fragmented past. One character slowly realizes the vastness of what he’s lost, a chilling parallel to the Innies’ existence.
For those drawn to the unsettling atmosphere of Lumon’s Macrodata Refinement department, Jonas Karlsson’sThe Roomoffers a comparable experience. Björn, a government worker consumed by a desire for perfection, discovers a strange, ignored room in his office. His obsession with this space and the secrets it holds drives a compelling, unnerving narrative.
The duality of identity – the Innie and Outie – is central toSeverance’s appeal. Peter Clines’The Folddelves into this concept with a man possessing a photographic memory investigating a teleportation project. The side effects of this technology, including a descent into madness, mirror the psychological toll experienced by Lumon’s employees.
IfSeverance’s satirical take on corporate life resonated with you, Calvin Kasulke’sSeveral People Are Typingis a must-read. Told entirely through Slack messages, the novel presents a wonderfully absurd scenario where a man’s consciousness is uploaded into his company’s communication channel, blurring the lines between online and offline realities.
Sarah Gailey’sThe Echo Wifeexplores the complexities of identity through the lens of cloning. Evelyn Caldwell’s life is upended by the arrival of Martine, her clone, leading to a dark and twisted tale of deception and survival, echoing the themes of self and replication found inSeverance.
Severance’s distinct visual style, transitioning from the normalcy of the “Outie” world to the stark, unsettling environment of the “Innies,” is a key element of its impact. Jacques Tati’s 1967 film,Playtime, served as a direct influence, depicting a modern Paris as a sterile maze of office spaces, offering a similar blend of humor and underlying darkness.
Charlie Kaufman’sSynecdoche, New YorkanticipatesSeverance’s exploration of identity and the impact of our surroundings. The film follows a director who constructs a life-sized replica of New York City within a soundstage, blurring the lines between reality and artifice, and ultimately questioning the nature of existence.
For a biting satire of modern employment, Boots Riley’sSorry to Bother Youis essential viewing. The film follows Cassius Green as he navigates the world of telemarketing, discovering a disturbing corporate underbelly and a commentary on the compromises made in the pursuit of success.
The Truman Show, with its premise of a man unknowingly living his life as a reality television program, shares thematic ground withSeverance. Truman Burbank’s gradual realization that his world is a fabrication mirrors the Innies’ awakening to the truth about Lumon Industries.
Michel Gondry’sEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, likeSeverance, examines the role of memory in shaping our identities. The film’s haunting and often humorous depiction of a man attempting to erase memories of a failed relationship resonates with the show’s exploration of fragmented selves.
The unsettling imagery of “The Backrooms,” a viral internet phenomenon depicting an infinite, liminal space, anticipates the eerie atmosphere of Lumon Industries. A24’s upcoming film adaptation promises to deliver a similar sense of ominous unreality.
The “secret level” vibe ofSeverancelends itself to the world of video games.The Stanley Parable, a direct inspiration for the show, places you in the role of an office worker who discovers his colleagues have vanished, challenging the conventions of the medium with its branching narrative and meta-commentary.
ThePortalgames, with their absurdist tone and hauntingly empty office spaces, offer a comparable experience. Solving devious puzzles with a portal gun while uncovering the secrets of a crumbling research facility evokes the same sense of mystery and unease.
The Exit 8delivers a similar slow-burn atmosphere, trapping you in a repeating subway corridor filled with unsettling anomalies. The game’s focus on liminal dislocation and escalating horror will appeal to fans ofSeverance’s unsettling tone.
LimboandInsidecreate worlds that initially appear familiar, only to become increasingly strange and threatening. These games’ creepy, suffocating atmosphere and ambiguous narratives resonate with the show’s exploration of psychological manipulation and control.
For a deep dive into the themes ofSeverance, the podcastHomecomingoffers a slow-burn mystery set in an experimental facility, whileThe Severance Podcast With Ben Stiller and Adam Scottprovides behind-the-scenes insights from the show’s creators.Illumination Above Alloffers a fan perspective, andWithin the Wiresdelivers subtle worldbuilding through immersive audio storytelling.
Finally,SAYER, a narrative podcast featuring a near-extinction event and a secretive corporation, delivers a pitch-black humor and inventive storytelling that will keep you captivated until the arrival ofSeveranceseason three.
