10 Shows Like 'Severance' for Mind-Blowing Entertainment
Ben Stiller's psychological thriller "Severance" quickly became a fan-favorite for its nail-biting storyline and shocking finale. As fans continue to wait for the hit series' second season, they can enjoy these TV shows like "Severance."
Thanks to the masterminds behind "Severance," viewers of the show's first season were able to escape to the daunting world of the "Innies" and "Outies," labels given to a group of characters who have had their memory surgically divided between their lives inside and outside the four walls of their corporate jobs.
However, the cast, led by "Park and Recreations'" Adam Scott, are thrown into a world of mystery and horror as they work to uncover a corporate conspiracy laced with a sci-fi edge.
The show has been very successful since its season one premiere and has received high praise for its production design, the depth of talent in its actors, and the jarring piano piece that kept fans glued to the screen.
However, it has been over a year since "Severance" was confirmed for a season two renewal, which has left fans itching for more. Fortunately, binge-watchers will be happy to hear that there is a slew of shows like "Severance" at their fingertips.
'Devs'
Starring Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman, and Jin Ha, "Devs" focused on pursuing computer engineer Lily Chan to unfold the secretive development division in her company, which she believed is responsible for her boyfriend's mysterious disappearance.
Like "Severance," this 2020 Emmy-nominated series tackled free will and corporate life themes at a questionable organization. Although the show only ran for one season, its eight episodes were all it needed to keep viewers hooked.
'Made for Love'
In 2021, creators Dean Bakopoulos, Christina Lee, and Alissa Nutting joined forces to create "Made for Love," a thriller documenting Hazel Green's journey to escape her controlling and abusive billionaire tech husband.
However, in her quest for safety and freedom, Cristin Milioti's character learns that her husband — played by Billy Magnussen — has planted a chip in her head, allowing him to track her every move. Like "Severance," this compelling series offers commentary on today's society regarding modern technology, privacy, and relationships.
'Dispatches from Elsewhere'
If you're a fan of imaginative works with a touch of magic, "Dispatches from Elsewhere" has your name all over it. In this show, the mundane of everyday life leads four strangers, who want more out of life, to participate in a game that has them carrying out strange activities.
However, as a result, their eyes are opened to a completely different world, altering how the group of strangers, played by Jason Segel, Eve Lindley, André 3000, and Richard E. Grant, perceive reality.
'Maniac'
Starring Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Justin Theroux, and Sonoya Mizuno, "Maniac" follows the lives of two strangers suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia, respectively, who participate in a mysterious pharmaceutical trial program.
However, despite being assured that the drug would have no complications or side effects and permanently solve their problems, the show's leads soon learned that would not be true.
'Homecoming'
"Homecoming" is another slow-burner perfect for "Severance" fans, centered around a seemingly innocent organization that helps soldiers reintegrate into society. However, viewers follow as the wellness company's employees grow suspicious of what lurks beneath the surface of their place of employment.
This star-studded series — featuring Julia Roberts, Janelle Monáe, Chris Cooper, and Bobby Cannavale — which ran for two seasons, brings you closer to the edge of your seat as the company's employees work to uncover the truth.
'Counterpart'
"Counterpart" is about UN employee Howard Silk, played by J. K. Simmons, who learns that his agency has been hiding a gateway to a parallel dimension. Furthermore, this new world is in the middle of a cold war and houses his doppelgänger, a top spy.
Olivia Williams, Harry Lloyd, Nazanin Boniadi, Sara Serraiocco, John Funk, and Nicholas Pinnock join Simmons in this show, which, similar to "Severance," is completed with a touch of sci-fi and unexpected twists.
'Orphan Black'
"Orphan Black" is another unmatched option for lovers of sci-fi and psychology, as it follows the life of Tatiana Maslany's character, Sarah Manning, who discovers that she has thousands of clones.
After witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her, the TV show's streetwise hustler star is immersed in a world of compelling conspiracy. The series ran for five seasons, earning nearly 100 award nominations and taking home 69.
'Mr. Robot'
In 2015, "Mr. Robot" put Rami Malek on the map for his role as Elliot Alderson, a brilliant yet unstable cybersecurity engineer by day who is later sucked into the dark world of hacking by night after the illusive Mr. Robot approaches him to join a team of vigilante hackers.
Together, Alderson and his team of hackers take down the up-to-no-good company he works for while remaining in the shadows. "Mr. Robot" shares multiple themes with "Severance." During its four years on the small screen, the show tallied 21 award wins, including 3 Primetime Emmys.
'Westworld'
In 2016, HBO Max introduced "Westworld" to the public. The series was a dystopian sci-fi thriller based in a Wild West amusement park. In this dramatic mystery world, the amusement park's wealthy visitors can indulge their unhinged fantasies and desires without suffering the consequences.
The series co-stars Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson, Ed Harris, and Thandiwe Newton. During its nearly decade-long reign on air, it had a whopping 208 award nominations and an impressive seven Primetime Emmy wins.
'Black Mirror'
"Black Mirror" has been on our TV screens since 2011 and needs no introduction as the show's twisted, high-tech multiverse has earned it 109 award nominations and 33 wins. While "Severance" tackles corporate life, "Black Mirror" highlights modern society's darker side and its relationship with advanced technology.
However, both shows share mind-bending elements as this British series reveals what happens when humankind's innovations and morbid instincts meet. Unlike many other TV shows, "Black Mirror" has an ever-changing cast and has included numerous famous faces, such as Miley Cyrus, Jon Hamm, and Daniel Kaluuya.