Apple Takes Full Control of 'Severance' in Surprise Deal

Apple acquired the full rights to its hit series "Severance" from Fifth Season for nearly $70 million, transitioning the show to a fully in-house Apple Studios project. The acquisition follows costly production challenges for season two, which faced delays and budget overruns reaching $20 million per episode due to COVID-19, strikes, and extensive reshoots. Apple now plans to position "Severance" as a long-term flagship franchise, with seasons three and four already planned and potential for spinoffs and international adaptations.