Shows to Watch If You Like Severance
Maybe Your Innie Has Already Seen Them
So… let’s pretend I’m not over two months late… If you are here, I probably don’t need to tell you about how incredible and impactful the show Severance (created by Dan Erickson) is (if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor, and please watch it now). From its cinematography to its unforgettable characters (and fascinating premise, intriguing mysteries, constant subversion of expectations, etc.), watching Severance is a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be replicated. That said, if you are looking for your next watch to maybe fill the void, I’ve got you!
Pantheon (2022)
Created by Craig Silverstein (based on works by Ken Liu)
Originally released on AMC+ in 2022 and recently released on Netflix, Pantheon is a masterpiece you do not want to miss. If you are a fan of character-driven explorations of how technological developments spearheaded by large corporations reveal truths about the human condition, this is the show for you. Who would we be if we could live forever in a digital world? That is the question that shapes this story’s examination of grief, identity, and relationships.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Created by Mike Flanagan (based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe)
The Fall of the House of Usher takes loose inspiration from the many works of Edgar Allan Poe and weaves them into a single-season story. Following a wealthy family at the top of a pharmaceutical company, modern scenarios mix with timeless horror to build a very creative atmosphere. Fans of Severance will likely find a sense of familiarity in this show’s themes and characters.
Dark (2017)
Created by Baran bo Odar & Jantje Friese
Truthfully, this one may be a bit more of a stretch than the last two, but if you are itching for another intricately-plotted sci-fi mystery that showcases a level of attention to detail that will leave you questioning everything, look no further than Dark. The less you know going into this one, the better, but know that its twists and turns (and philosophical rabbit holes) you’ll find yourself amongst will stick with you forever.
Death Note (2006)
Adapted from manga written by Tsugumi Ohba & illustrated by Takeshi Obata
Death Note might seem like even more of a stretch than Dark, but trust me on this one. Both shows use a thriller shell to explore their well-developed characters who are pushed to their ethical limits. Without spoiling much, I’ll say that Death Note, like Severance, also explores how knowledge informs identity while brilliantly using color and symbolism.
The Good Place (2016)
Created by Michael Schur
To finish out this list, if you haven’t seen The Good Place yet… get on that ASAP. Besides the fact that you may see a familiar actor in this sitcom, this show uses its incredibly unique tone to examine forever-relevant questions about morality. It’ll make you cry, laugh, and laugh-cry all at once, and the characters’ journeys will forever hold a place in your heart!
Thank you for reading, and be sure to comment your thoughts on these shows or others you love! I hope you enjoy!