nrc.nl
Severance" Season 2 Breaks Apple TV+ Viewership Records
Severance," an Apple TV+ series with a reported $20 million per episode budget, saw its second season achieve record viewership, according to Apple, despite a three-year delay due to writing challenges; its success contrasts with Apple TV+'s usually modest cultural impact.
- How does the extensive online analysis of "Severance" by YouTubers and podcasters impact the show's creators and its potential for future success?
- The show's popularity extends beyond viewership, as evidenced by its widespread discussion on YouTube and podcasts, where fans analyze the show's mysteries and intricate plot. This online engagement, while potentially rewarding, also creates pressure on the creators to meet audience expectations, similar to the challenges faced by shows like "Lost".
- What does the success of "Severance" suggest about the future strategy of Apple TV+ regarding original programming and its approach to content marketing and audience engagement?
- Apple TV+'s success with "Severance", despite its limited historical success, highlights the potential of high-quality, niche programming to attract a dedicated and engaged audience, which translates to strong word-of-mouth marketing and increased viewership. This model may influence future Apple TV+ projects, particularly those with a similar focus on complex narratives and cult followings.
- What is the significance of "Severance's" record-breaking viewership for Apple TV+, considering the show's high production costs and the platform's typically guarded viewership data?
- Severance", a critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, saw its second season surpass viewership records, according to Apple. The show, known for its high production costs (approximately $20 million per episode), experienced a three-year delay between seasons due to a challenging writing process. Despite Apple's secrecy regarding specific viewership numbers, the success indicates a return on investment.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story around the success of Severance and the financial stability of Apple, downplaying potential concerns. The headline and introduction emphasize the positive aspects, such as high viewership and Apple's record-breaking profits. The concerns about budget overruns and the long delay between seasons are presented as minor anecdotes, overshadowing the potential challenges faced by the production. This positive framing might lead readers to overlook potential issues related to production costs and scheduling.
Language Bias
The article uses mostly neutral language, but there are instances of subjective descriptions, such as referring to the show's budget as 'ambitious' and describing the writing process as 'arduous'. These choices could influence the reader's perception. The phrase 'even George Clooney and Brad Pitt' subtly implies a hierarchy of celebrity influence, potentially suggesting that lesser-known actors might not generate equivalent success. While the author uses words like 'forse vertraging' (considerable delay) and 'moeizaam schrijfproces' (difficult writing process) in Dutch, they are translated into English in a neutral way.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the success of Severance and Apple TV+, but omits discussion of the show's critical reception beyond the NRC's five-star review. It also doesn't mention any negative reviews or criticisms of the show, creating an incomplete picture of public opinion. The lack of specific viewership numbers beyond Apple's self-reported data is a significant omission, preventing a proper assessment of the show's popularity. While acknowledging Apple's secrecy around viewing figures, the piece does not explore the reasons behind this policy in detail or compare it to the practices of other streaming services in a more nuanced way.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by portraying Apple TV+ as either a 'successful' streaming service or a 'costly hobby project'. This simplification ignores the complexity of the streaming market and the varying levels of success different shows and services can achieve. The discussion of Apple's cultural impact also falls into this trap, characterizing it as either irrelevant or exceptionally successful based on a small selection of examples.
Sustainable Development Goals
The success of the TV series Severance, with its high production costs and viewership, demonstrates the economic viability of high-quality content creation and the potential for positive economic impact through the entertainment industry. The show's success also highlights the employment opportunities within the creative industries and the potential for substantial revenue generation for involved parties, including actors, producers, and streaming platforms.