The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott
Episode: Fidelio (with Mike Schur and Sandra Bernhard)
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Introduction and Guest Overview
In this episode of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve deep into the creative forces behind the acclaimed workplace thriller, Severance. The episode features two distinguished guests: Mike Schur, renowned for his pivotal roles in creating hit shows like Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, and Sandra Bernhard, the fearless performer portraying Cecily on Severance.
Conversation with Mike Schur: Crafting Modern Workplace Comedies
Ben and Adam kick off the discussion by celebrating Mike Schur's illustrious career. Adam highlights Mike's contributions to defining the modern workplace comedy genre, mentioning his work on The Office, Parks and Recreation, and more recently, A Man on the Inside.
Notable Quote:
- Ben Stiller [00:47]: "He's basically one of the people, I think, that's created this genre of the office workplace comedy, the modern version of that."
Mike reminisces about his early days working with Greg Daniels on The Office, emphasizing the strict adherence to the mockumentary format that made the show feel authentic.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Schur [13:52]: "Greg was just like, no, the reality of the show will matter. People will care about it, and it will mean something if they feel like this is real."
Philosophical Themes in Severance
The conversation shifts to the philosophical underpinnings of Severance. Mike shares insights into how philosophical questions about identity and morality are intricately woven into the show's fabric. He relates his personal journey into moral philosophy, sparked by a minor car accident incident that led him to question ethical decision-making.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Schur [27:22]: "That's what Severance is asking: what is the self? Who are you?"
Ben and Adam explore how Severance challenges traditional notions of self by severing employees from their personal lives, creating a dual identity that raises profound ethical and existential questions.
Impact and Tone of Severance
Mike elaborates on the unique tone of Severance, comparing it to his experiences on The Office and Parks and Recreation. He praises the show's ability to balance intense philosophical themes with relatable workplace dynamics.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Schur [20:34]: "I don't know that I could describe the tone of Severance, but I know it when I see it."
Adam echoes this sentiment, appreciating how the show's weekly release fosters global conversations and allows its complex narrative to unfold organically.
Listener Questions and Interactive Segment
The podcast transitions into a listener Q&A, where callers share their reflections on Severance. One caller, Chuck, draws parallels between Irving's journey in the show and his own experience of deconstructing deeply held beliefs from his upbringing in a fundamentalist church. The hosts and Mike delve into how Severance mirrors real-life processes of questioning and redefining one's identity.
Notable Quote:
- Chuck [41:50]: "When Irving gets to the point where he's like, let's burn this place to the ground, that was such a cathartic line, just coming from my own experience."
Exploring Crossovers and Shared Universes
Another intriguing listener question from Ben Capreiro sparks a discussion about potential crossover episodes between Severance and Parks and Recreation. Mike reflects on the complexities and creative considerations involved in merging distinct show universes, ultimately suggesting that severed versions of characters would fundamentally differ from their original personas.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Schur [46:38]: "The temptation would be to say, like, Ron Swanson will still be Ron Swanson. But the truth is, I don't think that's true."
Interview with Sandra Bernhard: Bringing Cecily to Life
The second half of the episode features an engaging interview with Sandra Bernhard. She shares her journey to Severance, recounting her early interactions with Ben Stiller and her experiences performing in high-stakes environments like the Improv and King of Comedy.
Sandra discusses her approach to embodying Cecily, emphasizing the importance of immersing herself in the character and respecting the show's meticulously crafted environment.
Notable Quote:
- Sandra Bernhard [56:30]: "I've learned to just be in the moment and also respect the space that has been created by all the other, you know, elements."
Ben and Adam commend Sandra for her fearless performance and her ability to blend humor with intense emotional depth, enhancing the show's overall impact.
Notable Quote:
- Ben Stiller [57:37]: "I always feel like it's so much fun when someone who's known comedically, primarily does something that is not comedic. It’s almost more interesting."
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to both guests. Ben and Adam express their admiration for Mike's contributions to television and Sandra's standout performance in Severance. They encourage listeners to continue engaging with the show and explore the deeper themes it presents.
Notable Quote:
- Sandra Bernhard [66:02]: "They were totally blown away. I knew the show had great impact, but the combination of people kind of, you know, some people really knowing me came together in such a beautiful way."
This episode of The Severance Podcast offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of the creative and philosophical dimensions of Severance, enriched by the insights of industry veterans Mike Schur and Sandra Bernhard. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the show, this discussion provides valuable perspectives on the intricate storytelling and character development that make Severance a standout series.