The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott

Episode: S1EP9: The We We Are (with Jon Stewart)

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Introduction

In the season one finale of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott are joined by a special guest, Jon Stewart, to delve deep into the intricacies of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning TV show Severance. This episode provides an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the series, offering fans and newcomers alike a comprehensive understanding of the show's development, character dynamics, and thematic depth.

Guest Introduction: Jon Stewart

The episode kicks off with Ben Stiller introducing Jon Stewart, highlighting his status as a television legend and an avid fan of Severance. Stewart's enthusiasm is palpable as he shares his experiences visiting the set and interacting with the cast and crew.

Jon Stewart [04:56]: "I was able to come on the set while you were shooting the heli sequence for the last episode at Lumen at the Bell Labs building. It was incredible to see the magic happen firsthand."

Set Design and Location Insights

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the show's primary filming location—the Bell Labs building. Stiller and Scott elaborate on the architectural choices and the meticulous design elements that contribute to the show's dystopian atmosphere.

Ben Stiller [10:00]: "Jeff Mann, our production designer, drew inspiration from a 1960s Expo in Montreal, incorporating black and white photography lit up on cubes to create a 'World of Tomorrow' vibe."

The team emphasizes the importance of selecting an undiscovered location to maintain the show's unique aesthetic, avoiding clichés commonly seen in other productions.

Adam Scott [07:12]: "The Bell Labs location is truly one-of-a-kind. Its vast atrium and retro-futuristic elements provide the perfect backdrop for Severance's narrative."

Acting Challenges and Creative Choices

Jon Stewart discusses the complexities actors face in portraying their characters' severed selves, highlighting the emotional and psychological depth required.

Adam Scott [20:03]: "Making strong creative choices over five years without immediate feedback was terrifying but essential for building the show's intricate world."

Stiller adds insights into directing actors to embody both their work selves and life selves, ensuring authenticity and depth in their performances.

Ben Stiller [20:13]: "It was challenging to direct scenes out of order, ensuring each episode maintained its narrative flow and emotional resonance."

Specific Scenes Analysis

The trio delves into pivotal moments from the season finale, dissecting character interactions and plot developments.

• Helly's Realization at the Gala: The discussion highlights Helly's transformative moment at the Lumen gala, where she confronts the reality of her severed existence.

  Adam Scott [44:15]: "When Helly walks through her severed story, it's overwhelming. The practical set design truly immerses the audience in her realization."

• Mark and Rickon's Meeting: The emotional juxtaposition between Mark's external disdain for Rickon and his internal idolization forms a critical point of analysis.

  Ben Stiller [33:12]: "The scene where Mark meets Rickon is a masterclass in character development, showcasing the complex layers of their relationship."

• Irving's Emotional Journey: The conversation touches on Irving's introspective moments, particularly his discovery of his father's photograph, symbolizing deeper narrative threads.

  Jon Stewart [55:31]: "Irving's realization upon finding his father's photograph adds a profound emotional layer to his character arc."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

The hosts and Stewart share anecdotes about the production process, including the challenges of shooting complex scenes with innovative camera techniques.

Ben Stiller [29:19]: "Experimenting with Steadicam for episode nine was daunting, but it ultimately provided a more immersive point-of-view experience."

They also discuss the collaborative efforts with the production design team to ensure every visual element, from monitors to procedural books, aligns seamlessly with the show's universe.

Reflections on Creating the Podcast and Show

Ben Stiller and Adam Scott reflect on their journey crafting both the podcast and Severance. They express gratitude towards their team and audience, acknowledging the uncertainties and triumphs that come with such a creative endeavor.

Ben Stiller [24:25]: "Creating this podcast has been an enormous accomplishment, perhaps even more so than making the show itself."

Adam Scott [25:24]: "The uniqueness of Severance's universe makes it a comfort to know we're building something truly original."

Conclusion and Season Two Premiere

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Jon Stewart express excitement for the upcoming season two, slated to premiere on January 17 on Apple TV+. They tease new podcast episodes that will continue to provide in-depth analyses alongside fresh content from the show.

Jon Stewart [64:30]: "I can't wait to dive into season two and explore more of what Severance has to offer."

Ben Stiller [65:26]: "Thank you to all our guests and listeners. We hope you enjoy season two as much as we enjoyed creating it."

Key Takeaways:

• Unique Set Design: The Bell Labs location, inspired by 1960s Expos, plays a crucial role in establishing the show's dystopian feel.
• Character Depth: The portrayal of severed selves requires intricate emotional and psychological performances from the actors.
• Narrative Complexity: Season one finale effectively brings together various narrative threads, providing satisfying conclusions while setting the stage for future developments.
• Production Challenges: Shooting out of order and using innovative camera techniques posed significant challenges but ultimately enhanced the storytelling.
• Collaborative Effort: The success of Severance is attributed to the meticulous collaboration between directors, actors, and production designers.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Stewart [04:27]: "Do you have a seatbelt on that chair?"
• Adam Scott [15:53]: "The opening credit sequence... I'll follow this anywhere."
• Ben Stiller [29:19]: "Experimenting with Steadicam for episode nine was daunting."
• Adam Scott [20:03]: "Making strong creative choices over five years without immediate feedback was terrifying."

This episode serves as a treasure trove for fans seeking a deeper understanding of Severance, offering exclusive insights into its creation, character dynamics, and the creative minds behind the show. Whether you're a seasoned viewer or new to the series, this detailed breakdown enhances your appreciation of the intricate world-building and storytelling that defines Severance.