Severance season 2 has faced numerous setbacks and delays since it was first announced.

Now, three years later, the wait for Severance season 2 is almost over, and most critics have nothing but positive things to say about the show's second batch of episodes. All critics have been asked not to reveal any major story elements from season 2, but Graeme Guttman assures fans in his review for Severance season 1 finale.

What Critics Are Saying About Severance Season 2

Prepare For An Unpredictable, Character-Focused New Season

A major focus in many of the reviews is the Severance cast of characters. In her review for EW, Kristen Baldwin praises the way the show makes "two distinct and worthy individuals" out of each severed character. Anchoring this character work, Baldwin says, are "nuanced performances of the series' stellar leads." Alison Herman's review for Variety is also glowing, and she praises the show not just for the confident unfolding of the central mystery at its core, but for being a "vibe-forward experience" that sustains "an eerie sense of unreality" with "deceptive ease."

In her review for Collider, Carly Lane writes that Severance season 2 makes "an incredibly strong case for itself as one of the best shows of the year, again," due to the ways in which it unveils answers regarding Lumon while also raising yet more questions. Jeremy Mathai writes in his review for SlashFilm that season 2 is "bolder and more confident," but also warns viewers against treating the show like "a puzzle to be solved," saying that the best experience watching the new episodes will come from leaving any "preconceptions at the elevator door."

Though not yet confirmed by Apple, creator Dan Erickson has expressed interest in making Severance season 3 and beyond.

Severance Season 2 Looks Like A Strong Return

But Not All Reviews Are Glowing

Writing for The Wrap, Bob Strauss also shares an enthusiastic review for Severance season 2, singling out Scott's performance as "the most powerful portrayal since Bill Hader's 'Barry' of a disoriented soul by an actor who's also the show's key comedian." Mark and the other characters really shine because season 2 spends much more time with them outside Lumon, and Katie Doll writes for CBR that "getting to know the Outies drives home the psychological damage that Lumon has caused."

The response to Severance season 2 hasn't been glowing across the board, however, and Samantha Nelson's review for IGN is far more lukwarm. She writes that season 2 "falters by holding too tightly to its secrets, leaning too heavily on vibes, and getting its 10-episode second season off to an agonizingly slow start." Despite this outlier, it certainly looks like Severance season 2 will be a win for audiences when it premieres later this month.

Severance season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

Source: Various (see above)