Adapted by:
John Tones
WriterI've been writing about culture for twenty-something years and, at Xataka, I cover everything related to movies, video games, TV shows, comics, and pop culture.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Several notable connections exist between Severance, Apple TV+’s dystopian hit, and real life. One example is the real-life unsettling physical design of the show’s offices, which reflects a nightmarish vision of corporate brutalism. Additionally, the company Lumon shares its name with a real business that has had to clarify that it doesn’t implant chips in its employees’ heads like the one on TV.
Fictional Lumon. The Severance premise is straightforward. A company with an unknown (and suspicious) purpose offers its employees a complete separation between work and leisure. After undergoing surgery, an employee’s working persona doesn’t retain memories of their life outside. Meanwhile, their personal self lacks any recollection of work.
This concept of strict work-life separation speaks to anyone who’s had a 9-to-5 job. The sterile and enigmatic aesthetic of Lumon’s retro, synthetic-finished offices further reinforces this idea, which is likely why fans are captivated by it.
Real-life Lumon. For its part, the non-fictional Lumon specializes in “converting unused terraces and balconies into inspiring and versatile glazed living spaces. Lumon has over one million satisfied customers across the globe.” In other words, the real Lumon is a balcony glazing business.
It’s performing well, with a turnover of $208 million in 2022 and more than 1,300 employees. Originally known as Pohjois-Karjalan Lasipalvelu Ky, its roots trace back to 1978 in Finland. It started as a window renovation company until it transitioned to glazing in 1990.
Lumon is currently thriving. The real company operates several offices worldwide and extends its reach to more than 20 countries, including the U.S. Despite its international success, Lumon has had to post a disclaimer on its website to clarify the distinction between real-life Lumon Group and fictional Lumon Industries. “We have the same name as an antagonistic corporation from one of the biggest streaming series of all time. But that’s where the similarities stop,” the non-fictional company explains.
Severance’s Lumon exists in real life. Cinematographer Jessica Gagné tracked down a specific location after exploring numerous abandoned malls. She found an abandoned office building known as Bell Labs in Holmdel, a rural area in New Jersey. The center has since been renovated and has become a pilgrimage site for fans and influencers alike.
Lumon’s success. Apple TV+ is currently facing financial challenges. This is particularly due to its overspending on productions such as Argylle and Wolfs, which have hindered its ambitions of becoming a major player in Hollywood. However, the platform is performing somewhat better in the streaming niche, where it could solidify its position as a cult series producer. In fact, Apple recently renewed Severance for a third season, while Ted Lasso is also returning with a fourth season.
Related | The 12 Best Streaming Apps to Watch Free Movies and TV Shows
Log in to leave a comment