Apple TV’s 2-Part Dystopian Sci-Fi Series Makes Severance Look Small

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Apple TV has a new science fiction show that’s quickly becoming a standout, even overshadowing the critically acclaimed series Severance. Severance was already considered one of Apple TV+’s best shows, especially within the sci-fi genre. This is notable because Apple TV+ has built a strong reputation for quality sci-fi, with popular shows like For All Mankind, Murderbot, and Foundation.

The critical acclaim for Severance is completely deserved. The show excels in every area – its intriguing central mystery, high production values, and strong performances from the cast. The biggest frustration with Severance is the wait between seasons. Fans had to wait almost three years for season 2, and it looks like we’ll be waiting over a year for season 3 after the last episode.

Even with its initial delays, few shows compare to Severance. But Apple TV has delivered another compelling dystopian sci-fi series, Silo, that arguably surpasses it. Adapted from Hugh Howey’s novels, Silo depicts a seemingly perfect, yet deeply unsettling, underground society where secrets abound. Like Severance, it starts with a captivating mystery, but quickly expands into something much bigger and more complex.

Silo & Severance Are Both Great Sci-Fi Mystery Box Shows

Both Severance and Silo are science fiction shows built around big mysteries. A major part of what makes them appealing is the complex plot that viewers try to unravel alongside the characters. In Severance, the central mystery revolves around the secretive Lumon company and the true nature of their ‘severance’ procedure. With Silo, the mystery centers on the origins of the silo, who governs it, and what caused the apocalyptic event that forced people to live underground.

Both Silo and Severance immediately grab your attention with their central mysteries, but what truly sets them apart is how those mysteries unfold. Each show expertly reveals clues at a steady pace, allowing the audience to piece things together alongside the characters. Every episode feels significant, making it easy to become completely engrossed in the story.

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve been really into Silo and Severance. Silo is pretty straightforward with its sci-fi elements – think post-apocalypse, a controlling government, and those massive silos. If you like Fallout or The Walking Dead, you’ll probably dig it. Severance is different; its sci-fi is more subtle, especially with that whole severance procedure and everything Lumon is up to. It’s less about flashy tech and more about a weird, unsettling mystery.

Silo Has A Much Bigger Scale & Scope Than Severance

Both Severance and Silo are excellent shows, but Silo manages to feel even more expansive and ambitious. While Severance is captivating and centers on the struggles of Mark and his colleagues within a single company, its scope is fairly contained. Silo, in comparison, feels much larger in scale.

Unlike Severance, the show Silo focuses on the survival of all humankind. The central mystery revolves around why people are forced to live in giant underground silos, what happened to the Earth’s surface, and the fate of past civilizations. If Juliette can’t uncover the truth behind the silos and the disaster that occurred, millions will continue to live under oppressive control. Similarly, if Mark doesn’t understand the severance process, a small group of people will remain trapped in fragmented lives, serving a secretive organization.

The grander scope of Silo is a major strength. It builds a constant sense of tension and fear, making the powerful, hidden figures even more intimidating. The show also expands on its core mystery, creating a richer backstory than Severance, which helps maintain intrigue for a longer period. If you enjoyed Severance, Silo essentially amplifies everything that worked well in that series.

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2026-05-22 02:38