Ben Stiller Calls Himself out Over 'Severance’s’ Long Wait Between Seasons

If Ben Stiller is pointing the finger over the beloved Apple TV+ series Severance, you know he’s serious about it. Stiller, who’s the executive producer and also directs the hit show, did just that in a recent interview—only the finger-pointing was directed at himself in a self-critical moment.

Following a three-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2 of Severance, fans remain optimistic that the timeline will be far shorter as they await updates on Season 3. Stiller admitted during an interview with Vanity Fair that he looks at his "own process" while evaluating why it takes so long to create a new season of Severance.

Ben Stiller Points to 'The Bear' When Discussing Creating New Episodes of 'Severance' Ben Stiller, Quinta Brunson, and Adam Scott attend the All-Guild special screening of Apple TV+ Show 'Severance' Season 2 at DGA Theater Complex.

Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic

Comparing the processes and timelines for creating new episodes of any two shows is truly an unfair practice without considering everything that goes into each. Regardless, Stiller did admit to Vanity Fair that he wishes he could create episodes as fast as Chris Storer of The Bear.

That comparison partially led to Stiller being self-critical over Severance.

"The frustration for us was that it was taking so long, honestly," Stiller said of making new episodes/seasons. "Sometimes I look at the outside factors, which are beyond our control, but then also—I mean I won’t lie, I look at my own process too and go, 'What is it?' Chris Storer will shoot an episode in an hour and a half or something on The Bear. I’m like, “Godd---, why can’t I do that?”

Although Stiller's self-reflection on the length of time it takes him to make an episode of Severance isn't surprising, it's impossible to blame someone for striving to make something live up to their vision of it. However, it's impressive that his approach to Severance is so wildly popular because it means he did his job and did it exceptionally well.

Ben Stiller Created a Mega Hit With 'Severance and the Arrow Is Still Pointing Up

Not only has the show itself earned rave reviews from critics and fans, but the cast, which was largely put together by Stiller, earned its fair share of award nominations, as Severance is the most-nominated series of the 2025 Emmy Awards.

The show picked up 27 total nominations, including Outstanding Drama, Outstanding Lead Actor for Adam Scott, Outstanding Lead Actress for Britt Lower, Outstanding Directing for Ben Stiller and Jessica Lee Gagné and Outstanding Writing for Dan Erickson, among others.

In terms of the ratings, the critics have specifically offered endless praise for Stiller's masterpiece. Season 1 earned a 97 percent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes while Season 2 checked in at 94 percent.

The high marks came from fans as well, with Severance earning an average score of 79 percent on the fan-focused Popcornmeter, based on over 3,500 verified ratings.

Related: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Filming Takes an Unexpected Turn in Glasgow, Scotland

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Published on August 07, 2025 20:12
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