Are you, like me, still reeling from that mind-bending season one finale of “Severance”? I know I am! With season two still a ways off, I’ve been scouring the streaming services for shows that can scratch that same itch.
Well, look no further – I’ve compiled a list of 9 brilliant shows that are sure to tide you over until we can return to the twisted world of Lumon Industries. From dark comedies to thought-provoking sci-fi, these picks have that same addictive blend of mystery, suspense, and social commentary that made “Severance” such a hit.
So grab your favourite snacks, settle in, and get ready to dive into some seriously mind-bending television. Let’s get started, shall we?
1. Homecoming (2018-2020)
If you loved the way “Severance” peeled back the layers of corporate corruption, then “Homecoming” is a must-watch. This psychological thriller follows a caseworker at a mysterious facility that’s supposed to be helping veterans transition back to civilian life. But as she starts to uncover the truth, things take a decidedly dark turn. With Julia Roberts in the lead role, it’s a gripping, stylish ride from start to finish.
2. Devs (2020)
“Devs” is the brainchild of acclaimed filmmaker Alex Garland, and it’s every bit as cerebral and visually stunning as you’d expect. It centres on a software engineer who begins investigating the secretive quantum computing division at the company she works for, after her boyfriend’s sudden death. Prepare to have your mind blown as the show delves into questions of free will, determinism, and the nature of reality itself.
3. Maniac (2018)
For another trippy, reality-bending adventure, look no further than “Maniac”. This limited series stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as two strangers who sign up for a mysterious pharmaceutical trial that promises to solve all their problems. As they navigate the surreal, dreamlike world of the experiment, the line between fantasy and reality becomes increasingly blurred. It’s a wild ride, but one that’s anchored by some truly poignant character work.
4. Mr. Robot (2015-2019)
If you’re craving more of that corporate conspiracy vibe, “Mr. Robot” is an absolute must-watch. Following a brilliant but unstable hacker who gets recruited by an underground group to take down an evil conglomerate, it’s a thrilling, stylish exploration of power, control, and the human cost of revolution. Rami Malek’s intense, Oscar-winning performance is worth the price of admission alone.
5. Westworld (2016-2022)
HBO’s “Westworld” is another high-concept sci-fi series that shares DNA with “Severance”. Set in a futuristic theme park where guests can live out their wildest fantasies, it delves into questions of consciousness, free will, and the nature of humanity. With its stunning visuals, complex storytelling, and stellar ensemble cast, it’s a must-watch for any fan of cerebral, thought-provoking sci-fi.
6. Counterpart (2017-2018)
“Counterpart” is a hidden gem that deserves way more attention. It follows a low-level bureaucrat who discovers that his organization is hiding a gateway to a parallel dimension. As he gets drawn into the web of intrigue on both sides, the show explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of our choices. It’s a gripping, intelligent thriller that’s over far too soon.
7. Dollhouse (2009-2010)
Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” may have been short-lived, but it’s a cult classic for a reason. It follows a group of people whose memories and personalities have been wiped, allowing them to be “imprinted” with new identities to serve the whims of the wealthy and powerful. As the protagonist starts to uncover the dark truth behind the Dollhouse, it becomes a thrilling exploration of free will, consent, and the commodification of the human mind.
8. Upload (2020-present)
For a slightly more lighthearted take on the intersection of technology and the human experience, check out “Upload”. Set in a future where the wealthy can “upload” their consciousness to a luxurious digital afterlife, it follows a young man who finds himself navigating this new reality after a sudden death. It’s a witty, thought-provoking satire that will have you laughing and pondering the ethics of technology in equal measure.
9. Dark (2017-2020)
If you’re in the mood for a mind-bending, time-travelling mystery, look no further than “Dark“. This German series follows the disappearance of two children in a small town, which sets off a chain of events that spans multiple generations and timelines. With its intricate, puzzle-like storytelling and haunting atmosphere, it’s a must-watch for fans of complex, cerebral sci-fi.
There you have it – 9 shows that are sure to scratch that “Severance” itch while we wait for season two. So grab the remote, get cozy, and prepare to have your mind well and truly blown. Happy binging!
