Welcome to the World of Severance
Let’s be honest—if you’ve watched Apple TV+’s “Severance,” there’s a good chance it’s haunted your dreams. The unsettling corporate dystopia, where employees willingly compartmentalize their consciousnesses into “work” and “personal” selves, is as gripping as it is eerie. But here’s the kicker: the show’s atmospheric locales are as essential to its identity as its mind-bending plot and standout performances. Want to know where the magic—or rather, the psychological terror—happens? Let’s step into the unsettling world of “Severance” filming locations.
Why Filming Locations Matter
Here’s the thing about a show like “Severance”: it’s supposed to make you feel trapped, intrigued, and a little terrified. And no green screen can capture that kind of vibe. The genius of “Severance” lies in its use of real-world locations to conjure the relentlessly sterile world of Lumon Industries and the contrast of the employees’ personal lives.
Filming locations are where storytelling and reality collide, giving us spaces that feel tangible yet distant. So, if you’ve ever felt the unnerving yet strangely aesthetic allure of Lumon’s labyrinthine offices, spoiler alert: you can actually visit some of them.
The Main Filming Locations That Shaped Severance
The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex: The Real-Life Lumon Industries
If you thought Lumon Industries was an otherworldly corporate maze created from scratch, think again. Enter the Bell Labs Holmdel Complex, located in Holmdel, New Jersey. A true icon of mid-century architectural brilliance, this building epitomizes the cold, impersonal aesthetic that “Severance” thrives on.
Designed by Eero Saarinen (the mastermind behind the Gateway Arch in St. Louis), Bell Labs is the ultimate Brutalist dream—or nightmare, depending on how you feel about concrete walls. Its vast open halls and endless symmetry immediately immerse you into Lumon’s unsettling world, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
This structure wasn’t just a practical choice; it was a creative stroke of genius. The production team worked with the space’s natural features to intensify the “Severance” atmosphere. Key scenes, like the employees wandering the seemingly infinite hallways or the infamous “break room” sequences, were brought to life here. And yes, the menacing, windowless vibe of Lumon’s offices? That’s all Saarinen’s doing.
Nyack, New York: A Slice of Normalcy
On the flip side of Lumon’s sterile walls lies Nyack, New York—a charming Hudson River town that served as the backdrop for the employees’ “outie” lives (you know, when they actually have a personality). The unassuming suburban streets and quaint homes provide a perfect contrast to the rigidity of their work lives.
Nyack features prominently in scenes detailing Mark’s life outside Lumon. His house, nestled among tree-lined streets, symbolizes his attempt to find stability. It’s an ordinary home that somehow feels tinged with unease—and that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
Fun fact: Nyack has appeared in other productions, lending its charm to films and shows. But in “Severance,” it exudes a slightly haunting yet picturesque vibe—where every corner whispers that real life might just be a little too tidy.
Beacon, New York: The Quiet Allure
Just a short drive from Nyack lies Beacon, another Hudson Valley gem that plays a subtle but significant part in the “Severance” narrative. Known for its artistic culture and scenic streets, Beacon serves as a metaphorical breath of fresh air.
Scenes depicting outie moments—those rare glimpses of humanity amidst the monotony—were filmed here. Beacon’s inviting ambiance and serene natural landscapes make it the perfect cinematic foil to Lumon’s suffocating interiors.
Beacon offers viewers a rare moment to breathe. It’s a visual escape, but like everything in “Severance,” it only reminds you the calm won’t last.
Behind the Scenes of Severance
The Architecture of Unease
If you’re wondering whether the filming locations make you feel uneasy on purpose, the answer is a resounding yes. From the spit-polished perfection of Bell Labs to the serene streets of Nyack, “Severance” relies heavily on its physical spaces to underscore its themes of division and identity.
The sterile formality of Brutalist architecture reflects Lumon’s oppressive ideology, while the organic openness of Beacon and Nyack pull the audience into the tension between freedom and control. The locations themselves tell the story—they’re not just set pieces; they’re extensions of the narrative.
Filming Challenges Worth the Effort
Real locations come with real challenges, and “Severance” is no exception. Bell Labs, with its vastness, required creative solutions to conduct filming swiftly. Golf carts were a necessity for navigating the sprawling complex. Can you imagine directors zipping around those symmetrical halls between takes? Because I can—and it’s glorious.
Meanwhile, in Nyack and Beacon, productions had to tread carefully, ensuring minimal disruption to locals while capturing every bit of the charm these towns offer. A challenge, yes—but one that more than paid off on screen.
Exploring the Locations: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
The Bell Labs Holmdel Complex: A Retro-Futuristic Landmark
Want to experience Lumon Industries for yourself? The Bell Labs Complex is not just a filming location—it’s a historic landmark that’s now a modern “metroburb.” Today, it houses co-working spaces, retail hubs, and restaurants, blending its original architectural vision with 21st-century usability.
To get the ultimate “Severance” experience, visit Bell Labs on a sunny day, when sunlight streams through its mirrored glass. And don’t forget to marvel at the sheer scale of this mid-century masterpiece, but maybe avoid wandering the hallways alone. That would be…unsettling.
Walking Through Nyack and Beacon
If a charming escape is your cup of tea, plan a trip to Nyack and Beacon. Both towns provide distinct yet complementary experiences that mirror the themes of “Severance.” Walk the streets, grab a coffee, and bask in the perfect small-town ambiance—just don’t let yourself get too comfortable. Your boss at Lumon could be watching.
While in Beacon, make time to visit its art galleries and admire the scenic Hudson River, a backdrop that showcases the dramatic beauty of the series’ outdoor scenes. And in Nyack, stroll past houses that might seem just a little too perfect. Maybe you’ll even recognize Mark’s home—though knocking on the door is definitely not advised.
Tips for Avid Film Tourists
– Respect privacy: While the towns are welcoming, many specific locations—including houses—are privately owned.
– Capture photos: Channel your inner cinematographer and document your trip, but focus on immersing yourself in the vibe, not just finding “the perfect shot.”
– Enjoy the journey: “Severance” reminds us that contrasting perspectives bring stories to life. Let your visit reflect that same duality—between the surreal and the very real.
The Real Adventure: Where Fiction Meets Reality
So, why should you care about where “Severance” was filmed? Because the show’s locations aren’t just backdrops—they’re characters with their own voices. They mirror the struggles, the dreams, and the eerie possibilities embedded within the narrative.
Whether you’re a cinephile seeking your next filming location adventure or just someone intrigued by unsettling beauty, visiting the “Severance” filming locations is your next great escape (ironically). And in the words of Lumon themselves: “Every call to adventure starts with one step.” Just don’t sever your consciousness while you’re at it.
Pack a camera, take a journal, and if inspiration strikes? Start your next great story under the hypnotic spell of these incredible locations—minus the existential crisis, hopefully. Happy exploring!