The Bell Works building, a mid-20th-century architectural marvel designed by Eero Saarinen, has long served as the filming location for Lumon’s exterior and lobby in Severance. For this event, Apple TV+ went all out, recreating key sets from the show’s subterranean office environment. Fans explored meticulously detailed replicas of Mark Scout’s cubicle, the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) floor, and the unsettling break room, complete with ominous posters and scattered office relics like Helly R.’s desk. The atmosphere was heightened by ambient jazz, a glowing Kier Eagan wall, and an operational Severance elevator bank—staples of the show’s haunting aesthetic.
Attendees received official blue Lumon Access cards upon arrival, greeted by the unnervingly cheerful Miss Huang (played by Sarah Bock). Gourmet Belgian waffle and melon bars—a nod to the show’s bizarre corporate perks—added a playful yet eerie touch. A screening of the season two finale further ramped up the tension, pulling fans deeper into the world of “innies” and “outies.”
Star Power and Creative Insights
The event wasn’t just about set dressing—it packed a punch with celebrity presence. Stephen Colbert moderated a live panel featuring creator Dan Erickson, executive producer and director Ben Stiller, and a stacked cast: Adam Scott (Mark Scout), Britt Lower (Helly R./Helena), John Turturro (Irving), Zach Cherry (Dylan), Dichen Lachman (Ms. Casey), Tramell Tillman (Milchick), Sarah Bock (Miss Huang), Jen Tullock (Devon Scout-Hale), Michael Chernus (Ricken Hale), Gwendoline Christie (Lorne), and Olafur Darri Olafsson (Drummond). The discussion offered fans a rare glimpse into the making of the Emmy-winning series, which has captivated audiences with its blend of psychological thriller and workplace satire.
Adding to the spectacle, Emmy-winning composer Theodore Shapiro performed the Severance theme live, a chilling yet mesmerizing highlight that underscored the show’s cultural impact. These moments turned the ORTBO into more than a fan gathering—it became a celebration of Severance’s unique storytelling and its growing legacy.
Why It Matters to Fans
For tech users and Severance enthusiasts, this event was a chance to step inside a world that’s both futuristic and unsettlingly relatable. The series follows Mark Scout and his team at Lumon Industries, where employees undergo a severance procedure that surgically splits their work and personal memories. Season two, now streaming on Apple TV+, delves into the consequences of breaching that barrier, delivering a mix of mystery and emotional depth that’s earned critical acclaim—including 14 Emmy nominations for its debut season.
This activation reflects Apple’s knack for immersive marketing, tying into the show’s themes of corporate control and identity in a way that resonates with viewers. By bringing Lumon to life, Apple TV+ not only rewarded its dedicated fanbase but also reinforced Severance’s status as a standout in its streaming lineup. The service, priced at $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial, continues to leverage such events to build buzz and loyalty.
A Nod to the Show’s Roots
The choice of Bell Works wasn’t random—it’s a real-world tech landmark with a history of innovation, once home to Bell Labs researchers who won Nobel Prizes. Today, 98% leased to companies like Cisco and Nvidia, it’s a bustling “metroburb” that contrasts sharply with Lumon’s sterile isolation. That juxtaposition made it the perfect stage for an event that turned a fictional biotech firm into a tangible experience, leaving fans eager for what’s next as Severance heads into its third season.
