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Summary
Ben Stiller’s simple-but-golden rule forSeverancecould explain why most other major TV shows end up disappointing their fans. The Apple TV+ series' executive producer and director (of most episodes) shared insights into his process — something all major showrunners should take note of.
The much-anticipated finale ofSeveranceseason 2 premieres on June 04, 2025, and fans have been actively crafting their own theories about how it might go down.Ben Stiller, who is directing this episode as well, titled “Cold Harbor,” shared his thoughts on fan theories and their impact. These insights make a lot of sense for the future of television and streaming.
Ben Stiller Says No ToSeveranceFan Theories
Will It Protect The Show’s Creative Vision?
Ben Stiller made it clear that he’sactively avoiding allSeverancefan theories.During a SXSW panelwith Apple EVP of Services Eddy Cue, the director and executive producer discussed the dangers of catering to audience’s demands and how they can affect the creative process. While the 59-year-old filmmaker appreciatesSeverance’s overwhelmingly positive reception, he worries that fan expectations could influence decisions and lead to criticism if the show doesn’t meet them.
It’s dangerous to go there, because there are so many ideas. I check in on some of the podcasts and usually listen until they say anything that’s critical of one of the episodes. Then I stop listening to them and never listen to them again.
Stiller’s comments highlight a common issue with some of the most successful TV shows. This rings especially true for massive fandoms likeGame of Thrones, where viewers constantly speculate on upcoming episodes or seasons. While theorizing and fan fiction are important parts of TV culture, creators must ensure it doesn’t interfere with their organic storytelling process. With nearlythree years betweenSeverance’s two seasons, it was inevitable that fans would develop theories about theinner workings of Lumon Industriesand its employees.
How Fan Theories Can Ruin A Great TV Show
Past Victims IncludeLost,Westworld&Game of Thrones
Fan theories were inseparable fromGame of Thronesduring its original run. Given how the final season ended up disappointing many, one might assume that the writers changed some twists just because a section of fans figured them out beforehand. This weakens the larger story purely for the sake of making it seem unpredictable. Ironically,George R.R. Martinonce said that if fans figure out a writer’s plan, it’s a sign of good writing.
LostandWestworldare also prime examples of how fan theories can hurt creative work.Lostwas one of the first major shows to struggle with this issue. The show suffered because the writers created too many mysteries and changed direction too often, which led to a disappointing ending. Despite a groundbreaking first season,Westworldbecame too complexbecause the showrunners kept trying to stay ahead of fan theories. Some creators of these shows have even hinted or confirmed that they changed their plans because fans guessed key twists too early.
SeveranceSeason 2 Finale Fan Theories
Forums likeSeverance’sdedicated subreddit have been flooded with theories about what might happen in the second season finale. Episode 7 confirmed that Gemma is alive and being monitored in the same Lumon building where Mark and the MDR team work. This naturally gave way to theories around what Lumon really wants to achieve or create, and why their work is so secretive.
Some predictions had already come true earlier this season, such as guessing thatHelly R. was Helena Eagan, and that a severed person could be severed multiple times. Funnily, some fans believe Ricken is a goat’s Outie or an Innie, thanks to the goat-themed decor in his house and his strange friends from the first season. A more likely theory to come true is that the mysterious Cold Harbor project is about severing love, since love seems to persist despite severance.
SeveranceIs More Than Just Easter Eggs & Shocking Twists
Fan Theories Should Not Influence Series & Films
Ben Stiller’s strategy to avoidSeverancefan theoriesmight seem like a stroke of genius today, but in reality, it should be common sense. When a writer or showrunner starts considering alternate endings or fan interpretations before the story is even complete, it disrupts the organic narrative. Mystery sci-fi shows likeSeverancethrive on surprise andEaster eggs, but fans sometimes overanalyze minor details.
If a writer starts favoring fan theories over their own ideas, it can ruin the story’s flow. Changing a story because fans “figured it out” often ruins a show. Most viewers aren’t deep into fan theories; they just want a good story. In the end, a twist only matters if it still works on a rewatch. WithSeveranceseason 2, many theories predict big twists, but the show seems more focused on expanding its existing ideas rather than delivering shocking reveals.
The bottom line is thatSeverance, or any other TV show, film, or piece of media, is not a product that should be refined based on outside feedback. Test screenings and focus groups have become common in showbiz, but they shouldn’t be. Just as Ben Stiller trusts his own vision forSeverance, all creators should rely on their instincts, instead of letting art become corporate.
