If you found yourself missing a train at Grand Central Station this week, you might have the cast of Apple TV+’s hit show “Severance” to thank.
On Tuesday, stars Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman shocked and delighted commuters when they appeared inside a giant glass cube at the iconic terminal. The setup mimicked the eerie and minimalist workstations of Lumon Industries, the shadowy corporation central to the series.
The Ultimate Pop-Up Experience
For approximately two and a half hours, starting around 4:30 p.m., the actors stayed in character as their Lumon “innies,” channeling the robotic, work-obsessed personas that fans know so well. Each star engaged in mundane office tasks with a twist, from throwing paper airplanes and sipping coffee to practicing yoga and “working” at the infamous Lumon desks.
The performance was part of an elaborate promotional event for the much-anticipated Season 2 of “Severance,” which premieres on Friday, Jan. 17.
Ben Stiller Joins the Fun
Adding to the spectacle was the show’s executive producer and director, Ben Stiller, who watched the performance like a proud parent. Stiller, 59, was seen capturing videos of the event on his phone while mingling with fans and passersby outside the cube. His presence sparked excitement among onlookers and quickly went viral online.
One TikTok user shared a video of Stiller, writing:
“Can we take a moment to acknowledge Ben Stiller filming the Severance pop-up in NYC like a proud dad?”
Fans Applaud the Clever Marketing
Social media buzzed with reactions to the unique event, with fans praising Apple TV+ for its creative marketing strategy.
- “This is awesome: the entire cast of Severance is in a giant glass cube in the middle of Grand Central Station acting out their parts,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
- Another quipped: “Apple put its four main cast members in a glass box in the middle of Grand Central Station to promote Severance. Paramount should take notes.”
- A third added: “Well played, Apple.”
‘Severance’ Season 2 Hype
The psychological thriller/sci-fi series, created by Dan Erickson, has already earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Season 1, which premiered in 2022, was nominated for an impressive 14 Emmys, winning two.
The show’s dystopian premise centers around Lumon Industries’ controversial “severance” procedure, which surgically separates employees’ work memories from their personal lives. The dark, suspenseful series explores the ethical and psychological toll of such a divide.
With its return imminent, excitement for the new season has reached a fever pitch. Fans will finally get answers to some of the cliffhangers from Season 1 as the story of Mark (played by Adam Scott) and his colleagues deepens.
What’s Next for ‘Severance’?
Season 2 of Severance is expected to delve further into the mysteries of Lumon Industries and its sinister experiments. With the cast’s commitment to immersive promotional events like this week’s Grand Central pop-up, it’s clear that Apple TV+ is pulling out all the stops to keep the momentum going.
As Season 2 of Severance gears up for its release on Apple TV+ this Friday, the innovative Grand Central Station event has only amplified the excitement surrounding the show. For fans of the series and unsuspecting commuters alike, this clever marketing stunt was an unforgettable way to bring the unsettling world of Lumon Industries to life.
