The following contains minor spoilers forSeveranceseason two, episode one, “Hello, Ms. Cobel”)
When the first season ofSeverancewas released on Apple TV+ back in 2022, it wasn’t exactly a surefire success. It had a big name director in Ben Stiller andrecognizable faces like Adam Scott, Christopher Walken,and Patricia Arquette, but it was from an untested creator and premiering on an underutilized streaming service. Even with all the talent in front of and behind the camera, there was no guarantee the series would end up becoming the hit that it did.
Now, three years later, the long-awaited second season is a different story. Expectations are sky-high for season two, particularly after such a long wait, and the success of the first season likely means that more big-name actors are sliding into Stiller’s DMs wanting to get in on the action. The season premiere “Hello, Ms. Cobel” has already given fans a couple cameos, and while these can make for a fun surprise for viewers, relying too heavily on unexpected casting to boost fan engagement can end up having unintended consequences. For a cautionary tale,Severanceneed only look to one of its fellow acclaimed series of the moment, FX’sThe Bear.
Severance’sCelebrity Cameos
Severancehas only aired one episode of its second season so far, but it’s already had a few cameos, introducing new innies played by the likes of Alia Shawkat and Bob Balaban, who may or may not ever be seen again. But the biggest surprise casting came from none other than Keanu Reeves as the voice of the Lumon administrative building, cheerily narrating the “Lumon is Listening” animated video. Reeves was uncredited for his work in the scene, but his instantly recognizable voice was quickly sniffed out by fans, and it didn’t take long for the news to get everywhere.
Balaban and Shawkat might not be quite as ubiquitous as Keanu Reeves, but they’re still well-known by a lot of TV fans, their presence providing that quick dopamine hit of recognition. Taking a peek at the cast list for season two or watching a preview shows that viewers will soon be introduced to the likes ofGame of Thrones’Gwendolyn Christie,Fringe’sJohn Noble, andThe Walking Dead’sMerritt Wever in future episodes. At this point, it’s unclear how substantial their roles will be, but it’s likely the creators still have some surprises in store.
These cameos can be a lot of fun, a reward for eagle-eyed (or -eared) viewers and a subtle validation of the show’s success. But if overused, they can end up distracting from the world of the show, particularly for one with such a carefully crafted sense of unreality asSeverance.Placing the voice of Lumon as Reeves' unmistakable vocal register was an enjoyable moment, but couldn’t help but take viewers out of the scene, at least momentarily. For a show likeSeverancewhere every moment counts, these kinds of distractions can add up quickly.
The Bear:a Cautionary Tale
For an example of a show that went too far into cameos to its own detriment, look no further than FX’s critically-beloved, awards-devouring restaurant dramedyThe Bear.Its first season was not unlikeSeverance,an original series by an unknown creator that ended up becoming a smash hit for its exemplary quality and novel presentation. It drastically raised the profile of recognizable TV actors like Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss Bachrach, and Ayo Edebiri, turning them from more niche celebrities to bona fide movie stars.
So by the time season two rolled around, creator Christopher Storer and the creative team had a much bigger platform in Hollywood, allowing them to cast more well-known actors likeJamie Lee Curtis, John Mulaney,Bob Odenkirk, and Olivia Colman in comparatively small roles. It seemed like a lot of actors were happy just to be involved withThe Bearin some form, taking on a guest role for an episode or two but not infiltrating the main cast.
These additions also made for fun surprises at first, particularly in season two’s flashback episode “Fishes,” which offered a tidal wave of famous faces. But by the time John Cena showed up as another lovably goofy Fak brother in season three, the use of celebrity guests felt stretched a little thin. Cena is anentertaining actor to watch, but his presence ended up feeling like more of a gimmick than a deliberate casting choice.The Bearfeels like a fundamentally small-scale show for its claustrophobic setting and realist tone, so A-listers like Cena don’t feel like a true part of that world.
Severancedoesn’t have to worry about realism in the same way asThe Bear,so a celebrity or two might not throw off the balance too much. But to maintain thesense of mystery and uncanny intriguethat are so central to the series, they should avoid going fullThe Bearand keep the cameos to a minimum. Keanu gets a pass, though.
