Apple TV+’s psychological thriller “Severance” made an immediate impact with its visually striking aesthetic and enigmatic office landscape. But the series’ unique atmosphere isn’t just a product of set design and lighting—it’s deeply rooted in its choice of filming locations. Fans and casual viewers alike have been captivated by “Severance”’s unsettling blend of corporate monotony and surrealist dread, prompting widespread curiosity: Where is “Severance” filmed, and how do these places contribute to the show’s haunting world-building?
Creating Lumon Industries: The Search for the Perfect Corporate Labyrinth
Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey: The Iconic Exterior
The exterior of Lumon Industries, where the show’s central drama unfolds, is almost a character in itself. Those looming, mirrored curves—reflecting both sky and uncertainty—were not CG magic. In fact, the exterior is the former Bell Labs Holmdel Complex in Holmdel, New Jersey. Designed in the 1960s by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, Bell Labs is renowned as a mid-century modernist masterpiece and remains an icon of American design.
The building’s legacy as a hub of innovation dovetails with “Severance”’s corporate themes. During the show’s production, the austere, reflective facade was integral in crafting Lumon’s inscrutable identity.
“The Bell Labs complex gave us a kind of visual shorthand for authority and isolation,” noted production designer Jeremy Hindle. “You see it, and immediately feel both impressed and locked out.”
Despite renovations to transform Bell Works (the complex’s current incarnation) into a tech hub and retail center, these exteriors continue to fiercely evoke the cold, anonymous might of a powerful corporation—perfect for Lumon.
The Maze Within: Designing Lumon’s Office Interiors
Instead of relying on existing interiors, “Severance” constructed much of Lumon’s office world on sound stages. The main office floor—the endless mazes of white hallways and brutalist lighting—was built at York Studios in the Bronx, New York. Here, the production could manipulate every angle and corridor, heightening both the claustrophobia and surreal detachment that defines much of Mark Scout’s (Adam Scott) journey.
The modular set design drew inspiration from real-life corporate offices but pushed them into the uncanny valley:
- Stark fluorescence and lack of windows contribute to a sense of timelessness.
- Endless hallways make the environment feel both familiar and dreamlike.
- Cubicle layouts emphasize social isolation.
The interiors cleverly amplified the sense of psychological separation—the very core of “severance”—by making even simple walks to the break room feel labyrinthine and unmooring.
Beyond the Office: Real-World Locations Filtering into Lumon’s World
Nyack and Other Hudson Valley Environs
Several pivotal scenes, particularly those depicting the characters’ lives outside Lumon, were filmed across the Hudson Valley region of New York. The town of Nyack provided the sleepy, indistinct suburban backdrop for the Mark’s home and neighborhood. The area’s mix of modest homes and lush, slightly-overgrown trees echo the show’s frequent tension between suburban normalcy and lurking unease.
Beyond Nyack, “Severance” made use of:
- Beacon and Tarrytown, two other scenic Hudson River towns, for scenes involving public spaces and character environments.
- Rural stretches, forests, and backroads that reinforce the series’ themes of isolation and hidden complexity.
Baird Creek: Nature as Escape and Metaphor
Throughout season one, nature frequently acts as a backdrop for the characters’ fleeting moments of freedom. Outdoor scenes—like Helly’s desperate escapes and Mark’s reflective walks—were filmed in publicly accessible park spaces in New Jersey and upstate New York. These moments serve as stark counterpoints to the oppressive geometry of Lumon’s halls.
Why the Locations Matter: Visual Language and Storytelling Impact
The Evolution of Corporate Architecture on Screen
“Severance” stands out by channeling both nostalgia and discomfort through architecture. By using the Bell Labs complex—a real-world monument to human ingenuity and ambition—the show grounds its speculative fiction in tangible history. This approach aligns it with recent trends in prestige television, where production designers leverage real spaces to evoke emotional authenticity and deeper thematic resonance.
Series like “Mr. Robot” and “Succession” have also employed distinctive corporate architecture for storytelling power, while “Severance” amplifies its surreal quality by pairing the familiar with the unsettling.
Real-World Influence and Fan Pilgrimages
The filming locations have captivated viewers to such an extent that Bell Works in Holmdel has become a minor pilgrimage site for fans. Queries about “where is Severance filmed” have surged on social media, with visitors often posting selfies in front of the famous glass panels, a testament to the show’s power in blending the tangible and the uncanny.
Balancing Art Direction with Real-World Practicality
Behind the scenes, choosing historically significant locations like Bell Labs wasn’t just about striking visuals. There were logistical advantages as well:
- Ease of controlling access during the pandemic filming era.
- Room for set construction and large-scale camera work.
- Proximity to New York’s talent base.
This thoughtful approach underscores how “Severance” harmonized creative ambition with logistical reality.
Conclusion: How Filming Locations Deepen “Severance”’s Impact
The locations behind “Severance” are more than scenic backdrops; they’re foundational to the series’ emotional and thematic depth. From the imposing glass of Bell Labs to the constructed dreamscape of York Studios, the show’s settings embody its core ideas of separation, control, and the search for meaning. For fans and critics alike, understanding where “Severance” is filmed doesn’t just satisfy curiosity—it opens up new ways to appreciate the artistry and intent layered into every frame.
FAQs
Where is the Lumon Industries building in “Severance” located in real life?
The exterior of Lumon Industries is the Bell Labs Holmdel Complex (now Bell Works) in Holmdel, New Jersey. This location is a renowned example of modernist architecture designed by Eero Saarinen.
Are the indoor office scenes at Lumon filmed in an actual building?
No, the distinctive interiors of Lumon were constructed on sound stages at York Studios in the Bronx, New York. Set designers created the maze-like corridors and workspaces to fit the show’s storytelling needs.
What other real-life locations appear in “Severance”?
Scenes set outside the office—including Mark’s home and town—were filmed in Nyack, Beacon, and other parts of New York’s Hudson Valley. Outdoor escape sequences used local parks and wooded areas in New Jersey and upstate New York.
Can fans visit the main filming locations?
Yes, fans can visit the Bell Works complex in Holmdel, New Jersey, which is open to the public and has become popular among followers of the show. However, the office interiors are constructed sets and not accessible on-site.
Why were these locations chosen for the series?
Producers sought out buildings with a unique corporate, retro-futuristic feel and practical advantages for filming. Bell Labs and the constructed sets allowed for both aesthetic impact and production control.
