Charting at number one on Apple TV, the show Severance has redefined workplace culture with its attention to one unexpected element: parties. The show’s uncanny aesthetic and puzzling plot lines have not only captivated its audience, but also inspired themed birthday parties and gatherings that bring the fictitious world to life in fan’s homes. Here’s how to throw your very own Severance watch party for the finale of season two.
What is the hype about Severance?
Directed by actor and comedian Ben Stiller (who you may know as your fav museum security guard), Severance’s first episode aired in February 2022. This sci-fi thriller unfolds in an eerily fluorescent-lit office where employees’ memories are surgically split (or “severed”) between their work and personal lives. Their workselves, known as their ‘innies,’ are trapped inside of the office, while their ‘outies’ have no clue about what goes on inside the long halls of biotech company Lumon Industries.
As excitement and hype grows with every new episode, fans are eager to bring the office vibes home. For example, Seth Milchick, newly appointed manager of the Severed Floor, boosts office morale by celebrating employee’s hard work with a fun dance party and cubed fruit — something that TikTok user @jayannlopez_ channeled in her own watch party. She and some friends committed to the Severance vibes with character-inspired costumes, props, and even Lumon-inspired food to kick off the trend.
In her caption, Jay mentioned that all of the props for her Severance party were homemade. So, here’s a guide to throwing your own Severance watch party, from decorations and entertainment to Lumon-inspired food.
Decorations
The first season’s seventh episode, “Defiant Jazz,” shed some light on Lumon’s understanding of party culture as employees celebrated Helly reaching 75 percent of her work goal. Based on Helly’s extravaganza, we know that strobe lights are an absolute must when it comes to a true Lumon party, especially when dancing is involved.
For drinks and food, utilizing disposable utensils like paper cups and plates, plastic forks, and plain napkins is not only essential to encompass a work party environment but also makes post-party cleanup way easier. Try sticking to blue and white colors when it comes to table cloths, balloons, and other decor because these are shades of Lumon’s branding.
When it comes to decorating the space and setting the tone, TikTok user @lololiviaa went all out and made blue Lumon employee lanyards with photos of her guests on them, taped quotes from the show on the walls, and even posted Milchick’s Music Experience setlist. For an extra effect, encourage guests to come in business attire.
Entertainment & Games
Severance fans know that Milchick loves a dance party, so the music has to match up with the classic Dance Experience. While you can always craft your own playlist and find Severance inspired song lists, Spotify user Finn created a playlist inspired by the show with songs that fall into the categories detailed on the Music Experience list.
While people are dancing and basking in the red and white lights, you can also have a gaming option for guests. The employees at Lumon Industries work on computers in Macrodata Refinement where they dispose of numbers into different bins based on the emotions they make the characters feel. TikTok user @samuel.hlab discovered a work simulation website which transports a player into the life of a Lumon employee. Fair warning, it’s pretty addicting.
Food & Drinks
The iconic melon bar is a staple food choice, as it frequently appears in many of the show’s celebrations. Cubed fruit always finds itself on a Lumon’s party table, but it wouldn’t be complete without the show’s infamous waffles, prepackaged snacks, and the employees’ favorite red deviled eggs, which TikTok user @joelleolol has a recipe for. After soaking the boiled eggs in beet juice to give them a red effect, Joelle mixes the yolks with mayo, dijon mustard, salt, cayenne, and a splash of vinegar before transferring them back into their outer shells.
When it comes to drinks, every office needs a water cooler with paper cups. If you want to steer clear of boring water at a party, though, TikTok user @carly.lejour suggests pineapple mocktails as an alternative.
Or, to really get the party vibes going, TikTok user @lexyjams, recommends a grapefruit cocktail recipe that her “outie” likes to drink while watching Severance.
With these Severance watch party essentials in your back pocket, you’ll be grooving under the strobe lights soon enough and celebrating just how Lumon would.