Unveiling Lumon: Where Exactly Is Severance Filmed?

The Apple TV+ hit series, *Severance*, has captivated audiences worldwide with its chilling premise, stark aesthetic, and profound exploration of identity and corporate control. As viewers delve deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of Lumon Industries, a burning question often emerges: where is *Severance* filmed? The show’s unique visual style and unsettling atmosphere are meticulously crafted, and much of that comes down to its carefully selected filming locations, which play a crucial role in bringing the fictional, yet terrifyingly real, world of Lumon to life.

From the sterile, endless hallways of the severed floor to the eerily mundane suburban homes of the "outies," every frame of *Severance* feels deliberate and purposeful. This article will take you on a journey behind the scenes, exploring the real-world places that serve as the backdrop for this acclaimed science fiction psychological thriller. We'll uncover how the production team transformed ordinary locations into the unsettling world of Kier, a fictional state referred to only as the abbreviated "PE," and shed light on the creative choices that make *Severance* such a visually compelling and unforgettable series.

The Eerie Allure of Lumon's World: Crafting *Severance*'s Unique Aesthetic

*Severance* isn't just a show; it's an experience. The series thrusts viewers into a world where work-life balance is taken to an extreme, with employees undergoing a surgical procedure that severs their work memories from their personal lives. This creates two distinct consciousnesses within one body: the "innie" who only knows life within Lumon, and the "outie" who has no recollection of their job. This high-concept premise is amplified by the show's meticulously crafted visual aesthetic, which blends retro-futurism with a sterile, almost oppressive modernism. The production design, helmed by Jeremy Hindle, plays a pivotal role in establishing the unsettling tone. Every element, from the fluorescent lighting to the muted color palette and the vast, empty spaces, contributes to a feeling of isolation and corporate control. This visual language is crucial for immersing the audience in the psychological thriller aspects of the series, making the question of **where is *Severance* filmed** even more intriguing, as the real-world locations must seamlessly transform into this unique fictional universe. The series is set in Kier, the fictional creepy town subsidized by the mysterious Lumon Industries. While Kier is a creation of the show's narrative, its visual representation draws heavily from real locations, imbuing the fictional setting with a tangible, almost palpable sense of dread and mystery. The architecture often feels timeless, a blend of mid-century corporate design and something more sinister and cult-like. This deliberate choice in visual storytelling ensures that the environment itself becomes a character, subtly influencing the narrative and the emotional state of the characters, particularly Mark Scout (Adam Scott), Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, and Tramell Tillman, who navigate Lumon's perplexing world.

— Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller: The Minds Behind the Mystery

The vision for *Severance* originates from its creator, Dan Erickson, who penned the original script. His unique concept of work-life separation caught the attention of executive producer and primarily director, Ben Stiller. Stiller's directorial hand is evident throughout the series, particularly in its precise framing, deliberate pacing, and the way he extracts nuanced performances from the cast. The American science fiction psychological thriller television series *Severance* was produced by Dan Erickson and directed by Aoife McArdle and Ben Stiller. This collaborative effort between Erickson's inventive storytelling and Stiller's keen directorial eye has resulted in a show that is not only thought-provoking but also visually stunning. Their shared commitment to the show's distinct aesthetic meant that the choice of filming locations was paramount, ensuring that the physical spaces reinforced the psychological themes. The meticulous attention to detail, from the production design to the actual places **where *Severance* is filmed**, contributes significantly to its critical acclaim and immersive quality.

Where is *Severance* Filmed? Unpacking the Core Locations

For fans eager to understand the magic behind the unsettling atmosphere of Lumon Industries and the eerie normalcy of Kier, the question of **where is *Severance* filmed** is central. The answer reveals a strategic use of real-world locations that perfectly capture the show's unique tone. The filming of *Severance* takes place on location, mainly in New York and New Jersey. This geographical proximity allowed the production team to seamlessly blend diverse settings, creating a cohesive yet fragmented world that mirrors the severed minds of its characters. Principal photography on the first season commenced in October 2020 and lasted for several months, transforming various sites into the show's iconic backdrops. Now back for the second season, *Severance* was filmed primarily between the Hudson Valley, NY, and New Jersey, continuing to leverage the distinct architectural and natural landscapes these regions offer. The choice of these states is not arbitrary. Both New York and New Jersey offer a rich tapestry of architectural styles, from mid-century corporate buildings that lend themselves to Lumon's anachronistic design, to quiet, suburban neighborhoods that evoke a sense of unsettling calm. The blend of urban and rural settings also allows the show to contrast the claustrophobic confines of Lumon with the seemingly free, yet equally controlled, lives of the "outies." This deliberate selection of filming sites contributes immensely to the show's ability to create an "otherworldly" feel, even when depicting seemingly ordinary places.

New York's Hudson Valley: A Canvas for Corporate Dystopia

While New Jersey is a prominent filming location for *Severance*, many of the show's notable landmarks were captured in Kingston in New York State. The Hudson Valley, with its mix of historical architecture, natural beauty, and quiet towns, provides an ideal canvas for the show's contrasting worlds. The region's ability to offer both stark, imposing structures and serene, almost isolated natural settings makes it perfect for depicting both the corporate sprawl of Lumon and the detached lives of its employees. The show's creators masterfully utilize these environments to enhance the narrative, blurring the lines between the familiar and the deeply unsettling. The aesthetic of the Hudson Valley, often characterized by its unique blend of industrial heritage and picturesque landscapes, proves to be an invaluable asset in establishing the distinctive visual identity of *Severance*.

— Kingston, NY: Notable Landmarks and Architectural Echoes

Kingston, a city steeped in history within Ulster County, New York, provided several key locations that became synonymous with *Severance*. Its unique blend of old and new architecture, coupled with a certain quiet charm, allowed the production team to find buildings that could convincingly portray both the mundane and the mysterious. The city's downtown area, with its varied architectural styles, offered versatile backdrops for scenes involving the "outie" lives of characters like Mark Scout. The ability to find structures that felt both contemporary and subtly anachronistic was crucial for maintaining *Severance*'s distinctive visual tone. The integration of these real-world landmarks into the fictional universe of Kier further grounds the show's fantastical elements, making the corporate dystopia feel chillingly plausible.

— Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Nature's Bleak Beauty

Beyond urban settings, *Severance* also utilizes the natural landscapes of the Hudson Valley to great effect. One particularly memorable location is Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County, New York. This stunning park, known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, provided the backdrop for some of the show's most visually striking outdoor scenes. Specifically, Awosting Falls was used as the Woe's Hollow waterfall, a significant landmark in the show's mythology. The juxtaposition of the park's natural beauty with the show's dark themes creates a powerful visual contrast, highlighting the characters' longing for freedom and connection to a world beyond Lumon's walls. The raw, untamed nature of Minnewaska offers a stark counterpoint to the sterile, controlled environment of the severed floor, emphasizing the psychological toll of Lumon's practices. It's a testament to the show's art direction that even a place of such natural splendor can be imbued with a sense of melancholic beauty that perfectly fits the narrative.

New Jersey: The Unseen Backbone of Lumon Industries

Though New York's Hudson Valley provides many of the more picturesque and distinct exterior shots, New Jersey served as a crucial, if often less visible, backbone for the production of *Severance*. The state offers a wide array of industrial parks, corporate campuses, and suburban neighborhoods that are ideal for depicting the sprawling, yet often nondescript, environment of Lumon Industries and the surrounding town of Kier. The filming of *Severance* relies heavily on these diverse settings to build its immersive world. Many of the show's interior sets, particularly those depicting the vast, echoing hallways and sterile offices of Lumon, were likely constructed within sound stages located in New Jersey, utilizing the state's robust film infrastructure. This allows for controlled environments where the specific, anachronistic design elements of Lumon could be meticulously crafted. The subtle architecture and general atmosphere of parts of New Jersey, particularly its older corporate buildings and planned communities, lend themselves well to the show's aesthetic. They evoke a sense of established, almost timeless corporate presence, which perfectly aligns with Lumon's long and mysterious history. The seamless integration of these New Jersey locations with the New York sites ensures that the fictional state of "PE" feels like a real, albeit deeply unsettling, place. The show's ability to transform these ordinary locations into something so extraordinary and integral to its storytelling is a testament to the vision of its creators and the skill of its production design team. The careful selection of **where *Severance* is filmed** truly elevates the series beyond a simple narrative, turning the setting into an active participant in the psychological drama.

Unraveling the Enigma: Specific Sets and Their Real-World Counterparts

Beyond the broader regions, *Severance* features several highly specific and iconic locations that are crucial to its narrative. These include the mysterious Perpetuity Wing, the home of Lumon's enigmatic founder, Kier Eagan, and various other spaces that deepen the show's lore. The production team went to great lengths to find or create environments that would embody the show's unique blend of corporate sterility and cult-like reverence. The attention to detail in these specific sets is paramount, as they often hold clues to Lumon's secrets and the true nature of the severance procedure. Understanding the real-world inspirations or constructions behind these sets further enhances appreciation for the show's masterful world-building.

— The Perpetuity Wing and Kier Eagan's Home

The Perpetuity Wing, a museum-like space within Lumon dedicated to the Eagan family and their history, is one of the most visually striking and narratively significant locations in *Severance*. As described in Thrillist, scenes in the Perpetuity Wing were filmed in an unknown museum in The Bronx. This choice of a real museum space lends an authentic, institutional feel to the wing, making its exhibits and pronouncements about Kier Eagan's philosophy all the more imposing. The vast, echoing halls and carefully curated displays within this museum setting perfectly capture the cult-like reverence surrounding Lumon's founder. Adding another layer to the Eagan family's mystique, the Kier Eagan home was actually part of an exhibit at The Hudson. This innovative use of an existing exhibit rather than a traditional set or location further blurs the lines between reality and the show's meticulously constructed fiction. It speaks to the show's commitment to finding unique spaces that inherently carry a sense of history and gravitas, fitting for the ancestral home of a corporate titan. These specific locations are critical for establishing the profound, almost religious, devotion that Lumon demands from its employees, and they are key pieces in the puzzle of **where *Severance* is filmed** and how its world is built.

The Production Journey: From Concept to Screen

The journey of *Severance* from Dan Erickson's initial concept to a critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series was a meticulous process, heavily influenced by the choices made in its production. Principal photography on the first season commenced in October 2020, amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, and lasted for a significant period. The series, an American science fiction psychological thriller television series created by Dan Erickson, and executive produced and primarily directed by Ben Stiller, required a dedicated team to bring its complex narrative and distinctive visual style to life. The production involved a seamless collaboration between the creative minds, the cast—including Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, and Patricia Arquette—and the technical crews. The decision to film on location, mainly in New York and New Jersey, meant navigating various logistical complexities. However, the benefits of utilizing real environments to enhance the show's authenticity and atmosphere clearly outweighed these challenges. The production team's ability to transform everyday locations into the unsettling world of Lumon Industries is a testament to their vision and skill. Each scene, whether it's Mark Scout leading his team at Lumon Industries or the team discovering troubling revelations, is carefully framed to maximize its psychological impact. The meticulous planning involved in choosing **where *Severance* is filmed** allowed the directors, Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, to maintain a consistent and compelling visual language throughout the series, which is crucial for a show that relies so heavily on its unique aesthetic to convey its themes.

The Impact and Acclaim: Why *Severance* Resonates

*Severance* has not only captivated audiences but has also garnered significant critical acclaim, winning two Emmy® Awards and becoming one of the most acclaimed shows on Apple TV+. Its success can be attributed to a multitude of factors: its compelling premise, stellar performances, intricate plot, and, undoubtedly, its unique visual identity, which is heavily influenced by **where *Severance* is filmed**. The show masterfully taps into contemporary anxieties about work-life balance, corporate power, and the nature of identity in an increasingly dehumanized world. Mark Scout (Adam Scott) leads a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees undergo the severance procedure, making their journey of discovery profoundly resonant. The series' ability to create a world that feels both familiar and utterly alien is a major draw. The sterile, almost retro-futuristic design of Lumon, juxtaposed with the mundane suburban lives of the "outies," creates a powerful commentary on modern existence. This visual storytelling, supported by the deliberate choice of filming locations, enhances the psychological thriller elements, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as Mark forms a shaky alliance in his quest to discover the truth about their jobs. The critical reception, as evidenced by Season 1 on Rotten Tomatoes, with its high critic and audience scores, further solidifies *Severance*'s status as a must-watch series. Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for *Severance* and stay updated with critic and audience scores today! The show's ability to spark conversations about autonomy, memory, and the very definition of self is a testament to its profound impact.

Looking Ahead: *Severance* Season 2 and Beyond

After an explosive season one finale, *Severance* will be returning for season two, and fans are eagerly anticipating what new revelations and twists await. Apple TV+ has officially renewed its hit psychological thriller *Severance* for season 3, a clear indication of its widespread success and the confidence the platform has in its continued narrative. The workplace thriller that has captivated audiences is set to delve deeper into the mysteries of Lumon Industries and the lives of its severed employees. The return for season two means that the production team will once again be utilizing the familiar, yet ever-evolving, landscapes of the Hudson Valley, NY, and New Jersey to continue building Lumon's world. The continuation of the series promises to explore more facets of the severance procedure, the enigmatic Eagan family, and the potential for the "innies" and "outies" to truly connect. As the narrative expands, it's possible that new filming locations might be introduced, further enriching the visual tapestry of the show. However, the core aesthetic established in season one, heavily reliant on the specific architectural and natural environments found in New York and New Jersey, is likely to remain central. Fans can find out more about *Severance*, including details on the cast, how to watch, and when new episodes drop, as the anticipation builds for what promises to be another compelling chapter in this groundbreaking series. The continued exploration of **where *Severance* is filmed** will remain a point of fascination for those who appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship behind this unique television experience.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Lumon's Locations

*Severance* stands as a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, where every visual element contributes to its profound narrative. The question of **where is *Severance* filmed** reveals a deliberate and strategic choice of locations in New York and New Jersey, particularly the Hudson Valley and specific sites in Kingston, NY, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. These real-world places have been expertly transformed into the fictional, yet chillingly tangible, world of Lumon Industries and the eerie town of Kier. The seamless blend of corporate sterility, mid-century modernism, and unsettling natural beauty creates an immersive experience that is both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking. The collaborative vision of creator Dan Erickson and executive producer/director Ben Stiller, combined with the talents of the cast and crew, has resulted in a series that transcends typical science fiction. It’s a workplace thriller that has captivated audiences, prompting introspection on work-life balance, corporate ethics, and the very essence of human identity. As *Severance* continues to unravel its mysteries in upcoming seasons, the physical spaces it inhabits will undoubtedly remain a crucial component of its enduring appeal. What are your thoughts on the real-world locations used in *Severance*? Did any particular spot stand out to you? Share your insights in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with fellow fans who are curious about the secrets behind Lumon's world! For more deep dives into your favorite shows and their production secrets, explore other articles on our site.
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