You can watch Severance through a free trial, a shared family account, or by waiting for it to air on another network
Severance is exclusive to Apple TV+, which means there is no legal way to watch it on Netflix, Hulu, or any other streaming service right now. Your options are: sign up for Apple TV+'s free trial (usually seven days), use someone else's family plan login, watch it when it airs on a cable or broadcast network if that happens, or wait until Apple's exclusive window ends—which could be years away. The show has not been announced for any other platform yet.
If you want to watch it soon without paying, a free trial is the fastest route. If you want to avoid creating a new account, borrowing a login from someone who already subscribes is straightforward, though you should check Apple's terms about account sharing first.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial that gives you full access to Severance and the entire catalog during that window.
- If someone in your household or a close friend has an Apple TV+ subscription, you can ask to use their login on a shared device or through their family plan.
- Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month for the standard plan, or $99 per year if you want to commit longer.
- Severance is not available for purchase or rental on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, or any other platform—it is exclusive to Apple TV+.
- The show has not been licensed to cable networks or other streamers yet, and no date has been announced for when that might happen.
Using the Apple TV+ Free Trial
Apple TV+ includes a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. During those seven days, you get full access to every show and movie on the platform, including all released episodes of Severance. You do not need a credit card to start the trial on some devices, though Apple will ask for payment information on others—they will not charge you if you cancel before the seven days end.
To start a trial, go to tv.apple.com or open the Apple TV app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. Sign in with your Apple ID (create one if you do not have one), and select "Start Your Free Trial." The trial clock starts when ready. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for day six so you remember to cancel if you do not want to be charged. Canceling is done in the same place you started it: Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Apple TV+ > Manage > Cancel Subscription.
Severance has two seasons so far. Season 1 has nine episodes, and Season 2 has ten. You can watch them back-to-back during your trial, though you will need to finish both seasons within seven days to avoid being charged for a month.
Borrowing a Login from Someone Else's Account
If a family member, friend, or roommate already pays for Apple TV+, you can watch Severance on their account. The simplest way is to ask them to sign in on a shared device—a TV in your home, a tablet, or a computer—and leave it signed in. You can then open the Apple TV app and watch without needing their password each time.
Apple TV+ also allows family sharing through iCloud Family. If the account holder has set up Family Sharing, they can invite you as a family member, and you will get your own login and profile without them sharing their password. This is the most find option. They manage this in Settings > [Their Name] > Family Sharing on their Apple device.
Check the account holder's terms of service or ask them directly about their comfort level with sharing. Apple's official policy permits family members to use the account, but the rules around friends or roommates are less clear, and the account holder is technically responsible for the subscription.
Paying for Apple TV+ Yourself
If you decide to subscribe, Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month for the standard plan or $99 per year. There is also a premium tier at $12.99 per month that includes higher video quality (4K and Dolby Vision on supported devices) and spatial audio, but the content is the same. Both plans include the same shows and movies—the difference is only in picture and sound quality.
You can also bundle Apple TV+ with other Apple services. Apple One includes TV+, Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, and other services starting at $16.95 per month, which can save money if you use multiple Apple services. Students get a discount on Apple One.
Once you subscribe, you can watch Severance on any device where you sign in with your Apple ID: iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, Apple TVs, and some Samsung and LG smart TVs. You can also watch on web browsers at tv.apple.com.
Waiting for Severance to Air Elsewhere
Streaming exclusivity windows do eventually end, but there is no announced date for when Severance will leave Apple TV+. Some Apple originals have moved to other platforms years after their debut, but this is not may provide. The show could remain exclusive indefinitely, or Apple could license it to a cable network for broadcast or syndication at some point in the future.
If you are willing to wait, this is a free option—but it could mean waiting several years. Checking entertainment news sites occasionally will tell you if any licensing deal has been announced, but do not expect one soon.
Why Severance Is Not Available Elsewhere
Severance is an Apple Original, meaning Apple paid for its production and owns the rights. Apple uses exclusive shows to attract and keep subscribers, so they do not license them to competitors like Netflix or Hulu. This is the same reason you cannot watch The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, or Slow Horses on any other platform—they are all Apple originals.
You cannot buy or rent Severance on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or anywhere else. It is not available for purchase because Apple wants to drive subscriptions to Apple TV+ rather than one-time sales. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Severance with a student discount?
Apple TV+ does not offer a student-only discount, but students can save money by bundling it with Apple Music and other services through Apple One. The bundle costs less than buying each service separately. You will need a valid .edu email address to may have access to for Apple One's student pricing.
Will Severance ever come to Netflix or other streaming services?
There is no announced plan for Severance to move to another platform. Apple originals typically stay exclusive to Apple TV+ for the life of the show. It is possible Apple could license it to a cable network for broadcast years from now, but this is not confirmed and could take a very long time.
Can I share my Apple TV+ password with someone who does not live with me?
Apple's terms say family members can share an account, but the definition of "family" is unclear for people who do not live together. Technically, sharing a password with someone outside your household violates the terms of service, though enforcement is rare. Using Family Sharing with an invited family member is the safest option.
If I cancel my free trial early, can I start it again later?
No. Apple TV+ free trials are one per person. Once you use your trial, you cannot start another one on the same Apple ID, even if you cancel when ready. If you want to watch Severance again later, you would need to pay for a subscription.
Does Apple TV+ work on my smart TV?
The Apple TV app is built into most newer Samsung and LG smart TVs, as well as Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV devices. If your TV is older or a different brand, you can use an Apple TV device (the small box), an HDMI adapter, or cast from your phone. Check your TV's app store to see if the Apple TV app is available for your model.