The captivating allure of the unsettling melody in Severance's soundtrack
In the world of streaming television, Apple TV+'s hit series Severance has been making waves, surpassing the popularity of Ted Lasso to become the most-watched series on the platform. One of the key elements that has contributed to the show's success is its haunting and catchy theme music, composed by Theodore Shapiro.
Shapiro, known for his work on films such as 13 going on 30, The Devil Wears Prada, and Tropic Thunder, created a unique sound palette for Severance that perfectly complements the show's eerie and intricate mood. His composition style for the soundtrack is characterized by a catchy four-chord tune that he expanded and adapted to fit the show’s complex narrative.
The theme, with its use of root notes alternating with consonant and dissonant tones, produces a hypnotic and atmospheric effect. The addition of the theremin adds to its eerie beauty, making it an unforgettable and terrifyingly catchy tune.
The theme has gained significant popularity on TikTok, with numerous covers, remixes, and dance routines. From a five-sax arrangement to a Bossa Nova cover that infuses the original with a relaxed, syncopated Brazilian style, the theme has been creatively reinterpreted in various ways.
A Kalimba cover retains the simplicity and mystery that is unnerving about the original, while an 80s synth version features Helly R and Mark S outfits, adding a fun twist to the theme.
The success of the theme music has not gone unnoticed, with Shapiro earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score). The first season of Severance was also nominated for three Golden Globes and seven Primetime Emmy Awards.
As the second season came to a close on 24 March 2025, fans were left eagerly anticipating the confirmation of a third season. With the theme music continuing to captivate audiences on TikTok, it seems that the Severance phenomenon is far from over.
References: 1. The Verge 2. Billboard 3. Variety 4. The Hollywood Reporter 5. NPR 6. The Guardian
- The sudden popularity of the haunting theme music from Severance on Apple TV+, composed by Theodore Shapiro, has led to coverage in various entertainment platforms, such as The Verge, Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, NPR, and The Guardian.
- The catchy theme music from Severance, manipulated in various ways on social-media platforms like TikTok, has ignited a wave of creativity among users, with covers, remixes, and dance routines showcasing its potential in both contemporary and traditional genres such as Bossa Nova, 80s synth, Kalimba, and five-sax arrangements.
