The highly anticipated second season of Severance is here, but for science-fiction aficionados, that alone won’t suffice.
Apple TV+ boasts an impressive collection of sci-fi dramas including Silo and Dark Matter, offering subscribers their fix of otherworldly excitement as they eagerly await the return of Mark S (portrayed by Adam Scott) and his colleagues on Fridays.
However, when it comes to Apple’s competitors in the streaming universe, fans have been hotly debating a plethora of enigmatic thrillers with either a technological or supernatural edge that could fill the void left by the sinister happenings at Lumon Industries.
One show that keeps surfacing in conversations, originally released over two awe-inspiring seasons on in 2016 and 2019, continues to captivate viewers with its compelling story and perplexing mysteries.
The OA, with Brit Marling both starring and co-creating, tells the tale of a young blind woman who inexplicably disappears for years, only to resurface in her adoptive parents’ lives with restored sight.
Severance fans say similar show is a ‘life-changing’ sci-fi masterpiece (Image: APPLE)
Her journey is then recounted through flashbacks, detailing her chilling ordeals with a scientist preoccupied with the afterlife. Fair warning, though – axed the series post-season two, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger ending that was as astounding as it was exasperating.
On , where discussions are rife for shows akin to Severance, one user held up The OA as their prime recommendation: “IMHO nothing compares. Wholly unique with nothing else like it or even coming close. Deep and interpretive.
“Requires suspension of belief, imagination and an ability to look inward. Go in blind, don’t research it. Please trust me on this. Canceled after two seasons, but creators to this day are determined it will come back at some point. (F*** you, .)
“You either love it or hate it. It changed my life and I see new things each time I rewatch. Worth the pain of cancellation cliffhangers.)”
In another discussion, a fan couldn’t help but rave: “The OA! It’s different tonally, quite philosophical but explores themes of identity, trauma and found family. I’d put it somewhere between scifi and magic realism.
Fans say The OA is one of Netflix’s best shows (Image: NETFLIX)
“I will say it is VERY polarising – people either love it or hate it – some of the plot points border on the ridiculous, but the whole show is about trusting the unknown and not being afraid to embrace strange ideas. Also TONS of tiny details to pore over that give little clues, just like Severance.”
Yet another viewer recommended: “The OA for sure! It’s similar in the sense that you’re watching the story unfold in bits, and as more of the whole picture is revealed you will go back to previous scenes in your mind (Or potentially in a rewatch) and look at them in a whole new way with the new knowledge. It’s so good.”
The show also received praise from another fan who lamented, “Love The OA. I was so sad there weren’t more seasons.”
Meanwhile, in a separate conversation, a user expressed their frustration, saying: “The OA is so underrated. Still mad at for cancelling it.”
It was canceled after two seasons – but streamers agree it’s still a must-watch (Image: NETFLIX)
Another fan concurred, expressing their captivation with the series: “I absolutely loved The OA. Not too many shows have me on the edge of my seat, but this one did.
“Repeatedly. I would love it if somebody would finish it at some point.”
Devotees of the show are clinging to the possibility that the enigma will be revived in the future.
For now, though, viewers who appreciate Severance can dive into the two compelling seasons of The OA already available.
Severance season 2 continues Fridays on Apple TV+. The OA is available to stream on .