Clues about Lumon are all there — and this is no speculation. The second season of Severance ended with more questions than answers. But if you felt completely in the dark, maybe it’s time to rewatch the series with fresh eyes. In a recent interview with BuzzFeed, Dan Erickson, the show’s creator, made a statement that should spark the attention of sharp-eyed fans:

“I think that, when it’s all said and done, you’re going to look back and go, ‘Oh, that’s why they did that.’”

In other words: the clues are all there. Not hidden, but subtly placed to seem harmless — until the full picture comes together. And that changes everything.

A World Outside of Time — On Purpose

One of the most talked-about aspects of the series is its ambiguous aesthetic. Vintage cars, modern smartphones, retro machines, and no clear indication of the year we’re seeing. Erickson confirms this is intentional. Beyond keeping characters unaware of where or when they are, the ambiguity is meant to disorient the audience as well. The effect is both psychological and symbolic.

The same goes for Lumon’s spaces. The creator says he initially imagined the break room as a wide area, but the set was built to feel claustrophobic. In the end, that worked even better: the oppressive environments are part of the alienation experience.

Helly in the break room.

Lumon Extends Beyond the Building

Bell Labs – The Lumon building

One of the most interesting parts of the interview is Erickson’s view that Lumon isn’t confined to the office. Even in exterior scenes, there’s a sense that the company is still watching everything. This idea recalls the concept of company towns, where corporations control not just labor but the entire social, political, and cultural life of the people. In Severance, this appears subtly — but constantly.

References, Easter Eggs, and Wild Theories

The interview also reveals details that reinforce how Severance is built in layers:

• There are explicit references to works like The Twilight Zone and even movies like Jaws.

• Some seemingly casual lines are actually disguised quotes.

• And of course, there are the bizarre fan theories — like the one suggesting some characters are goats (!).

Erickson enjoys these ideas and confirms: “A lot of people think the characters are goats.” While some guesses are absurd, he doesn’t rule out others. He even jokes about the theory that Rebeck is severed, saying that even if she has a bird cut on her head… she might still be severed too.

The Clues Are in the Path, Not the Destination

Clues about Lumon don’t appear in a single big reveal — they’re scattered throughout the narrative and visual details. Dan Erickson doesn’t unveil the show’s ultimate plan, but assures that everything is guided by intention. The balance between mystery and clarity is carefully maintained by him and Ben Stiller, who constantly review what gets revealed in each episode.

And here’s the big hint: if you’re waiting for a magical reveal, maybe you’re looking at the show the wrong way. Severance won’t be understood through one single answer, but by attentively reading every clue scattered along the way.

Explore More About Severance

• Severance Series Explanation – Apple TV+: Secrets and Everything Else

• Lumon Mythology: Symbols, Doctrine, and the Rituals of a Corporate Cult

• Severance Season 3 Confirmed: What We Know and What to Expect

If you’d like to read the full interview:
Full Interview with Dan Erickson on BuzzFeed