Adam Scott reflects on the unexpected anxiety of leading Severance and how he overcame his fears to embrace its success.

After years of working steadily in Hollywood, Adam Scott found himself at the forefront of one of Apple TV+’s biggest hits, Severance. The sci-fi thriller quickly became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its eerie atmosphere and thought-provoking premise.

But for Scott, the experience of being the face of the show was anything but comfortable.

During a recent podcast appearance, Scott reflected on his initial reaction to Severance’s debut. Instead of celebrating the long-awaited breakthrough moment—where his face was suddenly plastered across billboards—he found himself overwhelmed with anxiety.

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“It should have been this big, happy, monumental moment that I’ve been waiting for for 30 years,” he admitted. “But it just freaked me out.”

His reaction was surprising given his extensive experience in television. Scott had been a beloved part of ensemble casts in shows like Parks and Recreation, where he thrived in a team dynamic.

But stepping into the lead role in Severance—where he portrays Mark Scout, an employee at Lumon Industries who undergoes a controversial procedure that splits his work and personal memories—was an entirely different challenge.

Adding to his unease was the uncertainty surrounding how audiences would react to the series. Since the show was filmed in a relatively isolated environment, Scott and his fellow cast members had no sense of whether it would resonate or be dismissed.

“We loved it, but we had no clue if anyone would like it or if people would just make fun of us,” he said.

Fortunately, Scott had a strong support system, including Severance executive producer and director Ben Stiller. Stiller, who has spent years in the spotlight, helped Scott manage his anxiety and put things in perspective.

“When you’re kind of out front, it’s frightening,” Scott admitted. “And then also rewarding when you’re doing something that you feel good about.”

The gamble paid off. Severance was a massive success, earning 14 Emmy nominations in its first season and securing its place as one of the most original and gripping shows in recent years.

Now in its second season, the series has expanded its ensemble, welcoming new cast members such as Gwendoline Christie, Alia Shawkat, John Noble, and Merritt Wever.

With season two now streaming, Scott seems to have found a balance between the pressures of leading a hit show and the satisfaction of being part of something truly special.

While the fear may have been real, so too was the payoff—cementing Severance as not just a career milestone for Scott, but a defining show of its time.

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