Adam Scott recently opened up about his initial struggles with leading the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance. While many actors dream of being the face of a major show, Scott admitted that he felt the complete opposite when the opportunity arose.
During his appearance on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, the Parks and Recreation alum shared that stepping into the lead role of Severance was daunting, especially after years of working in ensemble casts. Reflecting on his time in Parks and Recreation, Big Little Lies, and The Good Place, Scott described ensemble work as “comforting” because the responsibility was shared among multiple actors.
However, when Severance premiered, the shift to being front and center was overwhelming. Scott recalled seeing his face on billboards all over town—a moment that should have felt like a career milestone but instead left him feeling anxious. “It just freaked me out,” he admitted.
In Severance, Scott plays Mark Scout, an employee of the enigmatic Lumon Industries, a company that surgically divides its workers’ memories between their work and personal lives. Despite the series featuring a strong ensemble cast—including Patricia Arquette, Tramell Tillman, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, and Christopher Walken—Scott remains its focal point, adding to the pressure he felt.
The psychological thriller became an instant hit, earning both critical praise and audience love. At the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards, Severance secured 14 nominations, solidifying its status as one of Apple TV+’s standout series.
Thankfully, Scott found support from the show’s director and executive producer, Ben Stiller, who helped him navigate his anxiety. Scott revealed that Stiller reassured him, sharing his own experiences with similar pressures earlier in his career.
Now, with Severance returning for its highly anticipated second season, Scott seems to have settled into his leading role. The show continues to be available for streaming on Apple TV+.