Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay Turns Severance Into An All-Out Horror Series

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Following the hit show Severance, Apple TV+ has another winner with the comedy-horror series Widow’s Bay. Although the shows seem quite different at first glance, it quickly becomes apparent they share a similar creative style. Severance is a sci-fi thriller, while Widow’s Bay leans into fantasy horror, but both cleverly blend workplace humor with intense suspense. This combination will likely appeal to many of the same viewers.

As a big fan of both, it’s been amazing to see how quickly Severance and Widow’s Bay became hits. I remember when Severance first dropped on Apple TV in 2022 – everyone was talking about it, and it scored an incredible 97% on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season. Now, after season two, it still holds a fantastic overall score of 95%. And Widow’s Bay? It practically exploded onto the scene in April 2026, starting with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes! It’s dipped a little since then, but at 95%, it’s still seriously impressive.

Apple TV seems to have another successful show with Widow’s Bay, but how does it stack up against the popular Severance? While Severance was a huge hit, Widow’s Bay manages to stand out and even builds on what made the previous show so good.

Widow’s Bay Is Both Funnier & Scarier Than Severance

One of the things that made Severance so unique was its skillful blend of humor and suspense. The show masterfully builds tension through every aspect of its production, from the music to the visuals. This is cleverly combined with the familiar comedic style of shows like The Office. While the funny moments provide some relief, they ultimately enhance the show’s strangeness and make it even more captivating.

Widow’s Bay takes everything that made its predecessor interesting and amplifies it. Unlike the more restrained Severance, it fully embraces both workplace comedy and genuine horror. It’s much funnier, and the spooky, New England setting feels like a classic haunted tale. It’s as if the creators asked themselves, ‘What if we just showed everything, without holding back?’

Widow’s Bay Is A Less Cerebral Experience Than Severance

Beyond its humor and suspense, Severance offers a thought-provoking mystery. The show uses its unique premise to delve into complex themes like identity, the nature of work, and dealing with trauma and loss. It’s a show you can rewatch multiple times, discovering new layers of meaning with each viewing. However, Severance isn’t always a relaxing watch—it actively engages your mind and requires you to pay close attention.

While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Severance isn’t going to appeal to all viewers. This likely explains why the Apple TV+ show has an audience score of 80%, and season 2 currently sits at 74%. The show is intellectually demanding, which isn’t always what thriller fans are looking for, and Widow’s Bay offers a more accessible experience.

The first few episodes of Widow’s Bay have some mysteries, but they’re the kind you’d expect in a horror story. It’s enjoyable and keeps you guessing, and the fun is in trying to predict what happens next. Both Widow’s Bay and Severance are great shows, but Widow’s Bay is a little easier to get into and perhaps more immediately engaging.

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2026-05-03 00:58