"Severance" has surpassed “Ted Lasso” as Apple TV’s most popular show ever. The show’s popularity is quickly going viral thanks to parodies on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and others.

The show centers around Lumon Corp., a shady company that compartmentalizes (severs) peoples’ memories and experiences. Severed individuals have distinct consciousnesses firewalled from each other (e.g., “innies” vs. “outies”).

An “innie” consciousness is only active when working in the bowels of Lumon. “Innies” have no memory of their personal lives or life outside of Lumon’s headquarters – just an endless cycle of work experiences. (Think of Lumon like Purdue Pharma, but even more malicious.)

Lumen vs. Lumon = Viral Marketing Success?

While the nefarious Lumon is captivating Apple TV viewers, in the real world, Lumen (with an “e”) is a growing network/managed services provider.

Pop culture’s embrace of “Severance” provides the real-life Lumen with an unique opportunity. By playing off the Lumen/Lumon connection, Lumen can develop fun, approachable content that showcases its positive corporate culture – and provides a sharp contrast to the show’s biting commentary on big business.

B2B Viral Marketing Ideas 

A well-executed campaign can drive engagement, increase brand awareness, and humanize the company. Here are a few suggestions for Lumen:

1) Social Media:

• Ask followers how they'd split their work and personal lives or manage work-life balance (real-world Lumen edition)
• Spotlight the advantages of working at Lumen vs. the dystopian world of Lumon
• Publish lighthearted posts such as, “No chip implants required to work at this Lumen – our employees love working here!”

2) Recruiting Content:

• Publish blog posts such as: “Clearing up the Lumen vs. Lumon confusion” or “10 reasons you don’t want to be ‘severed’ at the real Lumen (and how you can grow with us)”
• Have Lumen employees share why they like working at the company – and underscore the value of work-life balance

3) Employee Engagement:

• Hold “Severance”-themed events – such as the dance party from the “Defiant Jazz” episode, mini clay sculpting session, fruit party, etc.
• Have a “Severance” meme contest, etc.

FYI, The Wall Street Journal published a great article on this very topic a few days after I wrote my post. Great minds think alike? (Seriously, you can see the date stamp on my LinkedIn post!)