Composer Behind 'Severance' Theme Revels in Unexpected Fame

In October 2025, acclaimed composer Theodore Shapiro, the creative force behind the beloved theme song for the hit Apple TV series "Severance," is basking in the unexpected popularity of his work. Shapiro, who is nominated for Television Composer of the Year at the Film Fest Ghent's World Soundtrack Awards, recently saw his theme song featured in a popular Saturday Night Live sketch starring Amy Poehler and Bowen Yang.

The composer, who has worked on "Severance" for the past two and a half years, is both humbled and thrilled by the widespread recognition. "To have an experience where you've written something that is suddenly on 'SNL' or 'The Tonight Show' is crazy," Shapiro said. "I've felt like I might be in the middle of a dream that is about to end."

As Shapiro prepares for the show's third season, he acknowledges feeling some pressure to maintain the high standard he has set. "I do feel some pressure," he admitted. "I feel some pressure to keep making it interesting, keep evolving while staying rooted to what has been before. That is going to be the challenge."

Shapiro's collaborative process with "Severance" director Ben Stiller has been focused on the specific narrative directions the show is taking, rather than conceptual discussions about the music. "It was more about trying stuff out and trying to find those sounds that were going to help define the new places the story was going to," Shapiro explained.

Despite the challenges, the composer remains grateful for the opportunity to work on a project that has resonated so deeply with audiences. "To work so long and hard on something and have it come and have people respond positively was really thrilling and satisfying," he said.