The Motley Fool·2026-02-20 08:02Core Insights - Apple is following Netflix's successful strategy by acquiring full ownership of the hit series "Severance," which has garnered significant acclaim and awards [4][7] - The acquisition is part of Apple's broader strategy to enhance its streaming service by focusing on original content and premium programming [10][11] Group 1: Acquisition Details - Apple acquired the rights to "Severance" from Fifth Season for approximately $70 million, retaining the original creative team [4] - "Severance" has been a major success for Apple TV, receiving 27 Emmy nominations and winning eight awards [4] Group 2: Challenges and Future Plans - The series faced production challenges due to the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, leading to delays between seasons [5] - Apple plans to produce future seasons in-house and is considering expanding the franchise with spin-offs and international versions [6] Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Apple positions itself as a premium brand in the streaming market, contrasting with competitors that offer broader content libraries [8][10] - Despite not disclosing subscriber numbers, estimates suggest Apple TV has around 45 million subscribers, with the service currently operating at a loss of over $1 billion annually [9] Group 4: Long-term Outlook - Apple's strategy of slowly entering markets and building a strong presence has been successful in other product categories, indicating potential for growth in streaming [11] - The company's stock is currently valued at a premium, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy and recent successes in other segments [12]