The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Fidelio (with Mike Schur and Sandra Bernhard)
Jul 10, 2025
Mike Schur, a prolific television writer known for hit shows like Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, joins the discussion. He unpacks the philosophical themes that inspire his work and the unique challenges of developing a show's tone. The conversation meanders through character depth and moral growth, sparked by a transformative event, while exploring the magic and difficulties of crossover episodes in TV. Additionally, Sandra Bernhard shares her experiences as Nurse Cecily, bringing her iconic moments on Severance to light.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mike Schur's Adam Scott Hiring Story
- Mike Schur shared how he hired Adam Scott for Parks and Rec after initially not casting him in the pilot. - He adapted a character backstory of a failed young mayor to fit Adam's role.
The Office's Filming Rules
- Mike Schur explained the strict documentary-style filming rules on The Office. - These rules created a believable, immersive reality enhancing the show's impact.
Finding the Tone of a Show
- Mike Schur described TV show tone as a process of removing what doesn't fit. - He praised Severance for having an original, distinct tone that's hard to describe but obvious when seen.
